Essential January '11

Essential viewing this January,
Tromsø International Film Festival edition:
- Exit Through The Gift Shop has through its run at festivals around the world almost become a big a phenomenon as its subject. Following an eccentric French filmmaker who sets out to make a documentary about street / graffiti artists, but instead gets the camera turned on himself. It is one of the funniest and most fascinating films of its genre for a long time. With great irony and sense of humor celebrated artist (and in the end the film’s director) Banksy is not afraid to make fun of himself or his mates, while also raising their middle finger at the hilarity of so called experts and collectors.

- One of the festival's most pleasant surprises was the indie flick LittleRock, only the second feature from director Mike Ott. Set in the smallest of small town America the film does a great job in telling a warm and moving story without the support of big names or budget. Featuring wonderful performances from newcomers Atsuko Okatuka (who also co-wrote the film with Ott) and Cory Zacharia, this is a superb achievement and should result in its talent finding more opportunities brought to them.

- Danny Boyle has been a frequent participant in the festival program over the years and this time it was his 127 Hours that got to close the festival. A very different stroke from his two previous flicks Slumdog Millionaire (2009) and Sunshine (2008), this could not be further away from the streets of Mumbai or outer space. But taking place mostly in a single location and actor James Franco as the only face to rest his lens on, one could say this is an even more challenging task. But Boyle makes it work and the film is both thrilling and interesting throughout, owing a great deal of gratitude to its leading man. It is a career best performance from Franco and even though you might not manage to keep your eyes open for its entire final act, this is a film that will stay in your head long after leaving the theatre. Another triumph for Boyle, who is becoming one in a very small group of directors who has yet to make a poor film.

Essential listening this January:
- American indie rockers Tapes ‘n Tapes return this month with their third album. Outside is the title and it is a strong return to form after their mildly unsatisfying second outing, Walk It Off (2008). This installment has more catchy riffs, cool build ups and clever lyrics. You’d wish for them to reach a larger audience, but the untraditional approach and collection of tracks, without any real attempts at making a hit or radio friendly song, makes the possibility of that doubtful. It doesn’t take away any of the collective quality though as this is a very strong and well executed record.

- Another indie outfit releasing their third album these days is Cold War Kids. After the success of their debut five years ago and previous album Loyalty to Loyalty (2008) the pressure is certainly on. Mine Is Yours might not give the same strong first impression, but this is another solid contribution to their ever growing resume. Mainly rock compositions but there are some attempts at experimenting with their fitting formula, which may cause one to draw parallels to the likes of Radiohead or even The Shins. Despite struggling with some well known “third album” hiccups, this is a lovely release that will probably only grow with repeated visits.

- The Decemberists have been around for a while now, but have never received more unanimous praise from critics as they have with this month’s The King Is Dead. A great collection of tracks, with country and Americana and thankfully the band do not seem worried to be perceived as a straight up pop act either. There is a wonderful flow to the album and every song does a great job in creating an overall atmosphere with a very suiting and playful feel. Fronted by the terrific single Down By The Water (performed below on Conan), this could easily be the bands finest hour.

Michael Scott meets David Brent

It's still only January, but this just might be the television moment of the year.

Brilliant.

Photograph # 9

"ready for winter"
/AMATEUR/

"Cold"

bright lights burning out
this train only stops at the major cities
take a picture while there’s still time
this heart opens when the bar closes

all is visible inside your room
what happened today won’t happen tomorrow
is this that arc they all talk about
two down but still one up on you

words that cut like fake glass
old photos in a forgotten drawer
frozen rails may slow us down, but
we don’t need a bridge to cross these waters