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This is an unusual independent film shot in Chicago and based loosely on the tale of the prophet Elijah. Gilbert, seemingly a bum, emerges from the waters of Lake Michigan and meets a variety of characters until, like Elijah, he mysteriously disappears when the film ends. The plot meanders. We meet a woman undergoing an abortion, a begger with a violin, and a struggling artist. Their stories are all loosely strung together by their encounters with Gilbert. Algren appears in a nice cameo as he listens to a sculptor's tale of artistic dilemma. GOLDSTEIN is a funny, black comedy, well directed by Manaster and Kaufman. The gruesome abortion scene is sensitively handled, and the camera work is terrific throughout. Chicago is equally a star in this film, with well chosen locations beautifully photographed. GOLDSTEIN is not an easy film, but is definitely an intriguing one.