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Chicago

Chicago is a 2002 American musical black comedy crime film directed and choreographed by Rob Marshall.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Chicago is a 2002 American musical black comedy crime film directed and choreographed by Rob Marshall. It is based on the 1975 stage musical of the same name, with a story set in 1920s Chicago that follows two women accused of murder who compete for fame and media attention.

Plot

The story follows Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly as they compete for publicity and legal advantage while facing murder trials in Chicago. The plot centers on celebrity, scandal, corruption, and media manipulation.

Production and adaptation

Chicago was adapted from the 1975 Broadway musical, which itself was based on the 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins. Rob Marshall directed and choreographed the film.

Release and reception

Released in 2002, the film was a commercial and critical success and won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Themes

The film examines fame, celebrity culture, scandal, and the role of the media in shaping public perception.

Key facts

  • Chicago is a 2002 musical black comedy crime film directed by Rob Marshall.
  • It is based on the 1975 stage musical of the same name.
  • The story follows Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly competing for fame and legal advantage in 1920s Chicago.
  • The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
  • Themes include celebrity, scandal, corruption, and media manipulation.
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Canadian context

Chicago has been widely distributed and streamed in Canada through international film platforms and home-video release, making it familiar to Canadian audiences as a major award-winning Hollywood musical.[11][13]

Frequently asked questions

What is Chicago about?
It follows Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two women accused of murder who compete for fame and legal help in 1920s Chicago.
Who directed Chicago?
Chicago was directed and choreographed by Rob Marshall.
What is Chicago based on?
It is based on the 1975 Broadway musical *Chicago*, which originated in a 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins.
Which actors star in Chicago?
The film stars Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Gere.
Did Chicago win any major awards?
Yes. It won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_(2002_film)
    Supports: Basic plot, cast, setting, and adaptation source
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chicago-film-by-Marshall
    Supports: Director, basis in Broadway play, and Academy Award wins
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/chicago
    Supports: Synopsis, genre, release details, runtime, and award recognition
  4. Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_(film,_2002)
    Supports: Adaptation chain back to the 1926 play and film context
  5. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/ie/movie/chicago/umc.cmc.4r0yvcn4od2v6yqt4ka6041eu
    Supports: Synopsis, cast, and director
  6. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/60024946
    Supports: Basic description, genre, and cast