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Even if you never heard of Talking Heads, this concert film will blow your mind.
David Byrne, the performance, the camera, the whole dramaturgy and of course some good but never old punk, rock, funk, new wave music … don’t even know what genre to put them.
Feb 1, 2024
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Eno is the new documentary about Brian Eno directed by Gary Hutswit. The movie uses a programmed script to show different footage and edit the film in a unique way every single time it is played— no version is definitive, and none will be seen again. You could view that as a gimmick, but the idea runs parallel to Eno’s invention of generative music, and his belief in planting artistic seeds that continue to grow after he lets go.
I’m sure its iterations remain somewhat consistent, because it felt fairly cohesive and thematic to me. But instead of regurgitating his Wiki page at you in chronological order, it focuses on Eno’s artistic philosophy, his singular character and the way he lives his life now. All that with plenty of detours into archival footage featuring recording sessions with David Bowie, Talking Heads, U2, Roxy Music, John Cale, etc. Also he’s really funny.
Easily one of the most interesting music docs I’ve seen.
Jul 16, 2024
I usually can’t bear documentaries where people just sit and tell stories on camera, so this one was such a gem for me. it’s entirely made up of footage from Bowie’s speeches and performances, much of which had never been seen before. the editing is boldly creative, and the overall experience feels like a trip
Aug 26, 2024
IMO this is one of the finest rock-docs ever made. Not sure how close to reality it really is (maybe more "film" than "documentary"), but filmmaker Ondi Timoner followed the bands in question (Portland's Dandy Warhols and SF's Brian Jonestown Massacre) for seven years, amassing something like 2500 hours of footage, to craft a narrative that basically portrays a love/hate relationship between the bands (at one point, BJM frontman Anton Newcombe sends each member of Dandy Warhols a bullet with his/her name on it). I had the advantage of knowing both bands on their own terms -- the Dandys' Courtney Taylor-Taylor is a longtime friend, and I've been a fan of BJM for years, as my reviews/interviews would show -- so I can pick around a bit between what seems real (the music itself, life on the road, dealing with labels and the biz) and what seems contrived (the friction between the bands, Anton's seemingly over-the-top persona). The Dandys are THE most fun hang of all time -- their rehearsal space-cum-party cabin/clubhouse, the Odditorium in Portland, took up a full city block and hosted absolute ragers over the years (including an amazing night with David Bowie and band). The film is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and Timoner has added scenes and additional narration from BJM tambourine player (!!) Joel Gion to bring the movie up to date and balance out some of the overblown-ness of the original version. Compulsive viewing, dead ahead: "Choose your own adventure" with the cameras rolling.
Mar 12, 2024
Top Recs from @patricia_cue
Is there any word or feeling you can’t express in a The Office Meme?
Especially in an Office context.
Feb 7, 2024
Feb 2, 2024