ESSENTIAL VIEWING THIS MONTH:
When one sees what is considered a lot of films, the best feeling is always to be pleasantly surprised. That is certainly the case with this writer and this month’s CREED. By too many considered “just another Rocky movie”, which could not be further from the truth. This is the work of 29 year old writer / director Ryan Coogler, who have taken the Stallone’s legacy to a new level – and inspired the finest performance of the entire series from the man himself. Shot with a steady hand (particularly impressive in the boxing scenes within the ring) from a well-balanced and modern script, it comes with sharp dialogue and a natural finesse. Ahead of Stallone, Michael B. Jordan delivers a great performance in what will surely stand as a milestone in his career. This film is moving, entertaining and triumphant in every way – especially the ones you did not see coming.
Director Alejandro González Iñárritu is looking to surpass the tremendous success – measured in both ticket sales and awards – of last year’s incredible Birdman with this month’s THE REVENANT. A revenge drama set in the wilderness in the 1820s, where Leo Di Caprio sets out to seek justice from his hunting party who leave him for dead after he is nearly killed by a bear. The bear attack itself will without a doubt stand out as the scene of the year, a brutally impressive demonstration of state of the art CGI and live action that will leave you shaking. You have never seen anything quite like it or the rest of this film in fact. Infused by the cold elements and merciless realities of both Mother Nature and the nature of man, it is a cinematic experience that makes the most of every possibility in the art of filmmaking. It’s a fierce piece of entertainment and simple storytelling that absolutely holds no bar to what can and can’t be done on film.
Charlie Kaufman has established himself as one – if not the – most original filmmaker working in America today. His award-winning screenplays for Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Adaptation alone are worthy the status of modern classics while his directorial debut Synecdoche, New York was both inspired and frustrating at the same time, but nevertheless utterly compelling. This month sees the release of another masterpiece from the now nearly sixty year old filmmaker. ANOMALISA is animation unlike anything you’ve seen before, but regardless of the genre or shape of its characters it is simply a brilliant piece of storytelling that demonstrates a genius at work. When it comes to character development and dialogue this surely already has to be the best film of the year. Featuring tremendous performances from David Thewlis, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Tom Noonan (the fact that you only hear their voices simply underlines the impact of their work) and a haunting soundtrack by Carter Burwell. It is another stroke of genius from Kaufman, nothing less.
Note: the month of January – being in the midst of award season – often comes with plenty of American quality so if there ever was a time for honorable mentions within the same month it would be here. So do also check out ROOM, SPOTLIGHT, THE BIG SHORT and THE HATEFUL EIGHT in particular.
ESSENTIAL LISTENING THIS MONTH:
It would be impossible to write a post about music in January 2016 without including DAVID BOWIE. His latest and final album BLACKSTAR might not have found its way onto the majority of people’s lists of essential releases this month had it not been for the sad and surprising news of his death on January 10th. But then again, it might have. Released just two days before his death it has inevitably now become a musical last will and testament and the content of the album - lyrically in particular - now comes with a major level of melancholy. But to the album itself, this is still unmistakably the Bowie we’ve come to expect over the past few decades. It’s a balanced and controlled album, performed with precision and experience. A modest eight tracks make each song valuable and meaningful, with Lazarus and the title single as the standouts. It’s a strong album that is remarkably simple, considering it came from one of the most complicated and multi talented artists of this past century. A worthy swansong, filled with emotion and final proof of Bowie’s abilities.
Madrugada dominated the Norwegian rock scene - as well as becoming a well-known and respected band throughout Europe – in the millennium’s first decade until they dissolved in late 2008. Lead singer SIVERT HØYEM has gone on to establish himself as a strong solo artist since then and have shaken the framework of his former band a long time ago. His new album that arrives this month can still be seen as a kind of fork in the road as it is his sixth release, spanning over a twelve year solo career meaning he has now been more productive on his own than back in his Madrugada days – records wise. LIONESS is another great album from the charming singer & songwriter that marks a bit of change in both pace and mood from his previous outings. After his darkest album – in both sound and lyrics – Long Slow Distance (2011) and the strong, but almost mechanical Endless Love (2014) this should easily be considered a more accessible album – and not in a bad way. It would be a stretch to call it a circular positive album, but it does seem like Høyem has cut himself a bit more lose and allowed for a slightly brighter touch. The fact that the veteran singer is now a father of three and turned forty just a week prior to the record’s release might have something to do with it. But regardless the reason, it is an outfit of a lighter color that suits him well and allows for a more laidback approach to the listener.
This writer ranked London trio DAUGHTER’s debut album If You Leave the third best to come out in 2013. So it is with great anticipation – and not without fear of disappointment – that we this month welcome their follow-up NOT TO DISAPPEAR. Thankfully, it is a strong and efficient sophomore record that not only reminds you of the band’s potential, but their already well established delicious sound. It would be unfair to compare it to their debut after just a couple of weeks’ exposure, but even though it does not already have the immediate impact of its predecessor it is a delicate and soulful collection of tunes. Founder and singer Elena Tonra still has the ability to tear your heart to shreds with just a few bars and her haunting voice is the key element carrying every track on the album. It comes with great arrangements as well, and there is an even smoother production value to the full record – without compromising the bands original raw and emotional sound that really made their first EPs such an overwhelming experience.
Check out the single Doing the Right Thing, which comes with a gorgeous video from Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, the directors of last year’s Nick Cave documentary 20,000 Days on Earth.
