Essential March '10

Essential viewing this March:
- One of the most exciting young filmmakers working in America today is Wes Anderson. Previous films of his include Rushmore, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and his greatest triumph so far, The Royal Tenenbaums. Now he is back and with a brand new bag indeed. Attempting his luck at animation Fantastic Mr. Fox is one of his most interesting pictures to date. Now that the entire industry of feature animation films mainly are computer generated it is surprisingly refreshing to see a film made with models and puppets again. Based on the book by Roald Dahl the story is well known, but the script is original and the poppy dialogue works well whether it is spoken by the mad farmers or Mr. Fox himself. A wonderful picture that brings back an old label that is rarely used right anymore: a great family film.
- Hans Petter Moland is one of Norways most acclaimed filmmakers though his work rarely manages to fill the theatres for a long degree of time. That might change this year with his new film En Ganske Snill Mann (A Somewhat Gentle Man). As usual Moland is collecting rave reviews with this dark and grim comedy. Stellan Skarsgård is in top form as leading man Ulrik, just released from prison and trying to pick up the pieces he never knew how to put together in the first place. Surrounded by a great ensemble you’re always in good company, but it gets a bit too crowded towards the end and some of the great ideas are worn out a bit too soon. A filthy pleasure that might have benefitted from knowing when to stop.
- The work of director Werner Herzog rarely gets a long life in cinemas and that is again the case this time around with his new feature Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans. Considered a remake of Abel Ferrara’s classic from 1993, the part of the questionable officer is played by Nicolas Cage this time. And this is Cage back to the form that made him a cult hero in his early work. Completely out of control and unafraid he is an absolute thrill to watch. The mood of the picture is great and the photography makes you feel the humidity of the south on your skin as you take it all in. It is definitely an acquired taste, but if you’re willing to be a respectful and quiet viewer, though sometimes it might require discipline, you’re in for a great piece of off road entertainment.

Essential listening this March:
- Gluecifer was a terrific Norwegian rock band who retired a few years ago and one of the members was Captain Poon, the guitar virtuoso who went on to form a new band of his own, Bloodlights. After their self titled debut in 2007 they are now back with their sophomore outing, Simple Pleasures and in my opinion it is something as rare as a better second coming. The recipe is quite simple and straight forward rock & roll, but most of the songs hit their target dead on and all together it is a very enjoyable mix of tracks that serves any listener looking to have a good time well.
- One of the most overlooked British pop bands of the past few years, Thirteen Senses, finally return with their third album. Well, close enough. It has not yet hit stores, but you can hear it in its entirety on their website, thirteensenses.com. After their successful debut in 2005, they failed to reach an equal audience with their second record two years later. But with their latest effort, Crystal Sounds, they might be able to bring some of the old believers back. Wisely, they are going for quality over quantity with a modest nine track album, and each one is a delight. Wonderful arrangements, light beats and well written lyrics add up to a very pleasurable sound that hopefully locates many pop loving hearts this year.
- Vidar Vang is one of Norways finest singer / songwriters, a label that is becoming more and more vast and insignificant, but this man can still rightly claim such a title. His fourth studio album Sleepless Songs is a terrific achievement and like before he visits many departments. There are strong rock songs, mellow pop tracks and a good piece of country. His strongest work still remains 2002’s Rodeo, but give this beauty a few weeks on your iPod and it might be able to pick a fight with its superior older brother soon enough.