Film director John Woo is synonymous with explosive, bloody, psychologically frenzied action. And Woo’s work, from his earliest Hong Kong action films to Hollywood efforts such as “Mission Impossible II,” will be showcased at the Gene Siskel Film Center on Friday.
There will be a signing for “John Woo: Interviews,” a book that compiles more than three decades of discussions with the legendary auteur. As the book’s editor, Tribune staff reporter Robert K. Elder gained unprecedented access to Woo–and reveals him as a peaceful, deeply religious man who hates violence, though he has become a master of its portrayal.
After the signing, the Siskel Center will present “The Killer,” Woo’s acclaimed 1989 film where a disillusioned assassin accepts a last hit in hopes of using his earnings to restore vision to a singer he accidentally blinded–only to be double-crossed by his boss.
“John Woo: Interviews” book party and signing, 6:30-8 p.m. Friday followed by Woo’s “The Killer”; Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St. $7-9 for the screening; 312-846-2600. Visit www.siskelfilmcenter.com or www.johnwoointerviews.com.