Zero

Australian short from Christine and Christopher Kezelos, Zero

Zero from Zealous Creative on Vimeo.

Point Blank (À bout portant)

A good thriller has to be short, tense, realistic and action, action, action.

Without being anything special or rewriting the book, Point Blank does this very well.

"Samuel Pierret (Gilles Lellouche) is a nurse who saves the wrong guy -- a thief (Roschdy Zem) whose henchmen take Samuel's pregnant wife (Elena Anaya) hostage to force him to spring their boss from the hospital. A race through the subways and streets of Paris ensues, and the body count rises. Can Samuel evade the cops and the criminal underground and deliver his beloved to safety?"

Many a thriller falls into the trap of trying to be too clever or being too damn long. What Point Blank does best, is instilling a sense of realism into some dubious situations. The action is realistic (no stealth bombers Mr Bay), and the acting is sound. The ending is a bit questionable (even the French police aren;t that lax!) but it works well and occupies its 80+ minutes runtime well.

Nothing extraordinary but good fun.

All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace

Adam Curtis' 3-Part tv documentary centres on the relationship between computers, power, politics and human beings. Set to the best soundtrack you're likely to hear in a documentary.

It starts of with Ayn Rand's theories on self and how they were interpreted, which led to capitalists taking control from politicians. Curtis illustrates how the likes of Alan Greenspan took these theories, and with the advancement of computers, put into practice a system of free economy which he believed could be self-regulating and self-sustainable. What the program shows you is whilst a system seems to be working, it is reliant on elite capitalists and can be destroyed at their whim. And whilst the illusion of equality and functionality may be there, it is a thin veneer to cover up what is really going on.



The second episode concentrates on man using ecosystems as a base to world order and why this is flawed. How computerised systems were thought to be able to copy a natural ecosystem in the belief that it could be self-correcting and self-sustaining. It looks into the environmental and commune movements of the 70s and how they were ultimately let down by natural human order. Curtis asserts that we are trying to reconstruct, through the medium of personal computers, a hippy commune network. Ergo, we are all equal nodes in a system. But no human system is equal. Throughout the series he explores the notion that we are all just a small cog in a larger system.

The final episode focuses on Africa and our relationship to animals. He concentrates on genetics and how we are merely a construct of a bigger purpose. How genes dictate human nature and how computers can enhance this process. How genetic is used by the powerful to exploit the weak and how humans are driven by their genetic programming.

The series is enthralling and deeply depressing. Curtis has a special talent for making documentaries. Instead of a direct approach, he likes to skirt round the edges and link fact and theories together. He turns the factual approach into riveting entertainment. It is very tenuous at times and he employs a style which does not expound solid fact but stays firmly rooted in grey areas. I prefer this way of presentation as it produces more question that it answers, and makes the viewers think and formulate their own opinions.

It paints a gloomy picture of the human race and how Utopian goals can never be reached, as they are sabotaged by the natural human instincts of greed and power. How the wealthy exploit the poor and how computers and the Internet are just a subtle extension of this. How perceived freedoms are merely mirages and why liberalism is often a curse. Curtis looks at the relationship between humans, computers, networks and power.

In the end it's human nature ingrained in our genes that prevents us living in harmony. How technological evolution has left us apathetic, and how we are merely programmed machines who are destroying the world with out thirst for power, wealth and dominion. The most depressing conclusion is that we can do nothing to change this.

Islet

Sometime last year I visited deepest darkest Derby to see Los Campesinos!. The first band on were a group called Islet and they blew everyone's minds. The Cardiff foursome produce a kind of experimental rock music that involves them switching instruments, wandering around and causing major foot movement. They came, they went, and all they left us with was a few sheets of paper and a random fan page. Indeed, they had no recorded material anywhere and hardly any info online.



Fast forward a year and now Islet have released 2 EPs, Wimmy and Celebrate This Place. In all honesty, their recorded work is not a patch on their ferocious live shows. A band that NEEDS to be seen in person.

Bellflower

This went down well at Sundance and is due for release this summer. Looks extraordinary.

"Bellflower follows two friends as they venture out into the world to begin their adult lives. Literally all their free time is spent building flame-throwers and weapons of mass destruction in hopes that a global apocalypse will occur and clear the runway for their imaginary gang "Mother Medusa". While waiting for the world to end, their call to excitement comes unexpectedly when one of them meets a charismatic young woman and falls hard in love. Quickly integrated into a new group of friends, they set off on a journey of betrayal, love, hate, infidelity and extreme violence more devastating and fiery than any of their apocalyptic fantasies. Often life's simplest and most obvious truths are the hardest to see, but once you've burned everything to the ground it may be the only thing left standing."

The Cults

The New York duo burst into our psyche last year with the insanely catchy chilled vibes of Go Outside. They followed it up in the same vein with Abducted. Their debut has just been released and the whole journey seems like a whirlwind.

I must admit, while I really like the songs I'd heard, there weren't many out there and the release of their debut long play in such a small period of time left me with some trepidation. I feared it may end up with a case pf hype over substance. Thankfully I was happily surprised.

Cults - You Know What I Mean by cultscultscults


Drawing heavily on the sound of 60s girl-groups infused with a chillwave indie sentiment, they have managed to produce a very impressive debut. A very strong album from start to finish, and arguably one of the best releases so far this year.

DocFest

One of the highlights of the year in Sheffield is the annual DocFest. It appears to be growing every year in terms of size, scope and prestige. I spent a large part of my Saturday checking out some of the films on show.

First up was If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front.



The new film from the Academy Award nominated Marshall Curry focuses on The Earth Liberation Front, and particularly one of there leading members Daniel who is under arrest facing a life sentence for his crimes. The ELF are a militant environmental splinter group who target companies through property damage/arson. This film premiered at Sundance and raises more questions than it answers. Should he/they be treated as terrorists?(The ELF make sure building that they are destroying are empty). Is what they are doing futile? Who is the villain, the ELF or companies/organisations which harm the environment?

I thought this was an extremely good documentary which makes you think and question. It doesn't take sides and does brilliantly considering the main subject is under house arrest during the filming. Its hard hitting and shows the worst scenes of police brutality I've ever seen. My one gripe is that it didn't touch on the government's(whether Federal or State) role in environmental policy.

Marshall and Sam Cullman (Assistant Director) held a Q & A after which only added to the film.

Next up was Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles.



Since the early 80s mysterious tiles have been appearing first in Philadelphia and then throughout the North Central/Easter US and South America.



The film follows Justin on his mission to solve the mystery behind this urban phenomena. With help from other dedicated followers, he tries to piece the mystery together. The first half of the film is fascinating and riveting as they follow different leads to discover the truth. As the Documentary progresses, and the mystery comes to its conclusion, the focus moves away from the central premise and shifts to the protagonists. Whilst its a very interesting piece of work, I thought the loss of emphasis and the shift was not only clunky but unsatisfying. I think it could use a re-edit as the bits thrown in about Justin destroyed the pace of the films and looked out of place.

The Q & A with the director Jon Foy was enlightening and for a first time feature from someone who did everything himself its a great achievement. Plus I got a badge which is always a win in my book.

Lastly The Cave of Forgotten Dreams



This was meant to be on the big screen on Devonshire Green but, as it sadly died, was moved to the Town Hall. The venue was hardly ideal, but they made the best of it.

The film centres around 32,000 year old cave paintings found in caves in France, and Herzog was given exclusive access to film them. Werner Herzog is a fascinating man, and his sheer presence always adds something to any film. His team of experts are straight out of the Allo Allo book of accents and half of them seem as crazy as him! I'm not sure whether he attracts the offbeat or courts them. The film itself is fascinating and the cave, and its paintings are beautiful. There is also a fantastic mood inducing soundtrack. His awe of the cave clearly comes through in the narration.



I was surprised that this was being shown in 2D as the original concept was 3D, and it suffers for this change. You cannot appreciate the depth of the paintings, which are drawn using the natural contours of the cave. Its great that these screenings are being put on for for to the general public though.

All in all, a great day. The queue management and distribution of staff is as bewildering as ever, but all the volunteers were all very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly.

A Sheffield success story.

Peter Pan Prequel

Looks interesting and great cast

Senna

Before I begin I'd like to admit that I'm not a fan of F1 (or anything car related to be honest). I look at people who are car obsessives like they are from another planet. Its something to get you from A-B in my eyes, and if it doesn't breakdown then all the better.

However, I remember the Prost-Senna battles and the only time I ever got truly interested in it was when Senna was around. Today they are just men piloting spaceships. He really drove. Plus, my dad hated the sound of it, so used to try and watch it to annoy him!

Documentaries are tricky animals. First you need a fascinating subject, and with Senna, you really have that. He was an idol among the Brazilian people, as well as the sporting world. Kids wanted to be Ayron Senna, women wanted to be with him. His human weakness made him all the more beguiling.



Secondly, you need to tell a story in an interesting and informative manner without boring people with facts and figures. I thought this was paced well and a good length(I understand that there's an extended cut with an extra hour which is way too much). The story has to appeal to the masses, not just fans of the subject. I feel this does. Its a human tale with all the right elements.

There is a great breadth of archive footage used from differing sources that presents a real picture of the man. This is where the film's strengths lie. The footage is used well, breaking up the racing with the story off the track.

A thoroughly entertaining, moving and eloquent piece of documentary film making.

Benjamin Francis Leftwitch

The York songsmith has finally got around to releasing his debut album, Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm, and its been worth the wait. Mainly a one man and his guitar job, it is full of delicate, beautiful songs that will make you melt. Have a listen and let the warm melodies wash over you.

Persona

I love Ingmar Bergman films. They are special and unique. They have a timelessness and sanctity about them. They are gentle yet vicious, loving yet destructive. Small studies of life. I love black and white films and find that, quite often, modern day directors place little emphasis on sound or shading. Shadows are wonderful things.

Persona is one of his most thoughtful films:

"A young nurse, Alma, is put in charge of Elisabeth Vogler: an actress who is seemingly healthy in all respects, but will not talk. As they spend time together, Alma speaks to Elisabeth constantly, never receiving any answer. Alma eventually confesses her secrets to a seemingly sympathetic Elisabeth and finds that her own personality is being submerged into Elisabeth's persona."



There are many interpretations of this film. Most seem to centre around the 2 main characters becoming closer to each other and Alma becoming Elizabeth. Personally, I feel that they are actually one-in-the-same and represent both extremes of Elizabeth's psyche. Its a character study, not of one woman, but of humanity in general. Do we speak of such atrocities or do we carry on pretending they didn't happen?

Bergman's films all seem to be a study of the human psyche and mind. About loss and possession. They question every central tenet that humankind holds dear. There are very few directors who can match him in this (Polanski being one of them).

This is a film about nothing and everything.

Emmy The Great - Live at Sheffield Cathedral.

Emmy the Great? In a catherdral? Will it be good? Is the Pope Catholic?(Actually, probably best not to mention the Pope-wrong cathedral)

This was my first cathedral gig(I've only got as high as a church so far) and I've not visited Sheffield Cathedral since I was a wee boy. The first thing you notice is how good the sound is. unsurprisingly, the venue lends itself well to live music.

I only caught the end of the support act, Grace Petrie, but she had a fantastic voice (although she did go a but Billy Bragg at the end)

Next up was Emmy playing many new songs from her forthcoming album, Virtue, along with some older songs and covers of The Pixies and Meat Puppets songs(which worked especially well in the setting). The new songs worked well and bodes well for another strong album. I like her best when she plays for stripped-back songs. They seem a lot more personal and emotive. More of these would have been nice, but that is my only minor quibble on what was a lovely evening.

Stranded Horse

Stranded Horse is a very unique creature. Not only does he take a virtually unknown instrument on these shores and produces beautiful songs, he also imbues his creations with a sly wit and humour.

Humbling Tides is a work of extreme beauty and talent and deserves to be acknowledge alongside the best folk music produced today.

X-Men: First Class

"In 1963, Charles Xavier starts up a school and later a team, for humans with superhuman abilities. Among them is Erik Lensherr, his best friend... and future archenemy."

I was always a Marvel boy, but I only ever skimmed the surface of the X-Men and all the spin-offs. It was all a bit confusing. We've had 4 X-Men related films and, whilst they started off alright they went horribly wrong.

The thing is, these films were nothing but a chain of set-pieces connected together. Its the problem with most superhero movies, they just aren't films they are Michael Bay's bastard children. There are a few exceptions but mostly this is the case.



I'm happy to report that X-Men: First Class is one of these exceptions. Its almost perfectly done.

Firstly, it makes a huge difference when you cast quality actors. The main players are all superb. Its perfectly paced and all the set-pieces hit the mark. Kevin Bacon is superb as are both Fastbender and McAvoy.



Origin films are always tricky and this is one of the best that I've seen. X-Men has never been about superheroes, it's about how people fear what they cannot understand. They try and exclude and destroy them. People often fail to appreciate this with superhero movies.

What Dreams May Come

"Chris Neilson dies to find himself in a heaven more amazing than he could have ever dreamed of. There is one thing missing: his wife. After he dies, his wife, Annie killed herself and went to hell. Chris decides to risk eternity in hades for the small chance that he will be able to bring her back to heaven."

What people tend to not realise about film is that its not about the entertainment, big action set-pieces, big star names or a talking robot, it's about emotions. Great films move you. Whether that's to tears, fear, happiness, anger, it doesn't matter. A film without emotion is a hollow shell. This film really hits you hard because it's a film with heart and soul. Sure, it borders on cheesy and melodrama at times, but it will have you in floods of tears.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

I'm always wary of remakes but this trailer (courtesy of the Sony marketing department) is rather fabulous.

Johnny Hiro-Fred Chao

Johnny Hiro, part-Asian, part Hero. Johnny lives in new York with his Japanese girlfriend, struggling to make ends meet. He works a low wage job in a sushi restaurant. When not working, Johnny spends his time being chased around by Godozilla, Samurai Warriors and angry Chinese people.

This is not about heroes and villains, its about paying the rent.

Is Tropical-The Greeks

This is one of my favourie music videos




The song is from the debut album of London boys Is Tropical which is due out soon.

Almost looked as fun as this to make

Cloud Control

The gradual Australasian invasion continues with the likes of The Naked and Famous, Tame Impala, Cassette Kids, Temper Trap, Gypsy and the Cat and The Middle East making waves over here in the last couple of years.



However, I'd like to wage than none will have the same success as Cloud Control. Perched somewhere between early REM, Yeasayer, Paul Simon and The Mama and Papas, they produce catchy radio friendly tunes. Full of warmth and spirit. Their debut album is one of the best you'll hear this year.

Julia's Eyes (Los ojos de Julia)

In all fact this should be one film I avoided. Firstly, it's a "presented by" film (in this instance Guillermo Del Toro)and I hate the concept (not to mention they are generally rubbish). Secondly, it involves eyes. Now I have a phobia about eyes, probably due to several eye operations when I was a child. I cowered through Audition and Eye. I can't bring myself to wear contacts as I'm too scared of damaging my eyes.

However, I'd heard good things and the film stars Belén Rueda who was fantastic in The Orphanage. Indeed, she is the main reason this film works and manges to hold it all together. Its a film that starts strongly but begins to get lost half way through. The first half is a treat of creepy, beautifully staged scenes. Great use of light and sound.

Its a good film that works well(although the second part seems a lot more rushed). I was impressed by the direction and acting. Great use of perspective. There were some squeals from the back of the cinema (which is always a good sign).

Ghost Eyes

Its been a while...

anyhow, let's try and keep this going shall we..I've decided to mix music and film, as I have the inability to keep 2 seperate blogs running.

I first heard Phantom Mountain, the first single from Ghost Eyes a while back and it blew me away. Its hard to describe. Eastern beats and London fuzz. It came out last week and hopefully they will be touring shortly.