Swedish director Ruben Östlund has established himself as one of the most talked about and critically acclaimed filmmakers in Europe, in particular after his breakthrough feature De ofrivilliga (Involuntary) in 2008. This month he returns with Force Majeure, arguably his most ambitious project to date. A disturbing and yet darkly comic story about a family troubled by an event exposing Dad as perhaps not the most compassionate of fathers. Östlund’s style is recognizable from previous features, but has never been more committed or fearless than this. It’s a film that gets under your skin just minutes in, and stays there for a long time. A rare experience of cruelty and humor, that needs to be seen to be fully understood.
One of the most original comedies to come out this year has to be the independent Life After Beth, the debut feature from Jeff Baena who’s filmography only includes a writer’s credit for the grossly underestimated I Heart Huckabees (2004) by David O. Russell. Featuring one of the coolest comedy ensembles in years, including Paul Reiser, Cheryl Hines and John C. Reilly, all centered around two of the finest young American stars at the moment, Aubrey Plaza and Dane Dehaan. What starts out as something somehow predictable as a zombie rom-com turns out to be something much more. It’s a hilarious, but ultimately moving and surprisingly deep story about the difficulties of family and relationships.
Last year’s documentary Sound City proved Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl as a highly capable and talented director. With the band’s new album, to be released this November, comes a new project that carries the same name – Sonic Highways. An eight part documentary series exploring the recording of the new album, while travelling across America and digging deep into the musical history of each town they visit. Two episodes in, featuring Chicago and Washington D.C., it is already clear that this is another strong effort from Grohl. What could easily have been a “making of” on a larger scale looks to go way further, with an impressive amount of research and archival material on show. It’s a great view not just for fans of the band, but anyone who cares about American music and its vast amount of stories.
ESSENTIAL LISTENING THIS OCTOBER:
California rock outfit Cold War Kids have been mentioned on this site before, and they’ve earned their column this month too with the release of their fifth studio album Hold My Home. Eight years after their debut Robbers & Cowards they’ve experienced both highs and lows, with various amounts of success on previous outings, with 2008s sophomore album Loyalty to Loyalty as the standout high. Their new album does not reach those heights, but it is a welcome return to a more playful sound and fresh enthusiasm that for some reason have been absent on their last couple of records. With a slight few more touches of blues and modern soul, this is a return to form that is well worth checking out for both new and older fans.
You’d be hard pressed to find a more popular female singer in Norway than Marit Larsen. This fact is not likely to change following the release of her fourth studio album When The Morning Comes. Proving her willingness to take further steps and evolve as both a singer and songwriter becomes even more evident with herself taking the role of producer on the record. Her pop melodies still ring true and eloquent alongside her delicate voice, with simple yet controlled and emotional lyrics. She manages to be both charming as a performer while also boosting a great deal of confidence in her arrangements and production. Another great turn from one of Norway’s most beloved artists.
American singer and songwriter Aimee Mann has received high praise on this site before and it’s great to experience her as part of a duo this month with the release of her new project The Both, alongside Ted Leo. It is not without its flaws, as often is the case with the debut album from any newly formed outfit. However, Mann and Leo are in possession of enough melodic skills and experience to pull together any tune with entertaining arrangements and enjoyable lyrics. Their self-titled album debut is a treat for fans of either of them, and a credible show of intent which hopefully means their follow up record will be even more accomplished and tailored to play on both performers strengths.
The first single, Milwaukee shows the duo’s playful side as well as their great understanding of what makes a terrific radio tune.
