Essential December '10

Essential viewing this December:
- With a budget of 54 million kroner, Kongen av Bastøy (King of Devil’s Island), is the most expensive Norwegian production of all time. So it is comforting to see that it also just might be the best thing to come out of the country in a long time. A powerful and emotional story that is both visually and technically impressive. Strong performances, from Kristoffer Joner in particular, make this a compelling view from start to finish. And in adding this to his already impressive resume, director Marius Holst is proving himself as the finest Norwegian filmmaker of his generation.

- Many were impressed, and fairly surprised, when Ben Affleck revealed his directorial debut Gone Baby Gone in 2007. And with his second turn in the big chair he proves that it was not a fluke. The Town is a fast paced, well acted and precisely executed thriller. A terrific ensemble adds to the films credibility and the action sequences are both exciting and memorable. A very strong effort from Affleck with should earn him plenty more opportunities behind the camera.

- One of the finest American indies of the year has to be Cyrus. Brothers Mark and Jay Duplass have a sharp script and a neat approach to the deadpan comedy in this slightly bizarre flick. Great work from actors John C. Reilly and Jonah Hill (finally showing how amazing he can be when he just turns everything down a notch) makes this a fresh and original movie with so many great moments that you’re just dying to see it again.

Essential listening this December:
- The Doors have been both blessed and cursed with the various quality of releases since their existence came to an end. But the double album Live in Vancouver 1970 is luckily one of the best ones yet. A great setlist and a Jim Morrison on the right side of crazy makes this a terrific experience, and the idea that the occasional tuning deserves its own track number is just hilarious.

- The months before Christmas is the high season for greatest hits and best of-collections and the now dissolved Norwegian band Madrugada (and mainly their label) wants in on it. This double album, simply titled The Best of Madrugada is a strong compilation and another reminder of the bands greatness. It’s disappointing that there’s just one new song on it, but if seen as either a summary or an introduction to the band, this more than gets the job done.

- Many were waiting ready with their axes when Kanye West released his latest album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. But they all have to bow their heads in silence since West has produced his best album since his debut The College Dropout (2004). Thankfully leaving his autotune microphone out of it for most parts, the quality of the music is unquestionable. West is more convincing, more loud and more of everything that he does best. Fronted by the superb singles Runaway and Power, there is enough tracks on this to ensure him a dozen more number ones in the year to come.
And the video to the highly addictive Runaway is a real treat.