Essential viewing this November:
- "Burn After Reading". The Coen brothers' latest is a wonderful return to their offbeat quirky comedy after last years dark "No Country For Old Men". It has it's flaws sure, but we should be thankful there are still people in Hollywood who create more than your average type comedies. Custom-fitted for its cast this is insanely enjoyable and further proof that George Clooney should do comedy more often, and that Frances McDormand should be in every movie ever made.
- "Henry Poole Is Here" is a slow burning and quiet dark comedy with a surprisingly subtle performance from Luke Wilson. It gets a little sobby towards the end, but up until then, the director of the extremely overlooked "Arlington Road" (1999) and "The Mothman Prophecies" (2002) has created one of this years finest surprises.
- "The Visitor". At last a leading role for the immaculate Richard Jenkins! The director of "The Station Agent" returns with another delicate and sober take on the conditions of the lonely human heart. Jenkins is incredible and the ending, not to mention the final scene, will haunt you for ages. My favorite film of 2008, alongside "The Dark Knight". How is that for variety!
Essential listening this November:
- Glasvegas is a young band from Scotland and their self-titled debut is one of the most exciting albums to come out of the UK in years. Rock and roll melancholy with massive soundscapes, added with a cinematic rise to each and every track. Delicious! Can't wait for the next one.
- Joshua Radin is an American singer/songwriter and his second album "Simple Times" is a wonderful collection of lovely guitar driven songs with some beautiful lyrics. If there is a better record to put on in the early hours of the morning, I don't want to know.
- The Killers are back, and it is sounding surprisingly fresh still. Their highly anticipated third album "Day & Age" is a clever mix of classic The Killers and a touch of 80's Pet Shop Boys. And who on earth would believe that to be a good thing? It is.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Film Festival
Earlier this year I made a short film called "En Hjelpende Hånd" ("A Helping Hand"). It was a non-budget film, with no public or private funding and I was only able to make it thanks to the help of some very talented friends. We shot it over two days back in May and spent the better parts of the summer putting it together. Then I got my favorite band from my hometown to give us a couple of awesome rock tunes for it, and bam - there was the movie.
The goal when you make a movie like this is to be able to show it to as many people as possible, so as soon as it was finished I started sending it around to various film festivals. And a few days ago I learned that it had been selected for competition at the Tromsø International Film Festival. It will be screened as part of a programme called "Films From The North". I had my previous film shown at this festival two years ago and it was truly a terrific experience. It's something very special to have your work shown in your hometown, in front of a massive audience including your friends and family. The festival takes place in January and has rapidly grown to become the biggest film festival in Norway, when you look at the number of visitors. I will travel up north and be there for the screenings and I expect it to be another great experience.
The entire programme will be announced towards the end of the year and I will post more info on the time and place of the screenings if anyone is interested in checking it out.
The goal when you make a movie like this is to be able to show it to as many people as possible, so as soon as it was finished I started sending it around to various film festivals. And a few days ago I learned that it had been selected for competition at the Tromsø International Film Festival. It will be screened as part of a programme called "Films From The North". I had my previous film shown at this festival two years ago and it was truly a terrific experience. It's something very special to have your work shown in your hometown, in front of a massive audience including your friends and family. The festival takes place in January and has rapidly grown to become the biggest film festival in Norway, when you look at the number of visitors. I will travel up north and be there for the screenings and I expect it to be another great experience.
The entire programme will be announced towards the end of the year and I will post more info on the time and place of the screenings if anyone is interested in checking it out.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Born In The U.S.A.
I went to see the new Oliver Stone movie “W.” the other day. It’s a portrait of George W. Bush and his road to the White House. Part human drama, part political satire. It was quite an interesting movie, and I enjoyed it. I rarely pay attention to audience reactions when I go to the movies (mainly because I’m working really hard to block out all the annoying sounds of chitchat and bags of candy). But I noticed that even though the film is full of dark humor and clever dialogue, the audience was only laughing at the obvious jokes. Like Bush mispronouncing a word, the look on his face or his laugh. It wasn’t really a surprise, but it got me thinking about the recent U.S. election and in particular the media’s coverage of it.
It’s three weeks ago today since Obama won the election. It was the most significant, and arguably the most important win in the country’s history. Leading up to the election the media’s involvement was massive. Everyone knows that a major part of any presidential campaign is not only to make your own policies known, but also to shame or even better, embarrass your opponent. This election was no exception. During the endless months of campaigning there wasn’t a day that went by where the republicans were not battering the democrats, or vice versa. It even started before the nominees of each party was decided. In the republican camp there was a mighty war of words going on between McCain and Romney. And the democrats were even worse, as the battle between Obama and Clinton didn’t just limit itself to verbal arguments, but attempts of public humiliations of each candidate. It would be exploiting rumors of a personal nature and photographs of the candidates in “unfortunate” situations. But the worst of it all was yet to come.
When McCain announced Sarah Palin as his vice presidential candidate things would really get ugly. There was no stopping the endless attacks on the Alaska governor. Some were innocent while some quite serious. And when it came to this, no one was worse than the TV shows. Letterman, Leno, Jon Stewart and Saturday Night Live to mention just a few, pretty much based their entire fall schedule on the ridicule of this, until recently, unknown woman. Since I have laughed out loud at many of the jokes on some of these shows I have no right to say “that’s wrong!” But I am amazed that even now, almost a month after the election this is still going on. Jokes about McCain, Palin and Bush are still what keep the audience tuning in.
I am sure that if you were to ask a group of American voters what they remember the most about the 2008 election, the most important one in their lifetime, very few would say McCain’s promise of tax cuts or Obama’s pledge to withdraw soldiers from Iraq. They would laugh and say Tina Fey’s Sarah Palin impression on SNL, Conan’s joke about how McCain is so old he can’t remember what he’s doing at this debate, or the time Obama went on Letterman to do the Top Ten list.
I’m watching a movie about what people call the worst administration and president in American history. Eight years which have seen horrible terrorist attacks, endless years of war, a US economy in crisis and a world struggling and fighting due to oil prices. And yet, just have George W. Bush say “nucilar” and people laugh their asses off.
If it is all just a joke, does it really matter who wins?
It’s three weeks ago today since Obama won the election. It was the most significant, and arguably the most important win in the country’s history. Leading up to the election the media’s involvement was massive. Everyone knows that a major part of any presidential campaign is not only to make your own policies known, but also to shame or even better, embarrass your opponent. This election was no exception. During the endless months of campaigning there wasn’t a day that went by where the republicans were not battering the democrats, or vice versa. It even started before the nominees of each party was decided. In the republican camp there was a mighty war of words going on between McCain and Romney. And the democrats were even worse, as the battle between Obama and Clinton didn’t just limit itself to verbal arguments, but attempts of public humiliations of each candidate. It would be exploiting rumors of a personal nature and photographs of the candidates in “unfortunate” situations. But the worst of it all was yet to come.
When McCain announced Sarah Palin as his vice presidential candidate things would really get ugly. There was no stopping the endless attacks on the Alaska governor. Some were innocent while some quite serious. And when it came to this, no one was worse than the TV shows. Letterman, Leno, Jon Stewart and Saturday Night Live to mention just a few, pretty much based their entire fall schedule on the ridicule of this, until recently, unknown woman. Since I have laughed out loud at many of the jokes on some of these shows I have no right to say “that’s wrong!” But I am amazed that even now, almost a month after the election this is still going on. Jokes about McCain, Palin and Bush are still what keep the audience tuning in.
I am sure that if you were to ask a group of American voters what they remember the most about the 2008 election, the most important one in their lifetime, very few would say McCain’s promise of tax cuts or Obama’s pledge to withdraw soldiers from Iraq. They would laugh and say Tina Fey’s Sarah Palin impression on SNL, Conan’s joke about how McCain is so old he can’t remember what he’s doing at this debate, or the time Obama went on Letterman to do the Top Ten list.
I’m watching a movie about what people call the worst administration and president in American history. Eight years which have seen horrible terrorist attacks, endless years of war, a US economy in crisis and a world struggling and fighting due to oil prices. And yet, just have George W. Bush say “nucilar” and people laugh their asses off.
If it is all just a joke, does it really matter who wins?
Saturday, November 22, 2008
My Favorite Spot
Everybody has a favorite spot in this world. A place where you feel completely comfortable and at ease. A place you can return to when times are hard. Or where you would wish to be if the spot you happen to be in at the moment isn't that great. It can be in the corner of your couch. Underneath a blanket in your bedroom. On top of a mountain you once climbed. On the beach where you had your best vacation. Or maybe on the street outside your childhood home.
My favorite spot in this world is on the deck outside the house where my mother was born. It's a remote place, quiet and peaceful. A small community where everybody knows everybody and with just a few dozen inhabitants. Whenever I come there, I always spend the better part of my first day or night out on that deck. And I just sit there. The house is surrounded by mountains and right in front of you is the occean. There is a river on both sides of the house and you can hear them run so smoothly you could easily fall asleep. There is a big garden with my mother's favorite flowers. Tall trees and green grass. We have a big red barn and behind it you can see the neighbour's horse walking about. It can be quite windy, particularly in the fall, and you can hear the whistle from it through the odd cracks of the old house. I moved away from home about three years ago and since then I don't get to visit this place as often as I would like. But it is always there and I will always come back to it.
This photo shows you just what you see when you sit down on the deck and look out.
My favorite spot in this world is on the deck outside the house where my mother was born. It's a remote place, quiet and peaceful. A small community where everybody knows everybody and with just a few dozen inhabitants. Whenever I come there, I always spend the better part of my first day or night out on that deck. And I just sit there. The house is surrounded by mountains and right in front of you is the occean. There is a river on both sides of the house and you can hear them run so smoothly you could easily fall asleep. There is a big garden with my mother's favorite flowers. Tall trees and green grass. We have a big red barn and behind it you can see the neighbour's horse walking about. It can be quite windy, particularly in the fall, and you can hear the whistle from it through the odd cracks of the old house. I moved away from home about three years ago and since then I don't get to visit this place as often as I would like. But it is always there and I will always come back to it.
This photo shows you just what you see when you sit down on the deck and look out.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
007 Has Great Hair
I hate the advertising campaign for the new James Bond movie. All the posters and magazine ads look like lost footage from a Vogue shoot. Daniel Craig has a bit of filth on his face sure, but his hair is groomed perfectly and his eyes seem to have emptied out the entire stock of steele blue this world has to offer. His skin is perfectly tanned and his lady friend of the season looks more like a contender for America's Next Top Model than a dangerous femme fatale, as a true Bond girl should. I've posted some pics at the bottom so you can see what I'm talking about. What ever happened to the good old Bond posters with Sean Connery in a sharp suit and a stupid smirk on his face, surrouned by explosions, Aston Martins, long legs, the scary yet hilarious villain and some weird invention by Q in the background?
On top of all this, I am currently watching a commerical on TV where ex-007 Pierce Brosnan is telling us he needs L'oreal lotion to treat his skin the way it truly deserves to be treated. What the hell is going on?! If James Bond is no longer a real man, what hope is there for the rest of us?
The movie is not that great either. But at least shit blows up.
Bond feels pretty, oh so pretty
Any idea what the new Bond movie is about?
On top of all this, I am currently watching a commerical on TV where ex-007 Pierce Brosnan is telling us he needs L'oreal lotion to treat his skin the way it truly deserves to be treated. What the hell is going on?! If James Bond is no longer a real man, what hope is there for the rest of us?
The movie is not that great either. But at least shit blows up.
Bond feels pretty, oh so pretty
Any idea what the new Bond movie is about?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Giggsy
I have been a supporter of Manchester United my whole life. It started when I got old enough to follow football and was able to watch the games on TV every saturday alongside my dad while my mother was upstairs frustrated and calling us for dinner. My first big memory as a Man Utd supporter was when they won the European Cup in 1991. I was at a friends house, the only one who had cable television at the time, celebrating the sweet sweet victory (see photo above). Since then I have followed the reds through thick and thin, watched every game possible and been to Old Trafford for the real thing about a dozen times.
Last night I attended a galla dinner in Oslo in honor of the clubs longest serving player: Ryan Giggs. When he came on in last seasons Champions League final he broke the record of appearances for the club, and since his debut back in 1991 he has played over 770 matches for Manchester United. A record no man in England is even close to matching. Giggs attended the dinner last night and I got to meet him for the second time. I first met the man in Manchester in 1999 on my first trip there. I stopped by the training ground and was lucky enough to shake his hand and get my picture taken with him. But it was just as exciting last night as I got to do it one more time. The event was put together by the scandinavian branch of the official supporters club and a few lucky members were selected to attend. It really was a terrific night. Giggs not only had dinner with us, answered our questions and signed autographs for us, he also brought the fruits of last years amazing Manchester United season, the trophies from the triumphs in the Premiership as well as the Champions League. I got my picture taken with the man himself alongside both trophies, but have not yet gotten it onto my computer so for now I will just post a photo below of myself along with the Champions League trophy. If you look closely you can see the hairs on my neck stand up.
Ryan Giggs - a true United legend.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Madrugada
About ten years ago I turned 18 and could finally enjoy all the things that become available to you at that age. Many people look forward to getting their drivers license, be able to drink and go out to clubs and such things. For me one of the biggest things was to be able to go out to concerts where you had to be of legal age to enter. Around this time, the late 90's, there was a norwegian rock band that were starting to get some serious attention from both critics and audiences nationwide. The name of the band was Madrugada.
When the band released their first album in 1999 it was in many ways the start of a new age in norwegian rock music. The band of three young men from the north of Norway represented a breath of fresh air in a business that had seemed to wear itself out. Their songs were dark and melancholic and had some of the finest lyrics ever written in Norway surely. I first saw the band just after the release of their first album. It was an awesome and mindblowing experience and it would mark the beginning of my forever lasting love for this band. Since then they have released four more studio albums, one double live album and countless singles. Each of their album releases has gone to the top of the norwegian chart and they remain one of the most successful bands in Norways history.
In the summer of 2007, one of the founding members of the band passed away at the age of just 31. This was a big shock for the entire norwegian music industry, but the band insisted on releasing their final album, which at that time was already completely recorded. It would become their biggest selling album to date. After touring the following year the two remaining founding members of the band decided to call it a day. Last night they performed their last ever concert and I was there (Scroll down for photo). It was an emotional and powerful night.
When you've followed a band from their very beginning and listened to their music on almost a daily basis for years and years, you can't help but feel connected to it. The band has been a part of my life for nearly ten years now and many experiences, both good and bad, have been accompanied by this music. I've seen them live more than any other band, around Norway and abroad and it is one of the few acts I can say have never given a less than stellar performance. Which is a rarity in these times. Now the amount of attention a band or performer gets depends on the look of the band, the music videoes and the money that is thrown around in order for big companies to capitalize on the success. With Madrugada it was never about that. The band have been composing music and frequently releasing albums with outstanding high quality and toured both small and major stages to play for their fans. Now that they have retired it is indeed a loss for all people who appreciate good music, and they leave behind an impressive track record that I doubt will ever be matched by any norwegian act. Madrugada has been the soundtrack of my life for the last ten years and I will miss them deeply.
You know I'm far from satisfied.
Madrugada, Oslo Spektrum 15 November 2008
When the band released their first album in 1999 it was in many ways the start of a new age in norwegian rock music. The band of three young men from the north of Norway represented a breath of fresh air in a business that had seemed to wear itself out. Their songs were dark and melancholic and had some of the finest lyrics ever written in Norway surely. I first saw the band just after the release of their first album. It was an awesome and mindblowing experience and it would mark the beginning of my forever lasting love for this band. Since then they have released four more studio albums, one double live album and countless singles. Each of their album releases has gone to the top of the norwegian chart and they remain one of the most successful bands in Norways history.
In the summer of 2007, one of the founding members of the band passed away at the age of just 31. This was a big shock for the entire norwegian music industry, but the band insisted on releasing their final album, which at that time was already completely recorded. It would become their biggest selling album to date. After touring the following year the two remaining founding members of the band decided to call it a day. Last night they performed their last ever concert and I was there (Scroll down for photo). It was an emotional and powerful night.
When you've followed a band from their very beginning and listened to their music on almost a daily basis for years and years, you can't help but feel connected to it. The band has been a part of my life for nearly ten years now and many experiences, both good and bad, have been accompanied by this music. I've seen them live more than any other band, around Norway and abroad and it is one of the few acts I can say have never given a less than stellar performance. Which is a rarity in these times. Now the amount of attention a band or performer gets depends on the look of the band, the music videoes and the money that is thrown around in order for big companies to capitalize on the success. With Madrugada it was never about that. The band have been composing music and frequently releasing albums with outstanding high quality and toured both small and major stages to play for their fans. Now that they have retired it is indeed a loss for all people who appreciate good music, and they leave behind an impressive track record that I doubt will ever be matched by any norwegian act. Madrugada has been the soundtrack of my life for the last ten years and I will miss them deeply.
You know I'm far from satisfied.
Madrugada, Oslo Spektrum 15 November 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The First One
Why?
There are a million blogs around. Plenty of websites for people to express themselves. A bunch of forums where you can talk about how much you hate or love this and that. Comment on what is going on in the world, or maybe just in your own living room. Talk about a movie you just saw, a trip you just had or maybe you've accomplished something spectacular and want to share it. Brag about some stuff, sulk over everything else. All this is already out there. So why another one?
Why not?
I'll get back to you when I have something.
There are a million blogs around. Plenty of websites for people to express themselves. A bunch of forums where you can talk about how much you hate or love this and that. Comment on what is going on in the world, or maybe just in your own living room. Talk about a movie you just saw, a trip you just had or maybe you've accomplished something spectacular and want to share it. Brag about some stuff, sulk over everything else. All this is already out there. So why another one?
Why not?
I'll get back to you when I have something.
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