Welcome to “Shadows and Dreams,” a new film and culture website about the art of movies.
I’m Patrick Z. McGavin, a Chicago-based film critic and cultural journalist. I published my first film review as a sophomore in high school.
It’s a seductive life, and I have been very privileged to write for and contribute articles, film reviews, interviews and film festival coverage to a range of general interest, major daily and film specific and industry-based publications.
I’ve had bylines in the New York Times, Hollywood Reporter, Screen International, RogerEbert.com, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Reader, Playboy, Time Out Chicago, LA Weekly, Boston Phoenix, Stop Smiling, IndieWire and CineMontage.
I have written on film festivals in Cannes, Toronto, Sundance, Venice, Berlin, New York, Chicago and Thessaloniki, Greece.
I came of age in the late golden era of print. As much as I am drawn to that world, I like to think of myself as a radical traditionalist—meaning someone inspired and influenced by old and existing forms though very much drawn to new idioms or modes of expression.
I love the immediacy and directness of digital. As much as I still get a palpable thrill at seeing my work in print, the fact the same writing is now immediately available to friends, colleagues and new readers in New York, Paris and Athens is pretty exhilarating and unmatchable.
Shadows and Dreams consists of different blocks—reviews, essays, like current French cinema or energies in documentary film, with interviews and film festival coverage.
The interviews and director spotlights will run at the beginning of each week. The reviews will post on Thursday and Friday.
My primary focus is on theatrical releases, but there will be features and pieces on streaming and high-end DVD and 4K high definition releases.
I will also have pieces on current film books, biographies and histories.
Much of this material will be available to anyone-free of charge. If you like the quality of the writing, the versatility and depth of coverage, please consider becoming a paid subscriber.
There will be special content available only to those readers.
I love the infinite possibilities of digital publishing, and the freedom to go long or short. Please feel free to comment, argue and become an engaged reader. Let’s start the conversation.