Cotillard, Binoche star in worthy offerings
Here are some recommended movies screening this week in the 50th Chicago International Film Festival at the AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois. More info: chicagofilmfestival. com.
“TIMBUKTU” ( France/ Mauritania): For his moving tale, Abderrahmane Sissako cites the Internet video of Islamic militants stoning a couple in northern Mali in 2012. That incident is re- created, but the plot mostly relates a young family enduring a new order. Music is banned. Women must wear gloves and socks. In Sissako’s more experimental “Bamako” ( 2006), the World Bank is Mali’s nemesis. Once again, human rights take an indecent hit. 8: 15 p. m. Wednesday; 8 p. m. Thursday.
“TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT” ( Belgium/ Italy/ France): Marion Cotillard, who starred in “The Immigrant” in last year’s fest, excels as a depressive factory worker who spends a weekend lobbying her co- workers. If they vote for her to return after her medical leave, they forgo a 1,000- Euro bonus. Jean- Pierre and Luc Dardenne direct an insightful look at working- class ethics with a sublimely understated style. 6 p. m. Thursday; 6: 15 p. m. Sunday.
“CLOUDS OF SILSMARIA” ( Switzerland/ Germany/ France): Olivier Assayas, a master of meta- cinema, directs Juliette Binoche as an international screen star who forsakes an action film to appear in a London play. Kristen Stewart plays her assistant with Chloe Grace Moretz as a hot young actress cast in the stage revival. A keenly felt study of acting and aging, sparked with the eros of the Alps. 8: 15 p. m. Thursday; 4: 30 p. m. Saturday.