The Mob: Filmmaking Chicago Style
Movie Producer and native Chicagoan J. Kenneth Ezra explains,
Chicago still has the typical mobster types, you know like
Johnny Garlic, Snake Man, and Bobby the Hitmen types. But the
Chicago mob is different than other cities. First off, the mob
in Chicago took on characteristics like the city itself. They
worked hard. I mean, they wake up early and leave work very
late. And seldom do they show off like their granddad Al Capone.
Those days are long gone.
J. Kenneth Ezra is producing a package of 10 movies. In the
remake of the independent "The Right thing" (see trailer at
www.razorfilms.com), his partnership with director and writer
Vito Brancato gives us an authentic viewpoint in the Chicago mob
scene. Tony Russo a low level street guy gets caught up in the
power struggle between the Chicago Police Department, which is
notorious for getting in the way of the mob, and a powerful mob
boss, who if you didn't know any better you'd think was a
retired electrician living in the posh Chicago suburban sprawl.
We have many stars interested in the roll of Tony Russo who
plays the low level mob guy, who takes desperate measures when
he's thrown in a desperate situation. "Russo really embodies
Chicago mob characteristics in 70's and 80's." Ezra explains.
"This guy is bitter about his roll in the stingy Chicago mob
hierarchy, who moves like a big old money corporation, very slow
to try new things. He hates that the tops guys. They don't get
out sync and let some of the little guys in on bigger deals.
Just like any Chicago entity, the Chicago mob has a notorious
lack of funding for research and development. They'd rather live
on the power and royalties of the old proven products.
Successful corporations keep solid growth and market share" In
this truth life story you see when things get out of hand the
Chicago mob handles the situation like IBM, they isolate the
problem, come up with a solution and follow-through so the
product and efficiency is not disrupted. In the end, they get up
early, work hard, bear the freezing Windy City and keep
collecting.
"I try to develop talent that is passionate and highly
knowledgeable about their subject. A love for putting it on film
is a must. Vito turns out to be just that. I was impressed by
his original script "Blackstone" which aired on PBS. He took a
well known Chicago street rumor. Kennedy was to be assassinated
during his trip to Chicago before he moved on to Dallas." I
loved that Vito took that rumor and filled in the blanks.
Especially, when he did the hard work of actually interviewing
people "supposedly close to the story". I don't think you find
that kind of authenticity in filmmakers today. I want to produce
and development people with that kind of talent, passion and
knowledge about what they're filming. The rest will translate on
the big screen and the funding and great audience reaction will
follow.
A prominent Hollywood agent reports, "It's a pleasure to see
someone for the last 7 years stay the course and rise up." Ken
is so committed to authentic films he volunteered to work the
craft-service table on the set of After Freedom, director Vahe
Babian, a film about Armenians adjusting to life here in Los
Angeles. "If it's true, real and authentic. I want to part of
it. Even if I have to literally serve everyone on the set. Being
part of his film continues my journey of authenticity. I think
our film "The Right Thing" is the right thing for authenticity.