User Reviews

It might seem like a slow cinematic piece to some people, but it does have layers. And despite what some people say - acting was good - so with that out of the way - some spoilers ahead. It's about a guy who owns a rather unique recording studio, where he creates refined albums through his approach to sound engineering. The writing seems pretty good. Usually with Latvian cinema feels like there's businessmen, who own "successful" businesses and that's it (what is the business about? No clue). This movie - the business is the passion and the protagonist is confident and acts like a determined artist with a vision. The idea seems believable (there's tape recorders on the walls - like he had this idea of doing it either way back or maybe he does it the old analogue way sometimes). So - like the plot summary mentions - a chance to record a band that's a known name in the industry. So next layer - the family life is complicated. There's the wife, but they are not that close anymore. Insinuations that the studio and artist is holding on by the threads and goodwill of his estranged wife keep popping up again and again. Friction ensues. Another layer - a protegé appears. A classic love triangle? Not exactly. There's power at play - the financial power versus the artistic prowess versus the youth potential, soul searching and volatility. A complicated relationship model - on one hand a family and stability, duties and expectations that go along with it, on the other hand - passion for creation, beauty and freedom to be what you want to be. The "love triangle" feels like a metaphor about life itself and the tough choices one sometimes has to make. Imagine - you want to keep your dream alive but it's getting harder and harder, you get sidetracked, you have to keep up the appearances to be in the game, things collide. The more I think - the more things come to mind. And they got some known musicians to play industry people, which was a really nice touch. So all in all - impressive.