ESSENTIAL VIEWING THIS SEPTEMBER:
At 77 Woody Allen is not showing any signs that he is planning to slow down his production rate. A year rarely goes by without a new Allen movie and when you look at his newest Blue Jasmine, it should be considered nothing other than a blissful event. Match Point (2005) proved to be somewhat of a comeback for the director, both critically and commercially and even though there have been some misfires over the past years like Scoop (2006), Cassandra’s Dream (2007) and You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger (2010) there have also been Oscar-winning beauties like Midnight in Paris (2011). After the disappointing To Rome with Love of last year it is both reassuring and endlessly enjoyable to see the veteran back on track with this one. Blue Jasmine also features one of Allen’s finest ensembles in ages, with superb supporting turns from a delightfully mixed cast that include Louis C.K., Andrew Dice Clay, Sally Hawkins and Bobby Cannavale. The film is recognizable through Allen’s trademark sharp dialogue, but it also marks a darker turn for the director which will probably both surprise and enlighten audiences. A delicious treat!
Erik Skjoldbjærg is one of Norway’s most acclaimed filmmaker of recent years. After his breakthrough feature Insomnia in 1997 (which earned a Hollywood-remake by Dark Knight Trilogy director Chris Nolan five years later) he has proved an impressive range both in genre and scope with titles such as Prozac Nation (2001), En Folkefiende (2005) and Nokas (2010). With this month’s Pioneer he goes for full-on action-thriller mode with a grandiose and gritty feel. Set in the 80s at the beginning of the booming Norwegian oil industry this plays both a as a traditional cat and mouse suspense piece and a well-crafted character drama centered on leading man Aksel Hennie. It is by far Skjoldbjærg’s most ambitious work to date, and it is a genre that fits him well both in style and storytelling. The film also offers one of the finest final frames ever seen on film, which further the evidence of a director still developing as an artist. The best from Skjoldbjærg is probably still to come.
The third, and most likely to be, final chapter of Richard Linklater’s beloved trilogy about Jesse and Celine who met on a train bound for Vienna back in 1995’s Before Sunrise arrives this month. After the superb follow-up Before Sunset in 2004 Before Midnight marks another turn of events as the history of our two lovers has developed alongside their age and maturing relationship. It fits in perfectly with its predecessors and the storytelling elements are still the same (long takes, playful and improvised dialogue) and the sparkling chemistry between the two leads is nothing short of phenomenal. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy play their parts with unparalleled knowledge of each other that earn the impact of every scene an emotional punch unlikely to have been seen anywhere else. If this is your first encounter with the two lovers it is highly recommendable to go back and take in the first two outings in advance, it will only make the laughter and tears even sweeter to take.
ESSENTIAL LISTENING THIS SEPTEMBER:
The fifth studio album from Arctic Monkeys builds on the band’s continued strive to grow bigger by each release. AM features more heavy and complicated arrangements, a deeper groove and an ambitious attempt at the difficult trick of sounding independent on the biggest stages. And even though they do not hit the mark perfectly, this is a successful record that proves that the Sheffield outfit is far more than the snarky brats who first appeared in 2006. They deserve massive credits for trying to evolve with each album, and even though there is no mistaking them or their sound, there is still an impressive amount of new influences to take in. Making this their most accomplished album to date, with a terrific sense of that there is probably even more great stuff to come.
Ingrid Olava has proved herself one of Norway’s most popular and gifted singer / songwriters through her first two albums Juliet’s Wishes (2008) and The Guest (2010). This month sees the release of her third album Summer House and even though one might have hoped for a more significant development from the previous two records, there is still plenty to enjoy in these eleven tracks. Olava’s biggest attribute is her ability to make her own style and personality heard through the familiar format of this genre, and add a much welcome touch of originality. Both lyrically and vocally Olava offers a significant sense of ambition and desire in her songs, perhaps not available to any listener but fans of her will definitely appreciate the talent on display on this wonderful record.
Despite being involved with several projects and collaborations, Okkervil River has remained very productive as a sole band as well. Eleven years after their debut this month sees the release of their seventh studio album. An impressive achievement for any band regardless of fate or genre. The Silver Gymnasium is another superb record from the Texas indie rockers. There is an ease and comfort in the formula Okkervil River draw their inspirations from, and it comes across to the listener as truly well composed and engaging music. The band’s tone and atmospheric folk rock vibes are all present here, but even more than before there is a playful and eclectic recipe that sort of comes together as each tracks rolls along, making this one of the most pleasant experiences so far this year.
The first single from the album, Down Down The Deep River is a perfect example of all this.
