Max Aruj Shares His New Track From Gangster Film ‘Lansky’
Max Aruj reunites with writer-director Eytan Rockaway in Lansky, a crime drama starring Sam Worthington and Harvey Keitel as the legendary gangster Meyer Lansky.
After collaborating with Rockaway on the psychological thriller The Abandoned (2015), Aruj felt comfortable delving even deeper creatively with Lansky's score. The result is a beautifully intertwined sonic reflection of both the darkness and sentimentality of the complicated Meyer Lansky. But before we listen to the exclusive track, continue reading to learn more about the man behind the music.
Max Aruj was born to score. After taking to classical music at 6 years old, he went on to receive a Bachelor's in Music Composition at the USC Thornton School of Music. Since then, his contribution to the world of composition with a classical flare has brought him to both the indie music stage and the Hollywood silver screen. Aruj composed and conducted arrangements for DJ and producer Gryffin at Coachella 2019 (and co-produced his orchestral album 'Gravity (Deluxe)' in 2020), as well as composing additional music on Mission: Impossible - Fallout for Lorne Balfe and The Crown for Hans Zimmer and Rupert Gregson-Williams.
Cinemacy is thrilled to premiere the opening title track from Aruj's latest film, Lansky. Listen below.
"Working on Lansky really pushed me to dig deep to come up with a melody that encapsulates his whole life. He experienced both great triumph, and great sadness. He stopped at nothing to achieve his goals, but at great costs,” says Max Aruj.
The title track, which runs about five minutes long, starts slow with a quietly beautiful blend of strings and builds to an all-encompassing anthem that is both full and bold.
The soundtrack will be released on June 25 on Lakeshore Records — the same day of the U.S. theatrical release. You can now pre-save the album here.
'Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer' Review: Bodies And Stories Were Buried–Until Now
Throughout history, the United States has been the home of dozens of racially-fueled massacres that were never brought to light. One of the most egregious atrocities is the 1921 Tulsa, Oklahoma race massacre which saw an entire community burned down by white mobs. Over 300 black men, women, and children were killed and dumped in unmarked mass graves, their possessions stolen, and dignity affected for generations. In the documentary Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer, documentarian Dawn Porter sheds light on this horrific tragedy and challenges our idea of what justice looks like today. Make America great again? For a large majority of minorities, America was never great to them before.
Expression
Dawn Porter is one of the most important working filmmakers today. She has her finger on the pulse of culturally significant stories about strong figures who stand up for what they believe in, even if it's against the status quo. Rise Again's message compliments Porter's previous work, including The Way I See It and John Lewis: Good Trouble. She is a natural storyteller who elicits empathy but never weakness from her subjects. Her delicate approach to such a heavy topic is a natural skill. Despite the death and destruction that permeates the narrative, Rise Again leaves us with an activated sense of introspection about how we can create a more just tomorrow.
Expression: 4 out of 5 stars
Daring
For many people who lived through the 90s, the term "race riot" might bring to mind the horrific images of the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles. However, race riots have been around for decades, as documented in Rise Again's stark black and white photographs. The film centers around award-winning Washington Post journalist and Oklahoma native DeNeen Brown who, along with descendants of the Tulsa Massacre victims and current Tulsa state officials, speak to the reality of what happened 100 years ago and how it is still affecting the black population today. It's uncomfortable to see just how dehumanizing the black community was made to feel at the hands of white people, but Dawn Porter educates viewers in a way that doesn't feel shameful or spiteful, just hopeful for a better future for all.
Daring: 4 out of 5 stars
Craft
Like all of Porter's film, Rise Again is a finely-tuned cinematic achievement. The combination of compelling sit-down interviews interspersed with archival footage and photographs from 100 years ago humanizes the victims in a way that will leave anyone breathless. Every interviewee is given ample time to make sure their personal stories are heard and the result is a deeply felt tapestry of resilience and strength. Dawn Porter and crew really nailed this one.
Craft: 4 out of 5 stars
Impact
The term "Red Summer" was coined because the blood from black bodies flowed through the streets nonstop. Innocent black communities and individuals were targeted by white men who unjustly feared their jobs or lives were in danger, and were killed by the hundreds. Yet, these events have been historically left out of American history books because of shame and guilt. Pretending that these massacres never happened is equally offensive as the acts themselves, and that is why Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer is so important to American cultural awareness. This film is an important piece of history.
Impact: 5 out of 5 stars
Conclusion
The ghosts of racial tension that were present in 1921 still haunt us today, 100 years later. Educating people about the truth of these events – however horrific and upsetting – will hopefully lead our nation towards collective healing and conscious change. Ignoring the stains on our past is not progress, we must acknowledging our wrongdoings to make sure history doesn't repeat itself.
Conclusion: 4 out of 5 stars
'Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer' will premiere on National Geographic on Friday, June 18, and will air globally in 172 countries and 43 languages. It will also be available to stream on Hulu the same day, commemorating Juneteenth – a day that celebrates when the last enslaved Black people in Texas received news of their emancipation, marking the official end to slavery in the United States.
'Stockholm Syndrome' Tribeca Review: A$AP Rocky Recounts His (Unfair) Arrest
In July of 2019, A$AP Rocky was arrested in Sweden and charged on suspicion of assault after a violent incident that was provoked by two young men went public. A video shared by TMZ went viral, and it didn't help that their clickbait headline wasn't an accurate depiction of what actually happened. In the new documentary Stockholm Syndrome, the Swedish authorities were going to make an example out of A$AP Rocky, and it didn't matter whether the punishment fit the "crime."
Directed by The Architects, Stockholm Syndrome shows how A$AP Rocky addresses that time in his life when money or fame couldn't get him out of legal problems, no matter how unfair and racially motivated they seemed to be.
The documentary goes in-depth into the early life of A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers. Even as a child, his mother and his friends all considered him to be a pioneer and trendsetter whose natural born talent never went unnoticed.
Speaking directly to the camera, A$AP Rocky reflects back on his upbringing, growing up with a father in prison and without black peers in school. He found refuge in music and the authenticity in his words connected with so many, catapulting him into superstardom.
About half of Stockholm Syndrome covers the arrest and trial of A$AP Rocky, in real time. Playing out like a courtroom drama with the engaging Slobodan Jovicic as A$AP Rocky's defense attorney and former President Donald Trump's unrequested involvement, the energy and anticipation is thrilling to watch, even if we already know what happens. The film also gathers interviews from his friends and industry peers, including Kim Kardashian (ex-West).
A$AP Rocky has an "Everything happens for a reason," attitude about life. He is earnest when he admits that many rappers flaunt their struggles for clout, but that is something he will never do. His humble, down to Earth persona is refreshing and unexpected for such a big celebrity, and The Architects captured this perfectly. I didn't know much about his life before, but after Stockholm Syndrome, I feel like I know not just A$AP Rocky, but Rakim Mayers too.
And because I know you're all wondering, yes – Rihanna does make a cameo as well.
'Gully': An Aesthetically Rich Debut from Director Nabil
Nabil Elderkin – or just Nabil, as he is more widely known – is the man responsible for the aesthetically brilliant music videos for the likes of Kanye West, Bon Iver, and countless other cultural icons of the moment (many of which have gone on to become viral sensations). And as of last week, Nabil made his directorial debut with a world premiere screening of Gully at the Tribeca Film Festival. Nabil takes the same cinematically-styled approach as he does in his music videos to bring screenwriter Marcus J. Guillory's emotionally-drenched drama to life.
Gully is billed as a "slightly dystopian version of LA." While there is truth in that observation, the dystopia isn't a farfetched depiction of chaos – it's all rooted in reality, which makes for an even more affecting watch. Best friends Jesse (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), Calvin (Jacob Latimore), and Nicky (Charlie Plummer) live within blocks of each other on the streets of South Central LA and all come from troubled backgrounds. The effects of abuse, mental health issues, and an overall lack of supervision are contributing factors to the boys' tough outer shells and disregard for others around them. Out of boredom and abandonment, the boys cause fun-minded havoc around their impoverished community, despite the ominous warnings from the local homeless prophet, Mr. Christmas (Terrence Howard). They may have been forced to grow up prematurely, but these are still young boys in need of a childhood, trying to figure out who they are and where they're going amidst the chaos and unfair dealings that life has in store for them.
Read More: A Beginner's Guide To: Kelvin Harrison Jr.
Combining mixed animation, a pulsating soundtrack, and captivating performances from this trio of rising talent – Latimore, Plummer, and Harrison Jr. – Gully is a bold feature for everyone involved, both in front of and behind the lens. Amber Heard, John Corbett, Robin Givens, and Jonathan Majors lend emotional depth and stability to the film as supporting actors (with a special cameo by Travis Scott in an enjoyable surprise). Together, Nabil and Guillory have created a film as untethered as its leads, even forgoing a traditional three-act structure in favor of a looser and unpredictable vibe.
Gully is a reflection of a modern-day society devoid of the rose-tinted glasses often worn by the privileged. Our protagonists come from a marginalized group of underrepresented kids who have been and continue to be, in some cases, overlooked by the rest of society. This disregard for the troubled is a stain on the idealized image of any city striving for inclusion and prosperity for all. If the goal behind Gully is to evoke emotion, then Nabil and company should know that this film is a success.
This review originally ran on May 2, 2019 during the Tribeca Film Festival
Distributed by Vertical Entertainment, 'Gully' is now playing in select theaters with an On Demand and Digital release from Paramount Home Entertainment on June 8th.
'All Light, Everywhere' Review: The Corruption of the Camera
This review originally ran on Feb 1, 2021 during the Sundance Film Festival.
In his latest documentary, All Light, Everywhere, experimental filmmaker Theo Anthony (Rat Film) de-mystifies our good faith in modern technology as he puts an artfully-abstract lens on a hot button social issue that is currently plaguing our communities. In a somewhat meta sense, Anthony dissects the creation and purpose of the camera, coming face to face with its historical uses and, in his eyes, modern-day hidden abuses.
Comprised of a wide-ranging collection of stories that span from the advent of the camera, up to its present-day uses within police forces and private agencies, All Light, Everywhere aims to expose the inherent corruption of the camera by way of its subjective photographer. Anthony transports us all the way back to the 19th century at the advent of astronomical stargazing, up through 1918, observing the silent soldiers of WWI: the actual pigeons that were trained to photograph behind enemy lines during wartime.
While all fascinating history lessons, most of the film stays in the present to focus on Axon, a company with a near-monopoly on body cameras and tasers in the United States. As we tour the Axon facility, we're given a behind the scenes look at not only how police body cameras and tasers are made, but the ethical problems inherently attached, which have the potential to create life or death situations for those at the center of the lens.
For as much substance as All Light, Everywhere emits, it's also equally as stylish. The dark subject matter is easily digestible by Anthony, who breaks the 4th wall during filming to innocently poke fun at his main interview subject (Axon spokesman Steve Tuttle) and posing interesting rhetorical questions (brought to life by voiceover artist Keaver Brenai). "Every image has a frame, and every frame has a world that's excluded beyond its edges," is just one of the quotable one-liners here. My personal favorite was the follow-up statement: "When we understand something, we say 'I See,' even though we don't."
In All Light, Everywhere, not all technology is seen as evil; the fact that it can help us overcome the limitations of our human potential is a significant counter reason. Set against a dreamy, high-tech score from composer Dan Deacon, All Light, Everywhere is an eye-opening experience that leaves us questioning how we can trust the hands that this technology falls into.
Distributed by Super LTD, All Light, Everywhere is now playing in select NY and LA theaters.
'Breaking Boundaries' Review: David Attenborough Begs Us To Trust Science, Again
Sir David Attenborough is back with another troubling but ultimately inspiring documentary about the climate crisis and how we must, must, believe the science if we are to stop hurling towards total irreversible destruction. Not a light watch, but a necessary one. Directed by John Clay, Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet is another important addition to the Attenborough school of life.
Expression
Shrinking glaciers in Sweden, rainforest degradation in the Amazon, it feels like we're becoming all too familiar with the devastating effects of the ongoing climate crisis. Sir David Attenborough has continuously tried to nail it into our heads that if we don't act now, life on the planet as we know it will be irrevocably changed forever. His latest film is more of the same – hauntingly bleak statistics, facts, and figures that are sure to wake you up – but this go around feels like more of a stern lecture from a disappointed mentor than his previously more digestible, slightly optimistic films. It gets the point across, sure, but Breaking Boundaries left me feeling more hopeless than hopeful.
Expression: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Daring
There can never be too many climate crisis documentaries. Why? Because we haven't solved the problem yet. Until then, I expect to see more films focused on this universally important issue with each one getting more serious than the next. In Breaking Boundaries, most of the information is relayed to us by world-renowned scientist Professor Johan Rockström. Throughout its 75-minute runtime, the film takes us on a journey of discovery of the 9 planetary boundaries we must maintain to keep our planet thriving at optimum capacity and protect Earth’s life support system. It feels like more of a scare tactic approach than a whimsical visual journey but maybe cold, hard facts are what some people need to truly pay attention.
Daring: 3 out of 5 stars
Craft
If you're expecting another Attenborough film with animals galore, you may be disappointed with Breaking Boundaries. Instead of primates, director Jon Clay focuses more on the people who have studied and researched the Earth's ecosystem for years. Interviews with scientists and scholars are conducted in a stereotypical talking heads style, and almost half of the film feels comprised of computer-generated graphics and TED-talk charts. We do see evidence of global warming in nature; from melting ice caps in Greenland to burned carcasses of animals in Australia's forests, there are still plenty of shocking imagery to absorb here.
Daring: 3 out of 5 stars
Impact
Typically, Attenborough documentaries are so impactful because of the stunning visuals that act alongside the narration. However, Breaking Boundaries lacks the imagery we've come to expect from past films and almost makes it seem like this would have been a good podcast. The facts are terrifying: We've already lost about 20% of the Amazon, air pollution kills over 7 million people every year and takes 3 years off of every human's life expectancy, etc. Not the most reassuring statements. Attenborough doesn't leave us on a doom and gloom note and instead offers us some simple solutions that we can easily implement into our daily lives. A couple of takeaways to help reduce carbon emissions are to plant more trees and eat more plant-based foods, less red meat. These are cost-effective and achievable and can truly save the planet.
Impact: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Conclusion
"It's a remarkable time to be alive," he exclaims despite all the worrying news he just shared. If Sir David Attenborough – Earth's #1 loyalist – can still find reasons to be optimistic about our planet's future, then we should too. The facts may be scary, unsettling, and overwhelming but by taking small action steps, including educating yourself and others by watching nature documentaries on Netflix, we can begin to create global change.
Conclusion: 3 out of 5 stars
'Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet' is streaming on Netflix on Friday, June 4, 2021.
'North Hollywood' Review: A Coming of Age Film on Skate Life
Hollywood is the epicenter of pursuing dreams. People flock there from all over the world for the small chance to make it in the entertainment industry. Just beyond the hills of Mount Hollywood – away from the infamous walk of fame and the boulevard's bright lights – is North Hollywood, a place often left out of the conversation (since it is in the valley, after all). In his directorial debut, filmmaker and skater Mikey Alfred shows that North Hollywood is also a breeding ground for dreamers and doers.
Expression
If you're familiar with the world of skateboarding, you've probably heard of Mikey Alfred. Mikey is the founder of skate crew & company Illegal Civ and served as co-producer on Jonah Hill's directorial debut Mid90s (A24). Sticking to what he knows best, Mikey's film tells the story of Michael (Ryder McLaughlin), a high school senior who wants to pursue his dream of becoming a professional skater instead of following the college status quo, much to the detest of his father (Vince Vaughn). His friends (Nico Hiraga and Na-Kel Smith) encourage his nonlinear path but when Michael gets caught up in a relationship with his longtime crush Rachel (Miranda Cosgrove), he starts to doubt what is the best move for him. The film feels like Mikey's own coming-of-age story, an extremely personal, slice of life film that will no doubt resonate with Gen Z audiences, and especially fans of Illegal Civ.
Expression: 4 out of 5 stars
Daring
Putting professional skaters in front of a camera and calling "action" is a risk in and of itself (I say that from experience). But Mikey's faith in his cast is strong and they deliver. Of course, they're not aiming for Oscar recognition but the entire cast, including Blake Anderson, Euphoria's Angus Cloud, and even Mid90s' Sunny Suljic, all bring an authentic and fun energy to their roles. It's also a blast to see Mikey incorporate a good amount of skate footage into the film like kickflips, ramps tricks, and plenty of fails. After all, he is working with an insanely talented and stellar crew.
Daring: 3 out of 5 stars
Craft
North Hollywood is backed by some pretty legit producers and exec producers, including Pharrell Williams, Noah Centineo, and Mimi Valdés to name a few. Their experience enhances Mikey's signature blend of classic Hollywood cinema and youth culture. It's a fairly traditional comedy/drama but considering the fact that 26-year-old Mikey wrote and directed the film, it's a huge achievement.
Daring: 3 out of 5 stars
Impact
Has a movie like this been made hundreds of times over? Sure. But what's unique about North Hollywood is the genuine authenticity that illuminates from the screen. These aren't your typical "too cool for school" skater boys, Michael is an insecure nerdy type who suffers from hormonal acne and still gets grounded by his dad. The characters here are aspirational skate rats, and that's a term I never thought I'd say.
Impact: 3 out of 5 stars
Conclusion
If you're looking for a less "ultra-hipster" version of Mid90s, I recommend taking a peek at North Hollywood. At its core, the film is a universal message of fighting for a dream; whether that dream is running a board room or pushing a skateboard, aiming for a future that we want is something we should all aspire towards.
Conclusion: 3 out of 5 stars
Distributed by Brainstorm Media, 'North Hollywood' is currently streaming on VOD.
'The Me You Can't See' Review: Prince Harry and Oprah Talk Mental Health Struggles
Co-produced by Oprah and Prince Harry, The Me You Can't See is a documentary series comprised of hour-long episodes that go into intimate detail about their struggles with mental health and just how universal these feelings of helplessness and sadness are. This series is important, personal, and now available to stream on Apple TV+.
Expression
This is by far one of the most heartfelt and vulnerable series that is currently streaming on platforms today. I couldn't get through the first episode without feeling my throat start to tighten up and my eyes start to water from the pure courage it took to lay their emotions bare (and inviting criticism in the process). Seeing how some of the most powerful people in entertainment put on brave faces and pretend like everything's ok, when in reality they're struggling to make it through the day, is heartbreaking. The series also shares the personal journeys of other public figures, including Lady Gaga, with more to be included throughout the various episodes.
Expression: 5 out of 5 stars
Daring
This series is one that needed to be made; it's only a shame that it took until now to do so. The topic of mental health has taken on more importance over the last year when isolation and loneliness was universally felt at an all-time high. Throughout their candid sit down conversation, Prince Harry and Oprah explain how 2020 put a mirror in front of the grief that was already present in so many people, and their goal for the series is to shine a light on the "invisible injury" that is mental health.
Daring: 4 out of 5 stars
Craft
Technically speaking, The Me You Can't See is a very traditional docu-series and visually, it can almost be confused for a 20/20 special. It relies heavily on the "talking heads" style of interview but when the talking heads are Prince Harry and Oprah Winfrey, we don't mind so much. The first episode is broken up into five chapters that highlight different people dealing with their own mental health struggles, none of which are alike. It's a safe narrative structure, the driving force here isn't the cinematic achievements but they stories they propel.
Craft: 2 out of 5 stars
Impact
Everyone who connects to this series in one way or another should feel comforted by the fact that we are all kindred spirits with struggles and insecurities of our own. Acting as a starting point towards collective healing and understanding, The Me You Can't See proves that everyone is carrying some sort of emotional baggage that goes undetected. We shouldn't go through life alone and with The Me You Can't See, now we don't have to.
Impact: 3 out of 5 stars
Conclusion
Whether or not you thought Oprah's March tell-all interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was eye-opening (or eye-rolling), there is more to be discovered in their latest TV collaboration that aims to show the softer, more vulnerable side of these media moguls. It's a series that should be embraced with an open mind and free of preconceived judgements.
Conclusion: 3.5 out of 5 stars
The Me You Can't See is now streaming on Apple TV+.
Listen To Benjamin Woodgates's Track From 'Dream Horse'
Benjamin Woodgates may be young but his resume reads like that of a seasoned pro. In addition to making his debut feature film score in the Toni Collette-starring drama Dream Horse, Benjamin has also orchestrated music for a wide range of films and TV programs including Mission: Impossible - Fallout, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
He's even adapted Jonny Greenwood’s Phantom Thread score for the film’s UK premiere with the London Contemporary Orchestra, as well as created arrangements for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, just to name a few of his many accomplishments.
In this exclusive track premiere that we are excited to share, Benjamin Woodgates proves once again that he's professionally wise beyond his years as he elegantly captures the sounds of optimism in director Euros Lyn's Dream Horse (in theaters this Friday).
Dream Horse tells the true story of Dream Alliance, an unlikely racehorse bred by small-town Welsh bartender Jan Vokes (Toni Collette), who dreams of entering into prestigious competitions. With the support of her community and determination to achieve a goal, Jan's inspirational journey takes her and Dream to the Welsh Grand National, proving that anything is possible with hard work and a little luck.
To capture the Jan's evolving unity with the beloved race horse, Benjamin got creative: he assembled a mix of instruments including an old upright piano, a harmonium, a fiddle, and an accordion which, when initially played together, resulted in wheezy, clunky, and jagged-edged melodies. However, as the characters' bond grows closer together, so does the sound of the ensemble of instruments. In "Let Him Run," whimsically frenetic orchestral strings transport us into the film's center of gravity where emotional tension is high and the impossible seems to actually be within reach.
On working with director Euros Lyn, Benjamin says, "[He] and I worked closely together to create the musical blueprint for this score, meeting regularly in the cutting room in Cardiff and picking up the phone to bounce ideas back and forth. Euros is an accomplished musician himself but made a point of communicating through dramatic and emotional ideas rather than using musical terminology so that we could build a musical language from the ground up.”
Bleecker Street Media is releasing 'Dream Horse' in the U.S. on Friday, May 21 and in the U.K. Friday, June 4, and Decca Records is releasing the OST on Friday, May 21, 2021.
'The Killing of Two Lovers' Review: Crackles With Dread, Until it Doesn't
In The Killing of Two Lovers, written and directed by Robert Machoian, a middle-aged man named David (Clayne Crawford) desperately tries to keep his family of six together during an amicable separation from his wife, Nikki (Sepideh Moafi). Even though they both initially agreed they could see other people, David can't control his hurt towards his wife's new relationship and doesn't hold back in expressing his male agro-rage.
Expression
Similar to how Marriage Story felt like a personal catharsis of sorts for director Noah Baumbach, The Killing of Two Lovers feels like familiar territory to director Robert Machoian. Full of heartache and angst, this character-driven drama tells a modern story of untraditional boundaries within a relationship and the complexities that come with veering from the status quo.
The film buzzes with electricity, Clayne Crawford is a firecracker who knows exactly when to unleash his emotional load or hold back and keep his vulnerabilities close to the vest. Crawford is the breakout from this Sundance-selected film, and I'm excited to see what kind of role he takes on next.
Expression: 4 out of 5 stars
Daring
What sets this film apart from other relationship dramas is that the suspense and tension comes from what we don't see on screen, mainly due to the use (and overuse) of long takes (more later). Robert Machoian's script forces the viewer to use their imagination as to the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of the other characters in the film since we see the story unfold directly through the eyes of the protagonist David.
Although it can feel biased at times, it's an interesting directorial choice which earned Machoian a nomination for the NEXT Innovator Award at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival.
Daring: 2 out of 5 stars
Craft
Robert Machoian seems to really like the "long take" technique, as he falls back on this shooting style a little too often throughout the film. The first couple of uses are mesmerizing as we follow David running down a snow-lined street, or watch David drive his truck down the highway to catch up with his wife's new boyfriend, or watch David and his kids set off mini-rockets, or... you get the idea.
This observational aesthetic would have been more impactful if used more sparingly. Nevertheless, the scenes are gorgeous and cinematographer Oscar Ignacio Jiménez creates a boundless cinematic landscape to fall in love with, almost on par with Nomadland. The soundscape is also noteworthy; much of the film's tension comes from quick cues and eerily ambiguous sounds.
Craft: 3 out of 5 stars
Impact
For as much as The Killing of Two Lovers feels like a never-ending upward swing of emotional chaos, ultimately and unfortunately, it is met with a lackluster ending. After investing an hour and a half into this messy and complicated family, I was hoping for an ending that fit the bill. But that's life– unpredictable and sometimes: disappointing.
Impact: 2 out of 5 stars
Conclusion
While it wasn't as hard-hitting or impressionable as I had hoped, The Killing of Two Lovers is undeniably rich in its visual aesthetic. It could be argued that it has a slight case of "style over substance" syndrome, but overall it is an impressive early feature from all involved.
Watching The Killing of Two Lovers is best compared to witnessing a thunderstorm. First, the calming, almost zen-like rain begins to intensify, and the ground starts to slightly tremble with the anticipation of what's to come. A bright light flashes, catching you off-guard. Then a large crash echoes throughout the sky, causing a range of emotional instability like panic, bewilderment, or fear. And then it's over, just as quickly as it came on.
Conclusion: 3 out of 5 stars
NEON will release 'The Killing of Two Lovers' in theaters and on demand Friday, May 14th, 2021.
Peter Baert Premieres Track from David Oyelowo's ‘The Water Man’
The Water Man is a film of firsts for both Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Emmy-nominated actor and producer David Oyelowo, as well as Belgian-born composer and commercial sound studio founder Peter Baert.
The family adventure film marks Oyelowo's directorial debut and Baert's first foray into composing for an English-speaking, major Hollywood feature. But despite their "inexperience," when you have Oprah Winfrey serving as co-producer, it's safe to assume that both men are in good hands.
The film tells the story of Gunner (Lonnie Chavis), a young boy who sets out on a quest to save his ill mother (Rosario Dawson) by searching for a mythic figure who possesses the secret to immortality, the Water Man. He befriends a mysterious local girl, Jo (Amiah Miller), along the way and the deeper into the forest they go, the more dangerous it becomes. Their only hope for rescue is his father (David Oyelowo), who will stop at nothing to find them.
Reflecting the film's ethereal soundscape, Baert's score is a mix of classical orchestra, piano, percussion, and electronics. Leaning into the electronic/synth side, he processes certain cues, like the Water Man’s screams and sighs, through long delays, modular tools, and tape echoes to create what he calls “The Water Man Synth.” In the exclusive track "Gunner's Theme," Baert mixes fantasy-like notes with sweeping strings to create an emotionally triumphant arrangement.
On working with the first-time director, Baert shares that “David Oyelowo is such a wonderful human being and a gifted storyteller. He took a giant leap in choosing me as a composer and I felt his trust and guidance throughout the time we worked together.”
The feeling is mutual. When asked about working with Baert, Oyelowo says, “Music and sound in film have always been important to me, which is why I consider myself lucky to have met composer Peter Baert when I did. While in post-production on The Water Man, I was working with another composer and had initially cut Peter’s music in as an experiment, and it all just worked perfectly. Within a week, he flew over, sat next to me in the edit, and that's how he became my composer.”
Lakeshore Records is releasing the OST of 'The Water Man' Friday, May 7, 2021. It is available to stream and purchase here.
'About Endlessness' Review: A Beautiful Look at Life's Mundane Moments
Famed Swedish director Roy Andersson likes getting deep. Best known for his philosophically-charged films like A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence and A Swedish Love Story, the auteur is back with another introspective work about the mystery and mundanity of life. About Endlessness is a collection of vignettes that show the inconsequential moments of daily living – which Scandinavians make look all too beautifully depressing – and is delivered in a slow burn fashion that feels a bit too lifeless to be life-changing.
Expression
Andersson clearly has an emotionally curious nature about him, and his unique perspective at the splendor and banality of life gives About Endlessness an interesting angle. It plays much more like an art piece than a traditional narrative feature; there is no plot or main characters, just snippets of everyday, highly stylized, moments of life. Death, dancing, and questioning the existence of God all come into play here (and I'd be lying if I said I didn't relate to many of these seemingly taboo thoughts). If you want to feel less alone in your thoughts about the purpose, or lack thereof, of life, About Endlessness will reaffirm your struggle to make sense of the world isn't a singular one.
Expression: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Daring
I'd imagine Andersson went into this project knowing that his target audience would be pretty niche, like his previous films. His commitment to vision won't alienate his biggest fans, especially those who appreciate the film's slow paced nature, and may even catch the eye of those who are wanting a reprieve from the typical sensory overload type of film. About Endlessness doesn't stray too far from Andersson's past work – stylishly speaking – and so while it's not technically daring in a cinematic sense, a case can be made for the subject matter being somewhat controversial for very uptight or ignorant viewers. But let's be honest, uptight people won't have this on their radar anyway.
Daring: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Craft
The visual aesthetic of this film is beautiful, every scene looks inspired by a Renaissance painting. Staying true to his personal style, Andersson loves a long take and every vignette is comprised of just one shot. The choreography is on point as actors move in and out of frame in a tragicomical way, giving this pseudo-documentary an. The whole piece gives off Greek weird wave vibes but less "weird" and more "pondering the vulnerability of existence."
Craft: 4 out of 5 stars
Impact
For as absurdist and boundary-blurring as this film is, I personally felt underwhelmed when the screen cut to black and the credits began to roll. Maybe my expectations were too high as I sat waiting for existential enlightenment to hit me over the head, but I can't say I left the film with much of a takeaway. Unfortunately, despite its stunning cinematography and bold thematics, About Endlessness isn't a film that will stick with me long term.
Impact: 2 out of 5 stars
Conclusion
While this film won't be for everyone, there is no denying the genuine intention behind it. Especially in these times when we're slowly reemerging from our COVID-19 cocoons and re-evaluating what's important in our lives, About Endlessness offers a poignant reflection on human life in all its beauty and cruelty. Roy Andersson says it best, "The main theme of my work is the vulnerability of human beings. And I think it is a hopeful act to create something showing vulnerability. Because if you are aware of the vulnerability of existence, you can become respectful and careful of what you have."
Conclusion: 3 out of 5 stars
'About Endlessness' opens in theaters and on-demand this Friday, April 30th.
'Gunda' Review: A Wordless Film of a Mother Pig Stuns in Black and White
Extreme animals rights activist Joaquin Phoenix has teamed up with director Victor Kossakowsky and NEON to bring the arthouse film Gunda to the big screen. Taking on an executive producer role, Phoenix's passion in support of the film is clear, stating, "Kossakovsky has crafted a visceral meditation on existence that transcends the normal barriers that separate species. It is a film of profound importance and artistry.”
Shot in black and white and with no dialogue or soundtrack, Gunda chronicles the unfiltered lives of a mother pig, a flock of chickens, and a herd of cows with masterful intimacy. This observational documentary sits in a class of its own with its quietly commanding message of animal symbiosis in the natural world.
Expression
Nothing pulls at my heartstrings more than a good animal documentary that is authentic in it storytelling and not set up to create maximum emotional impact. On the contrary, Gunda's lack of any narrative whatsoever is what makes the film so devastatingly beautiful. It requires some mental stamina to sit through, at times I had to wonder if the camera was left accidentally rolling for minutes on end before any sort of action or movement appears in frame. Confident in its directorial choices and unique sensibilities, it's no surprise that Viktor Kossakowsky calls Gunda his most personal and important film he has made as a filmmaker and as a human being.
Expression: 4 out of 5 stars
Daring
Gunda is the definition of an experimental film, and I've never seen anything quite like it. It's not really comparable to the beloved David Attenborough BBC documentaries because there is no dialogue whatsoever here. It stands apart from the nature docs on Disney+ because of its drastic black & white look. Gunda's stark beauty resembles that of a high-fashion Vogue film, but instead of watching waif-like models describe what they eat in a day or give us a tour of their home, we're literally following a pig around a barn. It's not the most daring or visually stimulating film I've ever seen, but what gives Gunda its cinematic strength is the commitment to a bold aesthetic.
Daring: 3 out of 5 stars
Craft
Gunda was apparently a 25-year project for Kossakowsky, and not once did his dedication to the project, or his vision, waiver. What he's created is an innovative documentary that breaks the traditional rules of making movies, notably to never work with animals to save unnecessary headaches and stress. Any film that relies on a wild animal as its protagonist is indebted with risk, regardless if it's a documentary or not. In Gunda, Kossakowsky's entire film rests on the presence of these animals. Plus, the absence of additional music or voice overs leaves so much up to chance, and capturing that unpredictability in its raw, authentic state is the film's biggest strength. The decision to shoot in black and white was intentional for an interesting reason, and seemingly in opposition to how many filmmakers would have approached a film like this. Kossakowsky states, "I didn’t want to show cute pink piglets –and believe me, they are very cute indeed. I didn’t want to seduce the viewer in that way. It felt to me like black and white makes us focus on their soul rather than their appearance."
Craft: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Impact
Unlike some animal rights documentaries that are overly graphic and attention seeking, the message behind Gunda isn't forceful or political. It's a simple message that asks us to slow down and experience life as the animals do. Gunda asks us to meditate on the mystery of animal consciousness and think about how we contribute to their way of life. Can we do better?
Impact: 4 out of 5 stars
Conclusion
I think the best conclusion can be summarized by Paul Thomas Anderson, who so perfectly captured its essence and cinematic importance: "This is a film to take a bath in -it’s stripped to its essential elements, without any interference. It’s what we should all aspire to as filmmakers and audiences -pictures and sound put together to tell a powerful and profound story without rush.” - Paul Thomas Anderson
Conclusion: 4 out of 5 stars
93 min. ‘Gunda’ is now playing at The Landmark theater.
'Mapplethorpe: The Director's Cut' Review: This Second Take is Still Shaky
If you've ever seen a photograph taken by famed artist Robert Mapplethorpe, chances are high that it stopped you in your tracks, and for a moment, took your breath away. The stark images of naked men intertwined with each other, limbs in knots, are clearly provocative and bold–this is apparent even to the untrained eye. But it's the subtext of sexualized flowers within them that really shows off Robert's innate artistic genius. How he is able to take something so ordinary and add such deep, emotional meaning is why his is considered one of the most celebrated and controversial artists of the 20th Century.
Director Ondi Timoner attempts to breathe new life into her 2018 artist bio-pic Mapplethorpe with her new The Director's Cut (now streaming on digital platforms), featuring an all-new soundtrack and previously unseen footage of Robert’s childhood. Seeing the 2018 film's Rotten Tomatoes score may make you hesitant to invest two hours into watching this new version, and unfortunately The Director's Cut doesn't add enough to improve that thought.
Shot on both super 16mm and 8mm, we are transported to the grungy NY art scene where Robert Mapplethorpe (Matt Smith) and his partner Patti Smith (Marianne Rendón) are just getting their start. It's not long before Mapplethorpe, who has been suppressing his sexually curious nature since childhood, feels comfortable enough to embrace his authentic self. This act of self-acceptance is the catalyst for Mapplethorpe "The Artist" to thrive. So begins his journey, where he forms a relationship with powerhouse art collector Sam Wagstaff (John Benjamin Hickey), conquers the art world, and ultimately succumbs to AIDS at 42-years-old.
The film itself feels stale in comparison to its lively and flamboyant subject, which is the biggest disappointment here. The performances are risky, especially for Matt Smith who is naked in a handful of scenes, but it feels like there's a layer of Saran Wrap over the film that's keeping everything from fully expanding. What's missing is an organic fluidity–scenes feel overly scripted and rehearsed in a soap opera sense, which is a shame given the loose cannon nature of Robert's life.
If you're looking for more insight into Robert, his life, and his career, you'd have better luck with the HBO documentary Mapplethorpe: Look At The Pictures. This Director's Cut, unfortunately, proves that sometimes bigger isn't always better.
'Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché' Review: A Tribute to a Rocker and Mother
Marianne Joan Elliott-Said, aka Poly Styrene, was a British punk rock icon who is credited as one of the first mixed-race front-women in the underground music scene. But beyond that, she was also a loving mother–a role that wasn't as flashy as "rockstar," but one that she loved just as much.
In the documentary Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché, Marianne's story is told through her diary entries, voiced by actress Ruth Negga, her daughter Celeste Bell, and some of Poly's industry peers. All pay tribute to the irreplaceable new wave punk artist who left her mark on music forever.
Poly Styrene is best known as the lead singer of the band X-ray Spex, an English punk rock band formed in 1976. As Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché shows, growing up in London was difficult for her, who was of mixed race. She was half-English, half-Somalian, and was always categorized as "half-caste." Her rough childhood followed her throughout her adolescence and adulthood, giving her a hard edge, but to those who really knew her, Poly is described as a sensitive sponge. She absorbed everything around her both good and bad, including the success and the side effects of fame.
In 2011, Poly Styrene passed away from breast cancer. She was just 53-years-old. As the self-described caretaker of Poly's legacy, her daughter Celeste beautifully pays homage to a perfectly imperfect woman. The documentary acts as a memorial to the feminist trailblazer who proudly rocked braces, embraced her fuller figure, and shaved her head when she felt that people were paying more attention to her looks instead of her music. Directed by Celeste, Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché is a touching tribute to a musical maven, courageous woman, and dedicated mother that will inspire you to rock out and share love.