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Starting this month, the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago is instituting a new film series titled “The Future Today,” which is designed to showcase the work of Illinois filmmakers.
The series begins Saturday with the world premiere of “The Orphan Saint,” directed by Chicago sisters Christina and Dymphna Timmins.
This faux documentary plays out in the fictitious small-town of Asulon, Ill., which was once famous for its massive (and money-making) orphanage. But because times are hard and attendance is dipping, the town decides to bestow sainthood on one of its own, the soft-spoken Camille Shorn, figuring that the publicity will have the orphans flocking their way again.
How does she qualify? Well, it seems that Camille, who attended the orphanage, recently survived a car crash, which is more than enough proof for the crooked powers-that-be in Asulon.
The film follows the town’s desperate attempts to soft-soap the reluctant Camille, who knows that there is nothing saintly about her.
The idea is cute, and a few of the actors, mostly local stage thespians, are quite amusing, especially Ted Mann as the town’s clueless spiritual leader.
But the film never really milks the story’s greater humorous possibilities, and when it does take a daring turn, it doesn’t go deep enough. If it had, the result might have been a bona fide black comedy about the marketability of miracles instead of a mildly amusing satire about the misguided hopes of a small town.
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“The Orphan Saint” screens at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Columbus Drive at Jackson Boulevard, as part of its new film series, “The Future Today.” The filmmakers and members of the cast will be present for a post-screening discussion. For tickets, call 312-443-3737. Running time: 1:05. No MPAA rating (adult themes).
