December 21st, 2007
Lists glorious lists
As it’s taken me an age to get around to my best albums of 2007 list (still not finished) and I’ve got a few book recommendations to post too, I won’t get time to do a best film round-up. However, let me hyperlink you in the direction of the very capable John Maguire, who has just posted his best and worst films of 2007. It’s a great list, except I would also add Werner Herzog’s Rescue Dawn and Garage.
At the top of John’s list is the very fine and lengthily titled The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. The cinematography is gorgeous; full of icy charcoals and greys - it’s the most unconventional western, full of wintery scenes and not a parched desert in sight. Try and see it in the cinema if you can, and listen out for Nick Cave’s lovely, eerie soundtrack.
December 21st, 2007 at 1:11 pm
What perfect timing. That just opened in Rome today, and it’s in English. I’d just mailed Major to meet me at the cinema after work. Now I’m all excited.
December 21st, 2007 at 1:22 pm
Red, it turns the notion of “Western” on its head. The colours are dark and murky, the setting is muddy trails and overcast hills rather than sun-baked deserts. It’s about characters, not action. The narrative arc is interesting because rather than looking at the James’ gang at their peak, it focuses on its decline. Pitt is surprisingly good too.
Let me know what you think (and about the soundtrack too).
December 21st, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Thanks for the link, Sinead. I am glad you enjoyed my nerdish list-making. Have a lovely Christmas.
December 22nd, 2007 at 6:52 pm
Sinead,
Speaking of book recommendations…, what is the name of the book you recommended on the Ryan Turbidy show at the beginning of December? It was from a small publisher and about a couple who meet in a shopping arcade and are engaged in an investigation. Thanks in advance, Doug.
December 22nd, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Hi Doug, it’s a book called What Was Lost by Catherine O’Flynn. It’s published by Tindal Street Press.