Daniella
@daniellamazzio.bsky.social
Culture Writer/Critic. Consultant. Posts about movies, Chicago, gardening, pollinators, disability, & leftism. Ran that Lydia Tár account. Now have a Michael Shannon podcast. Opinions are my own. Viva Palestina. https://linktr.ee/daniellamazzio
Pinned
Review: Hedda - Chicago Reader
Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler inspired director Nia DaCosta’s fresh depiction of the titular character’s sexuality and tragedy.
chicagoreader.com
My latest for the Chicago Reader:
I had a lot of fun with Nia DaCosta's take on 'Hedda Gabler,' a fascinating adaptation where Hedda's complexity is transcribed to the gender-swapped Lovborg, enriching that character while flattening Hedda's.
chicagoreader.com/film-tv/movi...
I had a lot of fun with Nia DaCosta's take on 'Hedda Gabler,' a fascinating adaptation where Hedda's complexity is transcribed to the gender-swapped Lovborg, enriching that character while flattening Hedda's.
chicagoreader.com/film-tv/movi...
Reposted by Daniella
Most people know where I stand on Train Dreams but that doesn't stop me from thinking this is a great, well-written, informative piece on what many consider its shortcomings. chicagoreader.com/film-tv/movi...
Review: Train Dreams - Chicago Reader
Clint Bentley’s Train Dreams is a compelling and beautiful film, but it struggles as an adaptation to live up to its source material.
chicagoreader.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Most people know where I stand on Train Dreams but that doesn't stop me from thinking this is a great, well-written, informative piece on what many consider its shortcomings. chicagoreader.com/film-tv/movi...
Load-bearing 12 foot skeleton
November 20, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Load-bearing 12 foot skeleton
Reposted by Daniella
In my latest piece for @chicagoreader.com, I reviewed the film adaptation of Train Dreams.
One big question I'm trying to work through: Can an adaptation engineered to *feel* faithful to a work, rather than *being* faithful to it, be considered a success? chicagoreader.com/film-tv/movi...
One big question I'm trying to work through: Can an adaptation engineered to *feel* faithful to a work, rather than *being* faithful to it, be considered a success? chicagoreader.com/film-tv/movi...
Review: Train Dreams - Chicago Reader
Clint Bentley’s Train Dreams is a compelling and beautiful film, but it struggles as an adaptation to live up to its source material.
chicagoreader.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:33 PM
In my latest piece for @chicagoreader.com, I reviewed the film adaptation of Train Dreams.
One big question I'm trying to work through: Can an adaptation engineered to *feel* faithful to a work, rather than *being* faithful to it, be considered a success? chicagoreader.com/film-tv/movi...
One big question I'm trying to work through: Can an adaptation engineered to *feel* faithful to a work, rather than *being* faithful to it, be considered a success? chicagoreader.com/film-tv/movi...
Reposted by Daniella
For my first book review & my first piece in @chicagorevbooks.bsky.social since its early days, I'm keeping my Denis Johnson November rolling right along with a review of "Flagrant, Self-Destructive Gestures" Ted Geltner's new biography of Johnson.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/11/19/t...
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/11/19/t...
Ted Geltner’s "Flagrant, Self-Destructive Gestures" reconnects us with Denis Johnson - Chicago Review of Books
In “Earth Angel,” a review of Denis Johnson’s posthumously-published short story collection, The Largesse of the Sea Maiden, Rachel Kushner shared an anecdote about attending a reading by Johnson in t...
chireviewofbooks.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:59 AM
For my first book review & my first piece in @chicagorevbooks.bsky.social since its early days, I'm keeping my Denis Johnson November rolling right along with a review of "Flagrant, Self-Destructive Gestures" Ted Geltner's new biography of Johnson.
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/11/19/t...
chireviewofbooks.com/2025/11/19/t...
Reposted by Daniella
I wrote about Train Dreams for @chicagoreader.com. It looked beautiful on the big screen, but the best picture may be the one you conjure reading Denis Johnson's novella.
chicagoreader.com/film-tv/movi...
chicagoreader.com/film-tv/movi...
Review: Train Dreams - Chicago Reader
Clint Bentley’s Train Dreams is a compelling and beautiful film, but it struggles as an adaptation to live up to its source material.
chicagoreader.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:08 PM
I wrote about Train Dreams for @chicagoreader.com. It looked beautiful on the big screen, but the best picture may be the one you conjure reading Denis Johnson's novella.
chicagoreader.com/film-tv/movi...
chicagoreader.com/film-tv/movi...
FILM CRITICISM IS ALIVE AND IN LOVE, BABY!!
You won't believe the conversations about adaptation (and streaming services) @joeengleman.bsky.social and I have been having around the house lately.
Read my dive on HEDDA and Joe's on TRAIN DREAMS now online @chicagoreader.com ❤️🔥
You won't believe the conversations about adaptation (and streaming services) @joeengleman.bsky.social and I have been having around the house lately.
Read my dive on HEDDA and Joe's on TRAIN DREAMS now online @chicagoreader.com ❤️🔥
November 17, 2025 at 10:57 PM
FILM CRITICISM IS ALIVE AND IN LOVE, BABY!!
You won't believe the conversations about adaptation (and streaming services) @joeengleman.bsky.social and I have been having around the house lately.
Read my dive on HEDDA and Joe's on TRAIN DREAMS now online @chicagoreader.com ❤️🔥
You won't believe the conversations about adaptation (and streaming services) @joeengleman.bsky.social and I have been having around the house lately.
Read my dive on HEDDA and Joe's on TRAIN DREAMS now online @chicagoreader.com ❤️🔥
Reposted by Daniella
Check out @dmbrown-tboy.bsky.social's @chicagoreader.com piece about how rideshare drivers at O'Hare are being targeted. chicagoreader.com/news/border-...
‘Like shooting fish in a barrel’ - Chicago Reader
Federal agents have repeatedly terrorized rideshare drivers at O’Hare International Airport.
chicagoreader.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Check out @dmbrown-tboy.bsky.social's @chicagoreader.com piece about how rideshare drivers at O'Hare are being targeted. chicagoreader.com/news/border-...
Reposted by Daniella
Incredibly fortunate to have my first film review published yesterday & in the @chicagoreader.com no less! It's about SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE.
chicagoreader.com/film-tv/movi...
chicagoreader.com/film-tv/movi...
Review: Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere - Chicago Reader
Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere resists the spirit of creative risk that inspired it and glosses over a very significant relationship.
chicagoreader.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Incredibly fortunate to have my first film review published yesterday & in the @chicagoreader.com no less! It's about SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE.
chicagoreader.com/film-tv/movi...
chicagoreader.com/film-tv/movi...
My dear @joeengleman.bsky.social has debuted his first piece of film criticism, and it's a doozy taking on SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE and Jon Landau's influence on the Boss as documented in "Mansion on the Hill."
From Joe for the @chicagoreader.com ❤️:
chicagoreader.com/film-tv/movi...
From Joe for the @chicagoreader.com ❤️:
chicagoreader.com/film-tv/movi...
Review: Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere - Chicago Reader
Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere resists the spirit of creative risk that inspired it and glosses over a very significant relationship.
chicagoreader.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:25 PM
My dear @joeengleman.bsky.social has debuted his first piece of film criticism, and it's a doozy taking on SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE and Jon Landau's influence on the Boss as documented in "Mansion on the Hill."
From Joe for the @chicagoreader.com ❤️:
chicagoreader.com/film-tv/movi...
From Joe for the @chicagoreader.com ❤️:
chicagoreader.com/film-tv/movi...
Listen to me talk about the Bolivian film THE CONDOR DAUGHTER (which I believe still does not have distribution) ❤️
Cullen Atchley and Emilio Diaz of @cannesikickit.bsky.social joined us to wrap up the Chicago Int'l Film Festival! ft. recs from @isaacfeldberg.bsky.social, @anotherkylel.bsky.social, Brennan McMahon, @daniellamazzio.bsky.social, @cineniche.bsky.social, Zachary Lee + Steve Prokopy bit.ly/47IxD1h
November 3, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Listen to me talk about the Bolivian film THE CONDOR DAUGHTER (which I believe still does not have distribution) ❤️
Reposted by Daniella
Cullen Atchley and Emilio Diaz of @cannesikickit.bsky.social joined us to wrap up the Chicago Int'l Film Festival! ft. recs from @isaacfeldberg.bsky.social, @anotherkylel.bsky.social, Brennan McMahon, @daniellamazzio.bsky.social, @cineniche.bsky.social, Zachary Lee + Steve Prokopy bit.ly/47IxD1h
November 3, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Cullen Atchley and Emilio Diaz of @cannesikickit.bsky.social joined us to wrap up the Chicago Int'l Film Festival! ft. recs from @isaacfeldberg.bsky.social, @anotherkylel.bsky.social, Brennan McMahon, @daniellamazzio.bsky.social, @cineniche.bsky.social, Zachary Lee + Steve Prokopy bit.ly/47IxD1h
Reposted by Daniella
kristi noem promised federal agents would continue to terrorize chicagoland—and that’s exactly what they’re doing.
border patrol/ice currently rolling through the city’s northwest side. reports of abductions in albany park earlier this morning.
border patrol/ice currently rolling through the city’s northwest side. reports of abductions in albany park earlier this morning.
October 31, 2025 at 3:34 PM
kristi noem promised federal agents would continue to terrorize chicagoland—and that’s exactly what they’re doing.
border patrol/ice currently rolling through the city’s northwest side. reports of abductions in albany park earlier this morning.
border patrol/ice currently rolling through the city’s northwest side. reports of abductions in albany park earlier this morning.
Reposted by Daniella
Devastating to hear about vendors taken at Swap O Rama. Back of the Yards has had no rest for weeks. Every day on assault on immigrants and anyone that is existing while Brown.
October 16, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Devastating to hear about vendors taken at Swap O Rama. Back of the Yards has had no rest for weeks. Every day on assault on immigrants and anyone that is existing while Brown.
Reposted by Daniella
Alderwoman Julia Ramirez of the 12th Ward which spans part of the southwest side posted a video statement on social media. She says that her office can confirm there have been 30 detainments/kidnappings throughout the ward. She says that 15 people were taken at Swap-O-Rama in Back of the Yards.
October 16, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Alderwoman Julia Ramirez of the 12th Ward which spans part of the southwest side posted a video statement on social media. She says that her office can confirm there have been 30 detainments/kidnappings throughout the ward. She says that 15 people were taken at Swap-O-Rama in Back of the Yards.
Chicago! Don't miss tonight's Cold Sweat double feature of TAKE SHELTER and SAVE THE GREEN PLANET at
@facetschicago.bsky.social!
If you go, you may even see a familiar postcard....
@facetschicago.bsky.social!
If you go, you may even see a familiar postcard....
October 17, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Chicago! Don't miss tonight's Cold Sweat double feature of TAKE SHELTER and SAVE THE GREEN PLANET at
@facetschicago.bsky.social!
If you go, you may even see a familiar postcard....
@facetschicago.bsky.social!
If you go, you may even see a familiar postcard....
Before my first Chi Film Fest screening I turned to Joe and was like "who do you think did the voice over for the sizzle reel this year?" and then joked "what if it's Michael Shannon?" Well.....
October 17, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Before my first Chi Film Fest screening I turned to Joe and was like "who do you think did the voice over for the sizzle reel this year?" and then joked "what if it's Michael Shannon?" Well.....
Reposted by Daniella
Layoffs at the WSJ, NBC News, and Penske Media this week. All the while these companies continue to tout 'record' quarters/years. Funny, that.
www.thewrap.com/wall-street-...
www.thewrap.com/wall-street-...
Wall Street Journal Lays Off a Dozen Reporters, Editors From Health and Science News Team
The Wall Street Journal has laid off around a dozen reporters and editors from its health, science and education verticals.
www.thewrap.com
October 16, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Layoffs at the WSJ, NBC News, and Penske Media this week. All the while these companies continue to tout 'record' quarters/years. Funny, that.
www.thewrap.com/wall-street-...
www.thewrap.com/wall-street-...
Really genuinely love that the chi film fest has been running with so many Michael Shannon photos for festival promo despite him not having anything there this year lol
3 minutes in heaven, chicago
"Visitors will get 3 minutes inside the mobile Closet, which is the same exact dimensions as the real closet at Criterion’s headquarters. The closet will be stocked with more than 1,700 Blu-rays from the Criterion Collection." blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/16/c...
"Visitors will get 3 minutes inside the mobile Closet, which is the same exact dimensions as the real closet at Criterion’s headquarters. The closet will be stocked with more than 1,700 Blu-rays from the Criterion Collection." blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/16/c...
Criterion Collection's Famed Movie Closet Coming To Chicago
The mobile version of the legendary film archive will make its first visit to the city this weekend as part of the Chicago International Film Festival.
blockclubchicago.org
October 16, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Really genuinely love that the chi film fest has been running with so many Michael Shannon photos for festival promo despite him not having anything there this year lol
Far from the most egregious thing going on right now but am I imagining that since feds dropped into Chicago, news helicopters have been taking liberties flying lower and louder than they were before? Even just for traffic coverage?
October 16, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Far from the most egregious thing going on right now but am I imagining that since feds dropped into Chicago, news helicopters have been taking liberties flying lower and louder than they were before? Even just for traffic coverage?
Reposted by Daniella
Ya girl finally emerged from her bunker (a month of depression) and I'm pleased to say Hand Me the Mike is BACK with a discussion of Joshua Oppenheimer's 2024 musical THE END. @rosswbermaniv.bsky.social joins for a very rich conversation. We talk a lot about ACT OF KILLING, too. 🔗➡️
October 15, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Ya girl finally emerged from her bunker (a month of depression) and I'm pleased to say Hand Me the Mike is BACK with a discussion of Joshua Oppenheimer's 2024 musical THE END. @rosswbermaniv.bsky.social joins for a very rich conversation. We talk a lot about ACT OF KILLING, too. 🔗➡️
It does blow my mind when someone mentions that they can't believe anyone stayed on Twitter because of the inescapable nazi content...like I *know* it's there and rampant but what are you guys doing with your feeds lol because but I almost never encounter it naturally
October 15, 2025 at 10:26 PM
It does blow my mind when someone mentions that they can't believe anyone stayed on Twitter because of the inescapable nazi content...like I *know* it's there and rampant but what are you guys doing with your feeds lol because but I almost never encounter it naturally
Reposted by Daniella
Had a blast talking with @daniellamazzio.bsky.social about THE END, Michael Shannon, and the place where music and movies intersect: The Musical
Ya girl finally emerged from her bunker (a month of depression) and I'm pleased to say Hand Me the Mike is BACK with a discussion of Joshua Oppenheimer's 2024 musical THE END. @rosswbermaniv.bsky.social joins for a very rich conversation. We talk a lot about ACT OF KILLING, too. 🔗➡️
October 15, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Had a blast talking with @daniellamazzio.bsky.social about THE END, Michael Shannon, and the place where music and movies intersect: The Musical
Ya girl finally emerged from her bunker (a month of depression) and I'm pleased to say Hand Me the Mike is BACK with a discussion of Joshua Oppenheimer's 2024 musical THE END. @rosswbermaniv.bsky.social joins for a very rich conversation. We talk a lot about ACT OF KILLING, too. 🔗➡️
October 15, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Ya girl finally emerged from her bunker (a month of depression) and I'm pleased to say Hand Me the Mike is BACK with a discussion of Joshua Oppenheimer's 2024 musical THE END. @rosswbermaniv.bsky.social joins for a very rich conversation. We talk a lot about ACT OF KILLING, too. 🔗➡️
Reposted by Daniella
Culture might seem a less consequential right than free assembly+ its infringement makes less spectacular news than repressive violence. But the repeal of the right to culture is grave.
honored to be with @isanchezprado.bsky.social in @hyperallergic.com today!
hyperallergic.com/1049388/how-...
honored to be with @isanchezprado.bsky.social in @hyperallergic.com today!
hyperallergic.com/1049388/how-...
How to Protect Your Right to Culture
The United States government’s coordinated repeal of the right to culture has grave consequences for the texture of our daily lives. But there are ways to fight back.
hyperallergic.com
October 15, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Culture might seem a less consequential right than free assembly+ its infringement makes less spectacular news than repressive violence. But the repeal of the right to culture is grave.
honored to be with @isanchezprado.bsky.social in @hyperallergic.com today!
hyperallergic.com/1049388/how-...
honored to be with @isanchezprado.bsky.social in @hyperallergic.com today!
hyperallergic.com/1049388/how-...
Biting my tongue
October 12, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Biting my tongue