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Justine Bursoni hails from Chicago. She tried as hard as possible to leave here, graduating after three years of Art History school. It was Custard Cup that forced her to stay. She now lives in downtown Champaign and works as a nanny and at the Orpheum Children's Science Museum.
If you missed the release of Cloverfield at the local cineplex, you have another chance tonight and Thursday at the Virginia Theater. And wouldn't you know it, the lead actor, Michael Stahl-David, and I both went to Lincoln Park High School and graduated the same year. Even better, we were in the drama program together. But you don't see me landing a major motion picture role, do you?
Yes, Michael made it as an actor in New York, and this past weekend, I ran into my old friend at SxSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas. Even though everyone wants a piece of him, he ever-so-lovingly answered some questions for me and my not-so-glamorous job here at Smile Politely. I didn't even have to go through his publicist.
In a past life, you were...: a chimney sweep.
Most ridiculous job you had to take on in order to pay the bills: I was a bike taxi driver in Times Square.
What role, in a play or movie, would you most like to land?: I'd like to play Beck.
Cloverfield was...: a surprise.
When you're not working, you are...: making fun of myself — google "MichaelStahl-David biz" to see what I mean.
What/who inspires you?: David Simon and Tony Kushner inspire me, and people who make political art that still feels like its about character.
Two things you can't live without: My bicycle. Nutella.
Name three of your New York haunts: East River Park with take-away margaritas; Jimmy's Corner, a dive-bar oasis in the crush of Times Square owned by Muhammed Ali's old corner man; and the soccer fields in Red Hook during summer, when the families come and stands serve cheap amazing Central American food.
What do you miss most about Chicago?: Of course, most of all I miss my parents and friends.... And the train bridge that goes over the river by Ashland (Avenue).
Bands you're listening to now: DJ Kris Rios, Ratatat and Girl Talk.
Your favorite presidential candidate: Obama.
Cloverfield plays tonight, Tuesday March 18, and Thursday March 20, at the Virginia Theater. It's located at 203 W Park Ave. in Champaign. Tuesday and Thursday's showings start at 7 p.m. and the cost is $2 and $3, respectively.
Runtime: 1h 24min — Rated PG-13 — Scifi/Thriller
Photo courtesy of Adam Fedderly
