curated cinema: the madness and genius of Brian Wilson
2015’s Love & Mercy is on Prime and Apple TV+ on both sides of the Atlantic.
Beatles
loaded question: what is your secret pop-culture shame?
Similar to a question I asked early this year, but I’m testing the Net algorithms to see how the word shame performs… which might as well be my pop-culture shame…
curated: “Trailers Use Slower and Moodier New Versions of Classic Songs to Lure Viewers”
We’re not paying enough attention to trailers. The beatings will continue until morale improves.
Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound documentary review: why movies sound so great (even if you never noticed before)
Enlightening, thrilling masterclass in the art of cinematic sound, from every moment of groundbreaking history to the difference between sound editing and sound mixing. (Win your next Oscar pool!)
Blinded by the Light movie review: bend it like The Boss
Seriously adorkable teen is saved, in 1987, by the rock poetry of Bruce Springsteen. The Boss is still relevant today, as is, alas, the harsh political and economic setting of Thatcher’s Britain.
Yesterday movie review: imagine there’s no Beatles…
It’s not interested in a world absent the incalculably enormous impact of the Beatles. It’s just a lazy comedy of one running joke, a regular schmoe enjoying unwarranted success, and a blah romance.
My Generation documentary review: when London was swinging
A brilliantly thrilling look back at the flowering of creativity and freethinking spirit of 1960s London, through the thoroughly charming perspective of Michael Caine.
curated: “Princess Leia’s Stolen Death Star Plans”
Absolutely mad genius.
The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years documentary review: yeah yeah yeah
There’s not a lot new here, but the vintage footage is fab, as is the much-needed reminder that the supposedly innocent past was hardly innocent at all.
Jersey Boys movie review: it’s not only rock ’n’ roll…
Director Clint Eastwood’s discomfort with his own material is enormous and obvious. Does he just not get pop music, or is he actively disdainful and suspicious of it?
