Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/385207
In the past decade, Joe Swanberg has directed 17 feature films— including 2007's Hannah Takes the Stairs and last year's Drinking Buddies—and performed in many more. Early in his career, the 33 -year-old indie director became a poster boy for the mumblecore movement, which he describes as "a focus on character over traditional storytelling." As his reputation has grown, so has the star wattage of his low-budget indie films. His most recent movie, the August release Happy Christmas, starred Anna Kendrick and Lena Dunham. Swanberg lives in Lincoln Square with his filmmaker wife, Kris, and their 3 -year-old son, Jude. I knew I wanted to be a filmmaker when: I first saw Raising Arizona. Most inf luential film directors: John Sayles's movies were some of the first I saw that I felt were really observa- tional and about people. And John Waters's movies gave me permis- sion to just go make movies with my friends. Favorite indie film: Punch-Drunk Love. If I weren't a filmmaker, I'd be: Trying to open a bowling alley or a karaoke place—some sort of professional host. The only thing I like more than filmmaking is throwing parties. Cause I'm passionate about: My wife taught high school for a few years in the Chicago Public Schools system, and we're both big believers in public education. Why I stay in Chicago: It's a city that doesn't r evolve around movies. It's really important to not have every conversation and thought in my life be related to movies. Up next: Digging for Fire, about a married couple who spend a weekend apart, will play at film festivals next year. JOE SWANBERG THE INDIE FILMMAKER HAPPILY MAKES IT ALL UP AS HE GOES. Blazer ($2,370), wool polo shirt ($830), and trousers ($570), Salvatore Ferragamo. 645 N. Michigan Ave., 312-397-0464; ferragamo.com PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAMONA ROSALES; STYLING BY STACEY KALCHMAN; GROOMING BY MARCO SOUZA MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM 111