FACETS CINÉMATHÈQUE

April 2012

The Facets Cinémathèque is located at 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. in Chicago. For more information on films playing in the Cinémathèque, please call 773-281-4114. To order advance tickets online, visit the TicketWeb website by clicking here.

Chicago Premiere

FAKE IT SO REAL

"An affectionate portrait of an all-American subculture"
-Variety

"These men suffer dearly for their homegrown art"
-New York Times

"Engrossing"
-New Yorker

"The film is alive at every moment"
-Roger Ebert

Recommended! "A combination of observant cinematography and a keen editing sense honoring the tradition of cinema vèritè"
-NewCity Chicago

"Eye-opening"
-TimeOut Chicago

"[Fake It] creates such a rich sense of place with such a mundane setting... The movie reminds you of how varied U.S. culture actually is"
-Chicago Reader

Fake It So Real follows a ragtag group of wrestlers in North Carolina over the course of a week leading up to a big show. This unique documentary dives head-first into the world of independent pro wrestling , exploring what happens when the over-the-top theatrics of wrestling ring collide with the realities of the working class South.

These wrestlers are not paid for their passion, but they treat wrestling like any artist treats their work. Gabriel is the rookie trying to make it to the Big Time and be a part of this family of tough guys; Jeff is the leader who may miss his first show in ten years, due to an unexpected and debilitating injury while J-Prep, Zane, Pitt, Solar and the rest of the crew each face obstacles on their way to the big show. The town of Lincolnton appreciates their presence, taking pride in it much like they might with a minor league baseball team, but it is a constant struggle to keep the matches going. Mainstream televised wrestling makes it hard for the independents to survive, and the eternal perception that what they do is "fake" keeps interest down. But as one wrestler says, "Nothing fake has real medical bills."

Watching this film, you get a behind-the-scenes look at modern day, independent, craftsman-performers, hustling much the way indie artists and entrepreneurs do everywhere--only here with lycra tights, makeup, and a "reverse backhold slam into a gator roll from the shoulder." From putting up posters in local parking lots to making supportive visits to the other wrestlers and referee's homes, their work is a labor of love and a family affair. And even though the guys make fun of each other mercilessly (and sometimes offensively), you cannot help be touched by the sensitivity they genuinely show each other--checking the grades of a student referee, commiserating over health issues, and even offering to donate obscure body parts for cosmetic reasons. These are a smart and charming bunch of entertainers, inside and out of the ring, as we share the triumphs and heartaches of an often under-appreciated American art form.

Directed by Robert Greene, U.S.A., 2011, 94 mins.

Official site Filmmaker Magazine: director interview Variety New York Times

New Yorker Roger Ebert NewCity Chicago TimeOut Chicago Chicago Reader

Chicago Reader: director interview

Showtimes:
Fri., Apr. 20 at 7 & 9 pm
Sat., Apr. 21 at 3, 5, 7 & 9 pm
Sun., Apr. 22 at 1, 3, 5 & 7 pm
Mon. & Wed., Apr. 23 & 25 at 7 & 9 pm
Thurs., Apr. 26 at 9:15 pm

Tickets:

$9 general admission
FREE for Facets Members!

For all Cinémathèque inquiries, contact Charles Coleman at 773.281.9075 or charles@facets.org

Artworks: National Endowment for the Arts