First thing’s first, Abel Ferrara’s latest film “Padre Pio” can’t exactly be described as a biographical drama about Francesco Forgione, the Franciscan Capuchin friar whose stigmata and mystical abilities — as well as his ties to, and later rejection of, fascism — garnered him controversy during his lifetime. While Shia Labeouf stars as Pio and the film sometimes features him, Ferrara isn’t much interested in the particulars of his life in any conventional sense. In fact, he spends much of the film’s running time among the exploited agricultural workers of rural southern Italy who embrace socialism as a means to combat their fascist oppressors. Meanwhile, Pio appears in disjointed vignettes contending with his guilt over various personal failings, like his evasion of military service and his numerous past sins.
The bifurcated structure and disregard for biopic conventions are welcome approaches, especially for a provocative stylist like Ferrara,...
The bifurcated structure and disregard for biopic conventions are welcome approaches, especially for a provocative stylist like Ferrara,...
- 9/5/2022
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
So Adele sang on Saturday Night Live after all — even if it was just a comic medley of her classic hits, playing herself in a parody of The Bachelor. It was the only singing she did all night, but it was enough. Her gig hosting SNL was a tantalizing first glimpse of the new Adele era, as she puts the finishing touches on her upcoming fourth album.
“I know there’s been a lot of chatter about me just being a host,” Adele said in her opening monologue. “‘Why isn’t she the musical guest?...
“I know there’s been a lot of chatter about me just being a host,” Adele said in her opening monologue. “‘Why isn’t she the musical guest?...
- 10/25/2020
- by Rob Sheffield
- Rollingstone.com
Stepping in for the canceled Morgan Wallen on “Saturday Night Live,” Jack White might have proved the most popularly satisfying musical pinch hitter since Aretha Franklin stepped in for Pavarotti on the Grammys 22 years ago. His power-trio double-header set was quickly applauded on social media as one of the most electrifying rock ‘n’ roll performances on the show in decades, and drew extra good will thanks to White using the moment to pay homage to another guitar hero, Eddie Van Halen.
It might have been coincidence that the show announced White would be filling in for Wallen (who was told not to report for work after flagrantly breaking Covid-19 distancing protocols) just a couple of days after Van Halen’s death. Whether purposeful or providential, White did offer a salute first by performing on a customized Eddie Van Halen guitar that he’s used in the past, then by offering...
It might have been coincidence that the show announced White would be filling in for Wallen (who was told not to report for work after flagrantly breaking Covid-19 distancing protocols) just a couple of days after Van Halen’s death. Whether purposeful or providential, White did offer a salute first by performing on a customized Eddie Van Halen guitar that he’s used in the past, then by offering...
- 10/11/2020
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
Warren Haynes touches on his time with the Allman Brothers, his solo career, and his love of the blues in an inspiring three-song performance for Rolling Stone’s In My Room series, presented by Gibson.
Setting up shop at Carriage House Studios in Stamford, Connecticut, Haynes, with a mask around his neck, kicks off the mini set with “Soulshine,” recorded by the Allmans, with lead vocals by Gregg Allman, for their 1994 album, Where It All Begins. Haynes accompanies himself on both acoustic and electric, melding the two separately filmed recordings into one.
Setting up shop at Carriage House Studios in Stamford, Connecticut, Haynes, with a mask around his neck, kicks off the mini set with “Soulshine,” recorded by the Allmans, with lead vocals by Gregg Allman, for their 1994 album, Where It All Begins. Haynes accompanies himself on both acoustic and electric, melding the two separately filmed recordings into one.
- 6/25/2020
- by Joseph Hudak
- Rollingstone.com
Jack White knows which direction his obsessions with American folk, blues and country steered him as an artist. "When you get back to Howlin' Wolf, Charley Patton, Robert Johnson – it basically begins there, and that's the best it ever was and the best it's ever going to be," White declared Thursday night onstage at the Sundance Film Festival, following a preview of the ambitious six-hour American Epic documentary series for PBS.
Along with Sundance founder Robert Redford, White and producer/musician T Bone Burnett are executive producers of American Epic,...
Along with Sundance founder Robert Redford, White and producer/musician T Bone Burnett are executive producers of American Epic,...
- 1/29/2016
- Rollingstone.com
It's calendar-buying time, so here's my annual boosterism for Blues Images' great calendar/CD combo.
In past years the images and accompanying CD tracks were keyed to Paramount Records advertising. This time out, collector John Tefteller's company changes the focus to the upcoming TV series The American Epic Sessions, www.pbs.org/americanepic/ a triptych to be aired on PBS and the BBC next year. That series takes a look at the vintage recording equipment and artists of the 1920s and early '30s, when producers travelling to the artists, instead vice versa, became possible, resulting in so many vivid 78 Rpm recordings of rural music styles in situ (not just blues, though of course that's what's focused on by Blues Images).
Thus, some of the music on Blues Images' annual CD comes from American Epic engineers, but (though this is not clear) it seems that at least some of the...
In past years the images and accompanying CD tracks were keyed to Paramount Records advertising. This time out, collector John Tefteller's company changes the focus to the upcoming TV series The American Epic Sessions, www.pbs.org/americanepic/ a triptych to be aired on PBS and the BBC next year. That series takes a look at the vintage recording equipment and artists of the 1920s and early '30s, when producers travelling to the artists, instead vice versa, became possible, resulting in so many vivid 78 Rpm recordings of rural music styles in situ (not just blues, though of course that's what's focused on by Blues Images).
Thus, some of the music on Blues Images' annual CD comes from American Epic engineers, but (though this is not clear) it seems that at least some of the...
- 12/29/2015
- by SteveHoltje
- www.culturecatch.com
Into the Woods: A Creature Was Lurking in Heller’s Rudimentary Sophomore Film
If it’s nifty poetic title manages to reel you in, you’ll discover a much less memorable narrative at play in Jack Heller’s sophomore effort, Dark Was the Night (if the title sounds familiar, you may be thinking of the 2013 indie Cold Was the Night with Bryan Cranston or the gospel blues song by Blind Willie Johnson). A creature feature filled with familiar scary techniques melded to tangential familial stressors, Tyler Hisel’s screenplay (a writer making a jump from found footage to traditional thriller narratives following the South African flick Safari, 2013) feels rather primitively conceived. A mysterious, mythical beast is unleashed in the woods while the rural townsfolk become terrified as animals disappear and the body count mounts, and the unloved outsider sheriff must contend with stopping the creature from decimating a community...
If it’s nifty poetic title manages to reel you in, you’ll discover a much less memorable narrative at play in Jack Heller’s sophomore effort, Dark Was the Night (if the title sounds familiar, you may be thinking of the 2013 indie Cold Was the Night with Bryan Cranston or the gospel blues song by Blind Willie Johnson). A creature feature filled with familiar scary techniques melded to tangential familial stressors, Tyler Hisel’s screenplay (a writer making a jump from found footage to traditional thriller narratives following the South African flick Safari, 2013) feels rather primitively conceived. A mysterious, mythical beast is unleashed in the woods while the rural townsfolk become terrified as animals disappear and the body count mounts, and the unloved outsider sheriff must contend with stopping the creature from decimating a community...
- 7/23/2015
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Gotham, Season 1, Episode 8: ‘The Mask’
Written by Paul Edwards
Directed by John Stephens
Airs Mondays at 8pm Et on Fox
The season enters a new arc on Gotham as the fallout of last week’s episode, “Penguin’s Umbrella”, begins to take effect. Gordon tried to take down Falcone and failed, but managed to set an example of what a good cop is capable of and also shed a light on how inactive the Gotham City Police Department is, as none of his colleagues came to aid Gordon against Victor Zsasz. This brings out some interesting development between Gordon and Captain Sarah Essen, who regrets not braving the storm with him. The example that he has set has also affected Bullock, who’s now on Team Gordon, which is a highlight of the episode, in particular when Bullock gives a rallying speech to the Gcpd.
The threat of Falcone...
Written by Paul Edwards
Directed by John Stephens
Airs Mondays at 8pm Et on Fox
The season enters a new arc on Gotham as the fallout of last week’s episode, “Penguin’s Umbrella”, begins to take effect. Gordon tried to take down Falcone and failed, but managed to set an example of what a good cop is capable of and also shed a light on how inactive the Gotham City Police Department is, as none of his colleagues came to aid Gordon against Victor Zsasz. This brings out some interesting development between Gordon and Captain Sarah Essen, who regrets not braving the storm with him. The example that he has set has also affected Bullock, who’s now on Team Gordon, which is a highlight of the episode, in particular when Bullock gives a rallying speech to the Gcpd.
The threat of Falcone...
- 11/12/2014
- by Jean Pierre Diez
- SoundOnSight
This week, The Walking Dead returns to the big city. It’s been a long time since we last saw the streets of Atlanta, and it makes a welcome return here. Beth wakes up in a hospital being run by a skeleton staff which consists of a group of wards, local police, a kind janitor named Noah (Tyler James Williams), and one physician, Dr. Steven Edwards (Cullen Moss). Beth was apparently rescued and brought over to recover, but as per usual, something ain’t right. Joining us this week to discuss the episode is Sound On Sight Assistant TV Editor, Deepayan Sengupta.
Playlist
Roky Erickson – “I Walk With A Zombie”
Blind Willie Johnson – “It’s Nobody Fault But Mine”
Support our site / podcast:
Give us a rating on Itunes! It would be greatly appreciated and it helps us reach a wider audience.
Listen to the mp3 version on iTunes via...
Playlist
Roky Erickson – “I Walk With A Zombie”
Blind Willie Johnson – “It’s Nobody Fault But Mine”
Support our site / podcast:
Give us a rating on Itunes! It would be greatly appreciated and it helps us reach a wider audience.
Listen to the mp3 version on iTunes via...
- 11/5/2014
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
"Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey" is one of the most interesting, accessible and beautiful pieces of scientific television to appear in decades -- basically since the original "Cosmos" with Carl Sagan. Revived by host (and astronomer) Neil deGrasse Tyson, Seth MacFarlane (yes, the "Family Guy" guy) and Ann Druyan (Sagan's widow), the new "Cosmos" aims to bring the universe's beauty and wonder to audiences.
Does it succeed?
As long as "Cosmos" sticks to the science it knows best, yes. "Cosmos" is almost as scientifically amazing as it is beautiful. This is no dry textbook -- it's a fun and informative look at the universe.
When "Cosmos" falters -- possibly fatally for some -- is in taking tentative steps away from science and into realms like history and religion. Possibly offensive to some, certainly confusing to many and occasionally inaccurate, "Cosmos" isn't so great in these areas.
But let's look at the show's considerable success first.
Does it succeed?
As long as "Cosmos" sticks to the science it knows best, yes. "Cosmos" is almost as scientifically amazing as it is beautiful. This is no dry textbook -- it's a fun and informative look at the universe.
When "Cosmos" falters -- possibly fatally for some -- is in taking tentative steps away from science and into realms like history and religion. Possibly offensive to some, certainly confusing to many and occasionally inaccurate, "Cosmos" isn't so great in these areas.
But let's look at the show's considerable success first.
- 3/10/2014
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Blues Images: Classic Blues Artwork 2013 Calendar & CD
Somehow, John Tefteller of Blues Images still manages to find a few rarities each year to make his calendar and accompanying compilation CD a must-own even for the most dedicated collectors. Originally inspired to do this annual release by his acquisition of a big "find" of archival Paramount material full of advertising images from the 1920s and early '30s, he has branched out to include material from other labels. For instance, the January picture is a newly discovered 1928 Columbia promotional flyer for Blind Willie Johnson that features the clearest image yet of the one photo we have of him, March features a previously unknown photo of Vocalion artist Memphis Minnie [above], and April boasts the only photo, also a new discovery, of obscure Columbia singer/guitarist Lil McClintock.
The accompanying CD includes tracks from each of these artists, in the latter case the...
Somehow, John Tefteller of Blues Images still manages to find a few rarities each year to make his calendar and accompanying compilation CD a must-own even for the most dedicated collectors. Originally inspired to do this annual release by his acquisition of a big "find" of archival Paramount material full of advertising images from the 1920s and early '30s, he has branched out to include material from other labels. For instance, the January picture is a newly discovered 1928 Columbia promotional flyer for Blind Willie Johnson that features the clearest image yet of the one photo we have of him, March features a previously unknown photo of Vocalion artist Memphis Minnie [above], and April boasts the only photo, also a new discovery, of obscure Columbia singer/guitarist Lil McClintock.
The accompanying CD includes tracks from each of these artists, in the latter case the...
- 12/27/2012
- by SteveHoltje
- www.culturecatch.com
Chicago – Fans of the mash-up work of Seth Grahame-Smith will be pleased to know the first trailer for “Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter” was released today, giving a first look at the 16th president in bloody and explosive vampire action. Based on the book written by Grahame-Smith (who also wrote the mash-up “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies”) the first trailer gives a minute and twenty second look into the new film, accompanied by a little Johnny Cash.
The new film will star Benjamin Walker is Abraham Lincoln, Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Mary Todd Lincoln, Alan Tudyk as Stephen A. Douglas, and Anthony Mackie as William Johnson. The premise of the film is Lincoln’s mother is killed by a supernatural creature and Lincoln takes it upon himself to oust vampires across America and the vampire’s slave-owning helpers. Talk about a twist on classic history.
The film is scheduled for a June 22, 2012 release.
The new film will star Benjamin Walker is Abraham Lincoln, Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Mary Todd Lincoln, Alan Tudyk as Stephen A. Douglas, and Anthony Mackie as William Johnson. The premise of the film is Lincoln’s mother is killed by a supernatural creature and Lincoln takes it upon himself to oust vampires across America and the vampire’s slave-owning helpers. Talk about a twist on classic history.
The film is scheduled for a June 22, 2012 release.
- 2/13/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
London -- The Beatles are up for the fight against pirates.
The estate of iconic British band has pledged its support for the anti-piracy campaign Music Matters by sanctioning a special animated short film set to their recordings.
The Beatles' songs provide the soundtrack for the film's central character, who uses music to mark the milestones in his life. The film – which is available online – aims to encourage people not to fileshare music so artists can get paid for their work.
The U.K. campaign has already been endorsed by artists such as Blind Willie Johnson, The Jam, Nick Cave, Sigur Ros, Kate Bush, Elbow and Paloma Faith. In March it was extended to New Zealand and Australia.
The estate of iconic British band has pledged its support for the anti-piracy campaign Music Matters by sanctioning a special animated short film set to their recordings.
The Beatles' songs provide the soundtrack for the film's central character, who uses music to mark the milestones in his life. The film – which is available online – aims to encourage people not to fileshare music so artists can get paid for their work.
The U.K. campaign has already been endorsed by artists such as Blind Willie Johnson, The Jam, Nick Cave, Sigur Ros, Kate Bush, Elbow and Paloma Faith. In March it was extended to New Zealand and Australia.
- 8/18/2011
- by AP/Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
AP/The Huffington Post (London) -- The Beatles are up for the fight against pirates.
The estate of iconic British band has pledged its support for the anti-piracy campaign Music Matters by sanctioning a special animated short film set to their recordings.
The Beatles' songs provide the soundtrack for the film's central character, who uses music to mark the milestones in his life. The film – which is available online – aims to encourage people not to fileshare music so artists can get paid for their work.
The U.K. campaign has already been endorsed by artists such as Blind Willie Johnson, The Jam, Nick Cave, Sigur Ros, Kate Bush, Elbow and Paloma Faith. In March it was extended to New Zealand and Australia.
The estate of iconic British band has pledged its support for the anti-piracy campaign Music Matters by sanctioning a special animated short film set to their recordings.
The Beatles' songs provide the soundtrack for the film's central character, who uses music to mark the milestones in his life. The film – which is available online – aims to encourage people not to fileshare music so artists can get paid for their work.
The U.K. campaign has already been endorsed by artists such as Blind Willie Johnson, The Jam, Nick Cave, Sigur Ros, Kate Bush, Elbow and Paloma Faith. In March it was extended to New Zealand and Australia.
- 8/17/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Criterion has now released two Wim Wenders-directed films within a few short months of one another. Back in November 2009 they released Wings of Desire and now they bring what is most likely considered Wenders' best film, Paris, Texas to both DVD and Blu-ray. As it turns out both releases made for the first two films I had seen from the famous German director, and both continue to inspire me to seek out more of his work, however I can't say his films are for today's most general of moviegoers.
After watching Paris, Texas I was telling a friend they should check it out. The obvious response was to ask me what it was about. I hesitated for a second and told him the film opens in the middle of the desert where we meet a tired and haggard-looking man named Travis (Harry Dean Stanton) who has been missing for four years.
After watching Paris, Texas I was telling a friend they should check it out. The obvious response was to ask me what it was about. I hesitated for a second and told him the film opens in the middle of the desert where we meet a tired and haggard-looking man named Travis (Harry Dean Stanton) who has been missing for four years.
- 1/26/2010
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
The Public Enemies soundtrack. …Before you ask, hip-hop legends Public Enemy do not feature.
So the soundtrack is half blues/jazz, half Elliot Goldenthal’s score, and opens with contemporary bluesman Otis Taylor’s fantastic cover of “Ten Million Slaves” (as heard in the trailer). Also of note are the new version of classic jazz track “Bye, Bye, Blackbird” sung by Diana Krall and a good bit of Baptist music at track 12.
Elliot Goldenthal scored Heat for Michael Mann, the only other time they’ve worked together. It’s fitting as this is another great crime saga. Here Goldenthal uses a large scale orchestral approach to capture the high style of 30s Chicago and the sense of gloom that came out of the Great Depression. To be honest, his work is a bit too downbeat for me but overall the Public Enemies soundtrack feels fresh by nature of the era...
So the soundtrack is half blues/jazz, half Elliot Goldenthal’s score, and opens with contemporary bluesman Otis Taylor’s fantastic cover of “Ten Million Slaves” (as heard in the trailer). Also of note are the new version of classic jazz track “Bye, Bye, Blackbird” sung by Diana Krall and a good bit of Baptist music at track 12.
Elliot Goldenthal scored Heat for Michael Mann, the only other time they’ve worked together. It’s fitting as this is another great crime saga. Here Goldenthal uses a large scale orchestral approach to capture the high style of 30s Chicago and the sense of gloom that came out of the Great Depression. To be honest, his work is a bit too downbeat for me but overall the Public Enemies soundtrack feels fresh by nature of the era...
- 7/2/2009
- by Sheridan Passell
- Movie-moron.com
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