ESSENTIAL VIEWING THIS APRIL:
The return of Mad Men to the small screen arrived with a small portion of scepticism for this viewer. After four seasons every show has a natural need to develop further and take some turns. Judging by the first six episodes of sesason five there was no need to worry. Creator Matthew Weiner has wisely decided to make matters a touch darker and after having firmly established the whole ensemble there are plenty of new challenges for the familiar characters. Its most recent episode, Far Away Places, is one of the most inspiring hours of television this writer has seen in a long time. Halfway through the season, it is a firm and reassuring collection so far and hopefully it will continue to impress.
It is hard not to be impressed by the impact of Mark Wahlbergs carreer over the past years. From his Oscar nominated turn in The Departed to the hilarious detour of comedy in The Other Guys. But it is mainly as a producer he has developed the most. His company Closest To The Hole Productions have given us great TV shows such as Entourage and Boardwalk Empire, and this month he both stars and produces Contraband, a surprisingly fresh and engaging thriller. Directed by Baltasar Kormàkur, the star of the original Reykjavik - Rotterdam, it finds Wahlberg in familiar familyman territory, but a tight script and a delicious style of both sober and exillarating direction, make this one of the most impressive thrillers to come out of Hollywood all year.
Ricky Gervais has had two major outings this month. The return of his The Ricky Gervais Show for a third season on HBO, and his one-off pilot Derek which premiered on Britains Channel 4 a few weeks ago. The ladder is a surprising change of pace for the comedian. It is written as a comedy surely, but there is an emotional core to this that is stronger than anything Gervais has ever done before. It demands you to view the comedian as something completely different, and it is not without its challenges, but if you devote yourself to allowing Gervais impress you in a whole new light, then the reward is mindblowingly satisfying.
ESSENTIAL LISTENING THIS APRIL:
Norwegian outfit Jack Stillwater has admittedly been an unknown band to this writer for most of their lifetime. However, the release of their sophmore album Muddy River this month has changed all that. It is an impressively well put together album with tremendous quality. The quality of each track varies a bit, but this is almost to be expected from a band at the point they are currently at in their career. Influences like Lyle Lovett and Tom Petty come to mind and this album does not in any way try to disguise its inspirations found in American country and rock music. A terrific album and a great surprise from when and where you least expected it.
The fifth studio album from Brendan Benson is called What Kind of World, and it is another storng and reliable outing from the guitarist and frontman who has been known mainly through The Raconteurs over the past years. The follow up to 2009s terrific My Old Familar Frind does not strike with the same immidiate impact as its predecessor, but it is well worth a listen never the less. Even though Benson follows a familiar formula and will openly admit he does not carry the worlds most distinguised voice, he manages to be both inspiring and impressive in his tunes.
The self proclaimed biggest rock band in Sweden Kent return this month with their tenth studio album, an impressive achievement for any band this day and age. Jag Är Inte Rädd För Mörkret starts off sounding like something that could grow to become one of their finest yet, but unfortunately the feeling does not last. Halfway through the album becomes a little bit too familiar ground and the tracks do not live up to the promise of becoming instant classics. But there is still plenty to enjoy, in particular for the bands most loyal fans. The opening 999 is a grande and delciously pompous pop anthem that will terrorise radios and young peoples hearts in the coming summer. Just for that it is worth a listen.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
The Perfect Score # 1
I recently revisited some of the soundtracks in my record collection and it got me thinking how much a well composed score can influence a scene, or even an entire movie. There are many classic soundtracks and even more songs that will forever be associated with single scenes in a film. Obvious examples could include "Stayin' Alive" (Saturday Night Fever), "You Never Can Tell" (Pulp Fiction), "In Your Eyes" (Say Anything) or "Don't You (Forget About Me)" (Breakfast Club). There are also instrumental scores and themes that will automaticly draw you to a movie title or scene. The themes from "The Godfather", "The Good, The Bad And The Ugly" or "Jaws" are all valid examples.
Here are some moments where the music has played a key part in making the scene memorable, and proving how much a well crafted score can influence the art of filmmaking.
The Shawshank Redemption - Andy arrives at Shawshank
Frank Darabont's 1994 classic has many memorable moments. No one perhaps more strong and impressive than this scene in the films first act. Serving both as an introdution to Morgan Freeman's character Red and the spectactular fortress where our two main players are confined for most of the movie. Thomas Newman's score plays over Roger Deakins' stunning cinematography perfectly. Simply breathtaking.
The best part: About 30 seconds in as the camera passes the bus and begins its climb over the prison walls.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab4GtCg4r-o
Sunshine - Capa's jump
Danny Boyle's 2007 space odyssey is one of the most overlooked classics of the past decade. The film both looks and sounds great, and John Murphy's epic score plays a big part. At no point more than in the films climax, as Cillian Murphy's Robert Capa as the only remaining survivor has to abandon his vessel. The intensity of Murphy's performance and the dramatic overture blends together with overwhelming effect.
The best part: At 3:05 as Capa takes his leap and Boyle isolates his scream to let the music guide his fate. Absolutely superb.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clG_1sqOsBs&feature=relmfu
The Life of David Gale - The videotape
Alan Parker's 2003 film certainly has its flaws and failed to convince both critics and audiences ten years ago. There are still qualities to enjoy though, in particular the music from Jake and Alex Parker. Their theme "Almost Martyrs" stood out as the soundtrack's strongest, and has since been used plenty in trailers and promos. As Kate Winslet's reporter Bitsey Bloom finds a videotape that will finally reveal the accomplice in the murder of a female activist and prove her theories wrong, the music has tremendous impact. A bit pompous and melodramatic sure, but the effect is thrilling never the less.
The best part: At 1:20 when Bloom's worst fear proves to be true.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CItKToiwvoE&feature=related
Inception - Cobb returns home
Director Christopher Nolan has always been clever with his use of score to describe emotion and mood. 2010's Inception was the best film of the year according to this writer and Nolan once again turned to veteran composer Hans Zimmer for music duties. After their mission's climax, Leonardo DiCaprio's Cobb and his crew returns home and against all odds reunites him with his children. Zimmer's grande orchestration and heavy arrangements make for a powerful listen on its own, but set against pure movie star quality such as DiCaprio it becomes a different animal entirely.
The best part: When Cobb makes his way out of the airport at 1:45, the electric guitars come in, and he passes his associates on his way to the start of his new life. And at 2:55 when we go nearly silent - to equal effect.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icXizIos4dw
Friday Night Lights - The defeat
This classic sports flick from 2004 by Peter Berg features a soundtrack by instrumental rock outfit Explosions In The Sky. There are many memorable moments and themes in the film, but none more powerful than in this scene. Having finally reached their state final the Panthers fail to win the championship and have to watch their opponents celebrate. The music is simple yet heavy and the guitar driven score has an emotional core and sensitive heart, just like the young men who come together in defeat.
The best part: Around 1:55 the players console each other just as the drums kick in. Perfect melancholy.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHJVJ_MEyQI
Here are some moments where the music has played a key part in making the scene memorable, and proving how much a well crafted score can influence the art of filmmaking.
The Shawshank Redemption - Andy arrives at Shawshank
Frank Darabont's 1994 classic has many memorable moments. No one perhaps more strong and impressive than this scene in the films first act. Serving both as an introdution to Morgan Freeman's character Red and the spectactular fortress where our two main players are confined for most of the movie. Thomas Newman's score plays over Roger Deakins' stunning cinematography perfectly. Simply breathtaking.
The best part: About 30 seconds in as the camera passes the bus and begins its climb over the prison walls.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab4GtCg4r-o
Sunshine - Capa's jump
Danny Boyle's 2007 space odyssey is one of the most overlooked classics of the past decade. The film both looks and sounds great, and John Murphy's epic score plays a big part. At no point more than in the films climax, as Cillian Murphy's Robert Capa as the only remaining survivor has to abandon his vessel. The intensity of Murphy's performance and the dramatic overture blends together with overwhelming effect.
The best part: At 3:05 as Capa takes his leap and Boyle isolates his scream to let the music guide his fate. Absolutely superb.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clG_1sqOsBs&feature=relmfu
The Life of David Gale - The videotape
Alan Parker's 2003 film certainly has its flaws and failed to convince both critics and audiences ten years ago. There are still qualities to enjoy though, in particular the music from Jake and Alex Parker. Their theme "Almost Martyrs" stood out as the soundtrack's strongest, and has since been used plenty in trailers and promos. As Kate Winslet's reporter Bitsey Bloom finds a videotape that will finally reveal the accomplice in the murder of a female activist and prove her theories wrong, the music has tremendous impact. A bit pompous and melodramatic sure, but the effect is thrilling never the less.
The best part: At 1:20 when Bloom's worst fear proves to be true.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CItKToiwvoE&feature=related
Inception - Cobb returns home
Director Christopher Nolan has always been clever with his use of score to describe emotion and mood. 2010's Inception was the best film of the year according to this writer and Nolan once again turned to veteran composer Hans Zimmer for music duties. After their mission's climax, Leonardo DiCaprio's Cobb and his crew returns home and against all odds reunites him with his children. Zimmer's grande orchestration and heavy arrangements make for a powerful listen on its own, but set against pure movie star quality such as DiCaprio it becomes a different animal entirely.
The best part: When Cobb makes his way out of the airport at 1:45, the electric guitars come in, and he passes his associates on his way to the start of his new life. And at 2:55 when we go nearly silent - to equal effect.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icXizIos4dw
Friday Night Lights - The defeat
This classic sports flick from 2004 by Peter Berg features a soundtrack by instrumental rock outfit Explosions In The Sky. There are many memorable moments and themes in the film, but none more powerful than in this scene. Having finally reached their state final the Panthers fail to win the championship and have to watch their opponents celebrate. The music is simple yet heavy and the guitar driven score has an emotional core and sensitive heart, just like the young men who come together in defeat.
The best part: Around 1:55 the players console each other just as the drums kick in. Perfect melancholy.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHJVJ_MEyQI
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