Amy Landecker's "For Worse" finds humor in post-divorce chaos
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Bradley Whitford and Amy Landecker in "For Worse." Photo: Courtesy of Jennifer Rose Clasen
Art imitates life in Amy Landecker's new movie.
The big picture: The Chicago-born and raised artist wrote, directed, produced and starred in "For Worse," inspired by her own experience adjusting post divorce.
- "I did go to a wedding after my divorce, where I literally left the wedding almost immediately and thought, 'There's a movie there," Landecker said Thursday during a post screening interview at Music Box Theatre.
Driving the news: "For Worse," Landecker's directorial debut, opens in Chicago-area theaters Friday.
Context: She plays a newly divorced mom who attends a wedding with a much younger date, but unexpectedly sparks a connection with another man — a fellow divorcee.
- That man is played by her real life partner, Bradley Whitford.
What they're saying: "What I felt I could bring ... is how much pain and humiliation and hilarity comes when you are trying to rebuild. It's messy. And you make mistakes," Landecker said in a press release.
- "But I also wanted to say that you will be ok because your friends and family will get you through it. You will get yourself through it."
Flashback: Landecker began her acting career at some of Chicago's most storied theaters, including Steppenwolf, Goodman and Red Orchid Theatres.
- Radio fans may also recognize her as the daughter of legendary WLS DJ, John "Records" Landecker.
- The elder Landecker interviewed his daughter and Whitford at Music Box.
Zoom in: With "For Worse" hitting Chicago screens, we asked Landecker to describe her best day in her hometown.
Breakfast: "Kitsch'n on Roscoe in Roscoe Village. The decor is retro and fun with a tiki bar and toys and TV memorabilia. And the French Toast Flight is so yummy."
Morning activity: "A bike ride along the lake from Lincoln Park to Navy Pier. What a joy it is to live in a city with a bike path that stretches along the edge of some of the best neighborhoods in the city."
Lunch: "The original Potbelly's on Lincoln Ave. I grew up in Lincoln Park and was there when [it] first opened. It was this hippie joint where they toasted the bread and made the best subs I'd ever had. And the signature oatmeal cookies. So good."
Afternoon activity: "There is no city with better theater than Chicago. I just did a play in New York at MCC Theater written by Preston Max Allen, a Chicago playwright, and directed by David Cromer, a Chicago director.
- "Down the street the Steppenwolf Theater production of "Bug" was opening on Broadway. There's a reason you always see so much Chicago theater talent in New York. Because it's the best in the world."
Dinner: "Deep dish pizza at Giordano's. I know this is an obvious choice but I have my dad send this pizza to me in L.A. at least twice a year because I miss it so much. To eat it hot and steamy in the restaurant with a giant Diet Coke is my jam."