ESSENTIAL VIEWING THIS MONTH:
After the third installment of the Bourne-series - The Bourne Ultimatum in 2007 - it was said that this would be the final outing for leading man Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass, who directed part two and three of the series. The franchise would go on with Tony Gilroy’s The Bourne Legacy in 2012, with Jeremy Renner in the leading role. It failed dramatically and many considered the series to be officially dead. That was, until Greengrass and Damon started picking up its scent once again. This month Bourne is back, in the simply titled JASON BOURNE. No doubt, it has lost some of its original impact and momentum, but regardless of its origin this is a spectacular action thriller as you’re likely to see. No one handles this style of action set pieces like Greengrass, and Damon (with the least amount of dialogue so far in the series) is as convincing as ever. It does feel a bit repetitive, which one can suppose is impossible not to, but still – this is terrific entertainment and thrill-ridden fun that will probably be enough to ensure another installment of some kind is bound to find its way to the screen soon enough.One of the most fun and original movies you’ll see this season is ELVIS & NIXON. Liza Johnson’s true – believe it or not – story about the time Elvis himself decided to visit President Nixon at the White House to enquiry about the possibility of him becoming an undercover agent. It’s insane premise only works on account of the photograph that proves the story’s authenticity, and once you settle in for it you’re set for a galore of treats. Michael Shannon and Kevin Spacey are absolutely perfect in the titular roles, and play off each other wonderfully. It’s strange and quirky, but also filled with heart and soul – much thanks to Shannon’s understated and clever take on the iconic character.
Michael Shannon is also featured in another treat to arrive this month. MIDNIGHT SPECIAL is the fourth feature film from acclaimed director Jeff Nichols – and Shannon has been in all so far. This however is something very different than the gritty and realistic dramas the pair have delivered previously. A raw and poetic sci-fi tale of a father on the run with his son, a boy with special powers so strong they have attracted the attention of both a cult and a fearful government. Shannon is surrounded by a terrific ensemble, with Joel Edgerton and Kirsten Dunst providing solid support. But ultimately, this is a wonderful and exotic story about family and love, and the sacrifices one has to make in order to ensure the safety of those closest to you. The best sci-fi film of the year.
ESSENTIAL LISTENING THIS MONTH:
After serving nearly half a century as one of Norway’s finest troubadours and songwriters, veteran performer OLE PAUS announced in 2013 that his triple album Avslutningen would be his final release of new music. However, he didn’t say anything about releasing old material and this month sees the arrival of SANGER FRA GUTTEROMMET, a fun and playful collection of tunes recorded with and by his old musical companion Kjetil Bjørnstad in 1972. Some of the songs found life on later releases, but these versions are stripped down and in an obvious demo shape, accompanied by some delightful loose chitchat between the players in between songs. It is possible that this album will only please and serve no one but the die hard fans of either musician. But it is still a lovely and curious release that in time surely will find its place somewhere among the vast and impressive discography belong to both Paus and Bjørnstad.For someone who has not even turned thirty yet, American singer / songwriter ANGEL OLSEN sings with a heavy pathos and confidence, that many more experienced performers probably would envy her. Still, under the slightly intimidating surface there is a vulnerability and clever showmanship on display that makes each of her songs explode in a ton of emotion each time. After a variety of different releases (singels, vinyl LP’s and even cassette tapes) she arrives with a delicious album release this month. MY WOMAN is a great collection of folk and indie rock tunes, delivered with range and conviction. It kicks off in a seductive and playful way before moving into a clever and eclectic style of rock that fits her voice and tune to perfection.
This writer first discovered LISA HANNIGAN through her appearances on Damien Rice’s album O more than ten years ago. She has since featured on more of his work, as well as toured with him. But the Irish singer and songwriter has also been making albums of her own. Her debut Sea Sew (2008) and Passenger (2011) arrived with great critical acclaim, but failed to make an impact on the charts. Her third record AT SWIM might change that. Her beautiful voice alone is worth the price of admission, but there is also much to enjoy here in terms of lyrics and production. Aaron Dessner, of indie darlings The National, produces the album and serves Hannigan as a precious singer but there is also a very poetic touch, with terrific lyrics and a lovely tone. The album arrives at a perfect time, as days shorten and the dark of evenings approaches, you won’t find better accompaniment than this.
Enjoy the single Fall, which also comes with a lovely music video.
