Essential viewing this July:
A true gem that has slipped underneath most people’s radars this year is Barney’s Version. A terrific dark comedy with a stellar performance from Paul Giamatti, which despite very little publicity earned him a Golden Globe back in January. Directed by Richard J. Lewis, mainly known through directing various middle of the road TV-series, Barney’s Version brings out laughs, emotion and feels genuinely real right through its core. A superb supporting cast with Rosamund Pike and Dustin Hoffman as the standouts (Hoffman plays Giamatti’s father and when they are paired they create some of the funniest and finest chemistry seen in any movie this year) alongside a very clever script, it is a shame this film has not been able to find a larger audience.
One of the most surprising films this month is The Trip. Surprising in the sense of how it combines its talents. Directed by Michael Winterbottom (last seen at the helm of 2010’s terrific The Killer Inside Me) and starring British comedians Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, this is a comedy that on paper would be sold as a buddy/road movie. And it is an absolute joy. Coogan and Brydon are pitch perfect together and the playful tone of the film makes for a very enjoyable experience. The comics both shine as they play off each other and the much improvised script (there are no screenplay credits) allows for terrific company. Filled with laughs, and a surprising emotional punch at the end, this is impressively well crafted comedy.
One of the most courageous films of the year so far is Trust. The story about a teenage girl who is targeted by an older man through the internet is both challenging and thought provoking. The family falling apart is parents Clive Owen and Catherine Keener, who both turn in impressive performances, but the real revelation here lies with newcomer Liana Liberato. Playing the young girl torn between the comfort of her family and the desire to grow up, she is simply tremendous and delivers a bona fide classic leading role debut. Directed by David Schwimmer, who as the years pass is putting more and more distance between himself and Ross from Friends, by constantly delivering impressive work. His feature debut Run Fatboy Run (2007) was tragically overlooked, but this should ensure that more people realize the talent he possesses behind the camera.
Essential listening this July:
After their successful debut For Emma, Forever Ago (2008) Bon Iver return with their self titled second album. The sound and atmosphere is still very much the same, but it is apparent that the band has been able to put more of everything into every aspect of simply making a record. Bon Iver is still tender and delicate, but there is just a touch of indie pop that seems more confident than before. It sounds terrific, and there is not a weak track on the album. Asking if this album will do more for the band than their debut did is a difficult one to answer. But those who fell in love with the band the first time around is guaranteed to feel that crush coming on once more.
When you look at her catalogue of work it is impressive to think that Joss Stone at 24 is now releasing her fifth album, this time through her very own record label. Not bad at all. And LP1 certainly has enough quality to earn her the respect she deserves. She still wears her heart on her bare sleeve and sings with plenty of attitude. What may have benefitted the album even more is just a slightly more distinctive sense of direction. The record travels through desire, emotion and the occasional party but it could have done with some more distinctive purpose. But the heart is there and Ms. Stone makes sure it is felt through every beat.
Since summer is never the high season for new releases it is fitting to mention a re-release this month: The 25th anniversary edition of Life’s Rich Pageant, the classic R.E.M. record. Since its origin in 1986 it more than survives the light of today and this edition even comes with 19 (yes, count 'em up, 19!) previously unreleased demos. A great package for the loving fan and a solid reminder of the golden age that was the 80’s for this truly American rock outfit. And isn’t Begin The Begin one of the finest opening tracks of a record ever? Yes, it is.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
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