Essential September '10

Essential viewing this September:
- One of the most controversial films of the year so far has been Michael Winterbottom’s The Killer Inside Me. Based on the novel by Jim Thompson and featuring a stirring performance from Casey Affleck, this deserves attention for far more than the few strikes of controversy. Underneath the brutal violence, and to be fair, it is some of the hardest viewing you’ll ever undergo, this is one of the strongest character pieces of the year. Affleck is not only convincing, but through a disturbing presence in every scene and with a voice that is slowly becoming his trademark, he delivers what is surely his best performance to date. It will be interesting to see if nomination comities will be able to see across the brutal subject matter and give him the nods he certainly deserves come award season. The supporting cast is very good too, with surprisingly solid turns from the likes of Jessica Alba and Kate Hudson, miles away from the familiar romantic comedy territories they usually frequent. This is challenging, thought provoking and, if you can handle it, ultimately rewarding viewing.
- The highly anticipated new film from Anton Corbijn, the dutch photographer gone film director, is called The American and is one of this month’s finest treats. Starring George Clooney (surely the biggest movie star on the planet by now) in an unusual part, he spends most of the time walking the quiet streets of small town Italy and you could fit all of his dialogue on a couple of pages, but it is a fascinating performance and a more nuanced character than we’ve seen him do lately. The style is revealing to Corbijn’s love for the visual, and the Italian landscapes are given the star treatment just as much as the close-ups of his leading man. It moves slowly, sure, but the sober and discreet script suits its director perfectly and as it builds towards a noisier climax it is a joy to simply sit back and take it all in. An intelligent thriller, beautifully photographed, which would not have been possible to create on a Hollywood studio back lot. Should ensure that Anton won’t need to make another music video for a while.
- Television saw the premiere of one of HBO’s biggest shows ever this month. Boardwalk Empire is created by Terence Winter, last seen as executive producer and writer on The Sopranos and it is a big leap from the suburbs of New Jersey to the glorious promenade of 1920’s Atlantic City. When alcohol was outlawed the powerful men of high society made it their business to become rich of providing the people with their need for whiskey and gin. Centered around and tailored for Steve Buscemi, the indie actor/filmmaker who has been worthy of his own show for ages now, it looks tremendous and manages to be both intelligent and entertaining. Only two episodes in, the creators may have trouble continuing the established quality and flow from pilot director Martin Scorsese, but there is enough talent on both sides of the camera here to make sure this becomes one of this seasons finest TV shows.

Essential listening this September:
- With such a vital front man as Brandon Flowers it was only a matter of time before The Killer’s vocalist was given his shot at a solo album. And a fine pop album it has become indeed. This is not experimental or “the other side of Flowers”, as most of the songs are broken in similar moulds as the tracks from his band’s records. But there is plenty of quality and if not as strong, Flowers is certainly strong enough to carry an album on his own. Flamingo is a romantic and cheerful effort that serves best in its catchy pop tunes and loses some of its power when Flowers attempts to be equally epic on his own as he is used to be when backed by his band.
- A collaboration between John Legend & The Roots is enough to get any music lover curious, regardless of your preference in genre. And the album Wake Up! is a wonderful discovery this month. A great mix of R&B, gospel and hip hop with a deep, and sometimes religious core. Also, the lyrics are some of the finest I’ve heard on this type of album. But mainly, this is an extremely well put together record that is both funky and engaging.
- One of the finest artists working today is Nick Cave, and he has been for decades now. So a release from the dangerous Australian is always an exciting event. This time it is with his likeminded colleagues in Grinderman, who return with their second outing, simply titled Grinderman 2. Wheter it is with his beloved The Bad Seeds or these gentlemen, Cave always seems to enjoy himself the most when in company with a band. As you would expect, this is certainly dark and gritty, but in a manner that comes across as playful and enthusiastic. With a modest nine track album, Grinderman insist on making the most out of every song, so this is a wide and fully loaded record filled with sound and arrangements all across the board. Explosive, powerful, and honestly brilliant fun.
Several future classics, including this one, a personal favorite on the album.

Photograph # 6

"new roof"
/FAMILY/

"Rosie"

rosie still can't sleep at night
with too many shadows inside her room
scared to die where she was born
she won't take no more regret

rosie knows the feel of a bruise
and the pearls 'round her neck don't look right
a tattoo across her heart says "debt"
she should have stayed at home tonight

rosie wishes she had a yard
her quiet creek is your wildest river
if alone on the wire, she's scared to look
she wonders can i cry in my sleep

rosie brushes her hair and smiles
a broken heart ain't hard to find

Photograph # 5

"fishing with company"
/AMATEUR/