Chicago

The events unfold during the Jazz Age in Chicago, a period shaped by Prohibition, speakeasies, and a growing tabloid culture. The city is alive with nightlife and public attention, turning crime into spectacle. The story spans months of arrest, trial, and the sensational media circus that defines celebrity crime in this era.

Set in 1924 Chicago, the film travels from a bustling nightclub on the Near North Side (The Onyx) to the grim corridors of Cook County Jail. The Onyx represents the glittering jazz-age nightlife that draws Roxie and Velma into the spotlight. Murderess' Row and the jail reveal the stark contrast between public spectacle and private guilt within the city.

🎭 Ambition

Roxie and Velma's hunger for stardom drives the plot, pushing them toward crime and calculated self-presentation. Fame becomes a weapon that can elevate or ruin lives, blurring moral lines. The narrative questions how far someone will go for recognition in a culture obsessed with spectacle.

🗞️ Media & spectacle

The press and radio shape public perception far more than the courtroom does. Crime is transformed into entertainment, fueling a ratings-driven narrative. The story demonstrates the power—and danger—of media in creating celebrity out of crime.

⚖️ Justice & corruption

The legal system appears performative, with outcomes influenced by influence and manipulation. Lawyers, diaries, and press strategies steer verdicts as much as evidence does. The film highlights how justice can be compromised by showmanship and power.

💔 Loyalty & manipulation

Relationships are tested by self-interest, with characters leveraging others for fame, protection, or sympathy. Trust and affection are weighed against personal advantage in a world where public opinion can override truth. The tension between genuine feeling and strategic action fuels the drama.