It's a metaphor

No Harry Potter, no Kronsteen, no Knight playing Death, but 101 checkmates in film.

Of the actors pictured, Bogart was one of the strongest chess players in real life. (Peter Falk, who didn't make the cut, was no patzer, either.)

Parental advisory: at least two instances of profanity and one (bloodless) murder.



Via ChessVibes.

BOBBY FISCHER AGAINST THE WORLD: Chicago premiere, this Friday at Facets!

BOBBY FISCHER AGAINST THE WORLD

"All I want to do, ever, is just play chess." -Bobby Fischer

Bobby Fischer Against the World is a fascinating documentary that charts the turbulent life – from a childhood of isolation and neglect to young chess prodigy, world champion and subsequent madness and disgrace – of one of chess's undisputed masters. The World Championship of 1972, Fischer vs. Spassky, was replete with Cold War implications as a nation pinned its hopes on Fischer as the man to end Soviet dominance. As the center of media attention, Fischer was never equipped for a life in the spotlight and veteran filmmaker Liz Garbus (The Farm: Angola USA), exposes the disturbingly high price Fischer paid to achieve his legendary success as well as the resulting toll it took on his psyche. Fischer was a recluse for decades before resurfacing for a bizarre final chapter as a fugitive and rare archival footage alongside insightful interviews with those closest to him expand this captivating story of a mastermind's tumultuous rise — and fall.

Directed by Liz Garbus, U.S.A./UK/Iceland, 2010, 93 mins. In English and Russian with English subtitles

Showtimes: Fri., Nov. 11 at 7 & 9 pm Sat.-Sun., Nov. 12-13 at 3, 5, 7 & 9 pm Mon.-Thurs., Nov. 14-17 at 7 & 9 pm

Facets Multimedia is a Chicago treasure: it's at 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. Call 800.331.6197 for more info.

Queen to Play - last night!

It looks like tonight is the last night to see the chess-themed movie Queen to Play at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave in Chicago. Tonight's showtimes are at 5:15, 7:30, and 9:45 p.m. Be there or be an equilateral rectangle (or 64 of them).

Roger Ebert's review of the film is here. The trailer for the film is here.