A Film To Kill For

Saw SIN CITY tonight, and will actually see it tomorrow as well, probably. It's awesome, and laughable at the same time. I mean, it really is Miller’s vision, which are some very over-the-top, amazingly violent noir stories, and they’re more shocking here, to the point you have to laugh at the hyperstylization and how many bullets and wounds people can take. It really works, though, if you’re willing to go along for the ride. Works as thrilling entertainment, that is; I can't really say there's much emotional involvement. As violent as it is, though (for one thing, there are, I think FOUR genital mutilations), I doubt this will be as popular as KILL BILL, but I could be wrong. People seemed to dig it pretty well in the theater—one woman was overhead exiting to say it reminded her of MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL with the limbless knight. Jaime King is probably the best of the ladies (Goldie/Wendy), though Alba is fine, and Rosario Dawson is absolutely identical facially to her comics character. Of the males, Rourke is just the most fun to watch, with Owen and Willis about tied for second. Miller was pretty compelling in his cameo as the priest. The shots are absolutely amazing, like Miller’s own take on Expressionism fed back to film with twice the impact. The prison cell, the white bandages on Marv, the white glasses for Elijah Wood’s creepy killer, the reverse silhouettes used in some particularly shocking parts—all wonderful. White is the color of blood, as well, a really interesting stylistic choice. This is really like Miller-As-Amusement Park. I give Rodriguez all the credit in the world for not just trusting Miller's vision but maybe even going farther with it than Miller originally did at times. Not sure what Tarantino directed here, though I suspect it might be Miho killing Rafferty and his boys with the sword. Good music, too, though no themes really jumped out at me.

Also, Beck's new one, GUERO, is a strong, fun, funky new release (produced with the Dust Bros, as ODELAY was) that should still be spinning quite a bit for me on those hot summer days driving around. New Order also return with WAITING FOR THE SIRENS' CALL. I've heard half so far, and it's very good, with strong beats, lots of guitar and some good hooks. I don't think there's a big dance hit here, necessarily, nor a pop one, but it all sounds good, and denser than a lot of New Order stuff, a little closer in scope and texture to really early work like when they were primarily a 12" singles band. Some of the breakdowns and diversions aren't as tight as they could be, but it's never boring. For those perhaps disappointed with Moby's new one looking for a catchier blend of guitars and programming, download this one.