Event Listing
Painter, photographer, and filmmaker, Tom Palazzolo emerged out of the Chicago underground experimental scene of the ‘60s, inspired by the vérité documentaries of D.A. Pennebaker and Ricky Leacock to craft a playful and unfiltered style all his own. Loaded with visual puns, quirky characters, and pointed political montage, Palazzolo scrutinizes America’s idiosyncrasies, warts and all, with wonder, care, and critical awareness. Witty and insightful, hilarious and devastating, these films peer deep into the complicated heart and soul of America and energetically invite us to reflect and respond. As we contend with churning currents of political extremism, radical revolution, and profound distress for the future of humanity, now is the time to re-examine these unique, introspective, and highly entertaining renderings of a complex American social identity.
Raw, curious, lovingly satirical, and occasionally raunchy, Palazzolo’s candid, kinetic portraits are a people-watcher’s dream, populated with Main Street parades, snarky deli managers, divisive campaign rallies, eccentric massage parlors, melodramatic family gatherings, and nudist beauty pageants. Under the vibrant surface of these seemingly quaint depictions lie witty, poignant examinations of blatantly corrupt and broken socio-political systems. Palazzolo’s films find splendor in the subtle complexities of human nature, counterbalancing the taboo and prosaic while cultivating a deeply empathetic, inquisitive gaze upon a diverse array of remarkable-yet-familiar characters and events. Lightstruck is honored to present a selection of these special films, spanning the late-’60s to mid-’70s, compassionately examining a United States enmeshed in political upheaval and cultural awakening.
Program and notes by Zena Grey. Immense thanks to and films provided by Tom Palazzolo (America’s in Real Trouble, Jerry’s, Love It/Leave It), Jeff Kreines (Ricky and Rocky), and The Chicago Film Archives (Campaign and Hot Nasty)!
