It's safe to say that most viewers of the newly released gangster flick "Public
Enemies" will have a hard time looking away from Johnny Depp's movie-star
face.In certain scenes, though, some suburbanites will be focused not on Depp,
but on the ornately detailed ceiling above him. The Paramount Theater in
downtown Aurora is one of many Chicago-area sites that will appear in the film,
which was directed by Chicago native Michael Mann and tells the story of
legendary Depression-era gangster John Dillinger. Film crews set up shop inside
the Paramount in April, while delirious Depp fans congregated outside, hoping to
catch a glimpse of the popular star.
"We tried to carry on with business
as usual," said Melissa Mercado, the Paramount's director of marketing. "So I
didn't see any movie stars. But the atmosphere around here was definitely a
little different that day, and I loved seeing what I could of the film crews in
action."
Mercado said the
Paramount was chosen because of its colorful, art deco-inspired look. The
theater was built in 1931 - right around the time that the real Dillinger
committed his most high-profile crimes - and its interior shines with the
intricate decor, bold color and gold accents common to the style. "I saw a
trailer for the film last night, and there was our ceiling behind Johnny Depp!"
Mercado said. "I thought that was so cool!"
Depp took time out from his shooting schedule to
visit and sign autographs with fans outside the Paramount. The theater hopes to
book "Public Enemies" during its second run, and might plan some special
activities around it.
"This is
a great facility, and it would be awesome to get a little boost from the movie,"
Mercado said.
Of course, the
Paramount isn't the only local site to appear in the film; the makers of "Public
Enemies" actually used locations all over the Chicago area. The Illinois Film
Office reports that the production pumped $46.7 million into the Illinois
economy, making it the biggest movie ever made in Illinois. It eclipsed last
year's "The Dark Knight," which pumped slightly less than $40 into the economy.
Other sites in the city and suburbs used in the film
include Chicago's Union Station; the Aragon Ballroom at 1106 W. Lawrence Ave.;
the lobby of the Auditorium Theater, 50 E. Congress Parkway; the Joliet
Correctional Center in Joliet; and the Palos Hills Forest Preserve in Willow
Springs.
Johnny Deppwaves to fans outside the Paramount Theatre while filming "Public Enemies"
Photo courtesy Bev Horne - Chicago Daily Herald
Sneak Peek - 2009-10 Season!
If you are ordering tickets to THREE or more shows,
you can order NOW and become a subscriber. Subscriber orders are being taken
through July 10, 2009.
If you are ordering tickets to one or two shows,
join our "On Sale Ticket Party" - Saturday, July 25th in person at the Paramount
Theatre. No service charges, pick your seats, free hotdogs, giveaways, and more!
Online ticket sales begin July 27, 2009 at 10:00 am.
All tickets on sale thru the Paramount Box Office
July 28, 2009 at 10:00 am.
