Essential January '10

Essential viewing this January:
- Already a regular at award ceremonies across America, Jason Reitman's third feature Up In The Air is certainly worthy of the attention. On the surface a slick movie with plenty of pace, but there is more here than what you're first lead to believe. The story of a man who spends most of his days flying cross country, hired by corporations to fire expired employees may strike a bigger nerve stateside than here, but there is a raw emotion underneath that is unmistakeable. The mood and honest reality of human relationships makes this a truly engaging film with a wonderful performance from George Clooney, who seems to be growing comfortably into a modern Cary Grant - a genuine movie star.
- Something very different would be Cold Souls by french director Sophie Barthes. Paul Giamatti stars as, erm, Paul Giamatti in this wonderfully original and hilarious picture. Moving between New York and St. Petersburg there is a great flow and brilliant mix of absolute absurdity and heartwrenching emotion. The desire to be original and owning a fresh view on things makes Barthes' a unique filmmaker and certainly one to watch.
- Big Fan, the directorial debut of Robert Siegel, writer of last years brilliant The Wrestler, has earned nice reviews and an impressive debut it is. A surprising and moving performance by comedian Patton Oswalt, playing an obsessive football fan in New York. Rough and slightly brutal, it is an interesting look at how different the world can feel for someone on the outside rather than on the inside of a stadium. A minor gem and a wonderful surprise, Siegel could grow to become a solid voice in independent film.

Essential listening this January:
- Another film that should be mentioned this month is Spike Jonze's Where The Wild Things Are, and one of the best things about it is its soundtrack. With music by Karen O, from Yeah Yeah Yeahs it is a delight that can be enjoyed just as much after the end credits have rolled by. A wonderful collection of tracks with almost childlike sounds, accompanied by her soft and beautiful voice. It brings across the same message and feeling that the film provides and simply makes you want to climb to the top of a tree and hum along to it. Lovely indeed.
- About a year ago I proclaimed that Vampire Weekend had created the finest album of 2008, so it is not only a joy but also a relief to say that their follow up Contra does not disappoint. Stylistic not much has changed from their self titled debut and the objective reamins the same; to create terrific and enjoyable pop songs. From the delicious first single Cousins to the very final title track this is a great album and it is comforting to know that they will probably find an even bigger audience this time around.
- Another soundtrack has caught my ear this month, before the film has even come out. Nick Cave and Warren Ellis provided the score for John Hillcoats previous film, the brilliant The Proposition and have come together once more, this time for The Road. The songs are craftly put together with strong instrumentals and cold atmospheric moods. Like any strong soundtrack should, it stands confident and strong on its own. It might require more than one listen, but it is disturbing and poetic enough to keep you tuned in.