Bohemian Rhapsody

I’ll be honest, it took me forever to write this review because I kept getting distracted listening to my favorite Queen songs. Under Pressure, Hammer to Fall, Killer Queen, Radio Gaga, Flash and the title of this wonderful film, Bohemian Rhapsody, the list goes on. After seeing the film, I came home and turned up Queen’s music for my boys for days. My 4 year probably knows the lyrics to Radio Gaga now better than Baby Shark. You’re welcome, world.

But that’s what this film does to you. You see these rock legends at work and loving it.  They’re so passionate, talented and filled with music, that you can’t help but be infected. I especially loved scenes depicting the band getting “experimental.” After seeing how far this band of misfits came, their story butting heads with the music industry only to come out on top is inspiring. And while the end of the film is a bit more sobering with Mercury sharing his diagnosis with his band members, it does not dwell or stew in such sadness. Instead, the film is a celebration of Queen and leaves the audience feeling like we’ve just been to an amazing rock concert.

That effect comes easily when the last act of the film is a reproduction of Queen’s performance at the 1985 Live Aid concert. Since seeing the film, I’ve watched multiple videos of Queen’s actual performance and it is uncanny how the film replicates the concert. From the banners in the crowd, every movement the band members make, to the Pepsi cups on the piano, the scene is spot on. Since I was weeks away from being born at the time of that concert, seeing it recreated on the big screen is a really cool way to connect with a piece of rock and roll history.

While the film features all the members of Queen, with Gwilym Lee as Brian May, Joseph Mazzello as John Deacon and Ben Hardy as Roger Taylor, the film focuses on Freddie Mercury, portrayed by Rami Malek. We see Mercury’s home life as a young man before the band is formed and his relationship with Mary Austin (Lucy Boynton). Later, in the midst of fame and fortune, we are shown a bit of Mercury’s promiscuous life in a montage that leads to his tragic diagnosis. But the film, like Freddie, doesn’t dwell on it and won’t let us feel sad for him, instead we are directed to the Live Aid concert and rock out until the end.

Malek’s Oscar nominated performance as Freddie Mercury is amazing. With every movement and gesture he becomes Mercury. He rocks every flamboyant costume with Freddie’s grandiose and flare and makes it all look naturally effortless. Looking back at old Queen videos, it is uncanny how Malek has fused into this role so perfectly. The best way to tell Malek and Mercury apart is the teeth. The teeth that were given to Malek’s are just too straight, but that’s no fault of his.

Along with Malek’s nomination for best actor, Bohemian Rhapsody has earned a total of five Oscar nominations. They include sound mixing, sound editing, film editing and Best Picture. I’m no expert on sound production, but I’ve read that the singing for Mercury’s part is a mix of Malek’s singing, Canadian singer Mark Martel and Mercury himself. Everything sounds spot on to me.

I remember back when it was first announced that there would be a “Freddie Mercury biopic” I honestly dreaded it. Don’t get me wrong, I love Queen and Mercury, but I was so afraid that a film about him would end so sadly and how much he would hate that. But Bohemian Rhapsody doesn’t let that happen and I was so relieved and happy. I think that between the amazing performances, spot-on musical moments, snappy-smart editing and ending on a high note, this wonderful film simply rocked its way into the Best Picture spotlight.

“Who even is Galileo?”

John Williams in Indianapolis

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to have a once in a lifetime experience that any film fan or music nerd would kill for. I got to see John Williams conducting some of his most iconic film music, live with my hometown orchestra, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. I don’t want to exaggerate, but I rank it up there with some of the best experiences of my life.

Not a bad view of the orchestra.

For those who do not know who John Williams is (but who reading my film-nerd blog wouldn’t?), he has composed some of the most iconic film music in the last fifty years. You know his work even if you think you don’t. Music from Star Wars, Jurassic Park and Jaws are staples in our culture. You can’t even watch the Olympics without his music being played every commercial break. He has been nominated for over fifty Academy Awards and has won five. You can only imagine how much I geeked out when I actually got tickets, and believe me, it was a longshot actually getting them. It sold out in minutes.

The night of the concert, I was nineteen weeks pregnant, proudly sporting my baby bump as I waddled downtown in my fanciest pair of comfy shoes and a new Star Wars scarf. Outside the Hilbert Theater, we were greeted by men dressed as rebel pilots from Star Wars. Inside, the place was a buzz, filled with people for the sold out show. Along the lobby were movie posters of the various films Williams’ music is featured. All around, were other people in costumes, and lucky patrons decked out and taking pictures with them. I was able to snag a selfie with Boba Fett and a few others. Darth Vader and R2D2 were very popular.

As time came for the concert to start, you could feel the anticipation in the air. When John Williams came out, the whole audience burst into applause and stood. We were all so incredibly honored that he chose our city, our orchestra for this wonderful event. All the money made from the evening would go right back to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

Photo taken by my wonderful husband.

Then, finally, came the music. I had heard some of these pieces a thousand times, but hearing them live, coming straight from Williams’ direction was amazing. The music felt so alive, organic and thriving more than it does in a theater or out of speakers. And without the film’s images to distract, you’re able to focus on subtle nuances. I think Williams is a fan of bringing out the lower brass section out, or perhaps there was a very enthusiastic trombonist. I can’t blame him. And the way Williams would sometimes cut the orchestra off with a slow dip of his hand until the music seemed to just fade away was magical.

One piece that blew me away like never before was his selections from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. I have loved this film since I was a kid, but the first time I saw it and heard this music was probably over an old, scratchy VHS borrowed from the library. To hear this music live, it felt so much more powerful. It was raw and almost primal in a way that I did not expect and it was one of the most beautiful things I had ever heard (second only to my son’s first laugh). I soaked up every note and silently wept the entire song. I should’ve known to bring tissues.

In between songs, Williams would often tell us a little story about working with Spielberg or how the music came to be. One of my favorites came as he introduced the music from the Indiana Jones movies. He was about do a piece from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade entitled Scherzo for Motorcycle. Williams explained that he only named the piece after seeing the completed film. He said he was so proud of this fun piece he wrote to go with the scene where Indy and his father are being chased by Nazi’s on motorcycles, but when he saw it completed, there were all these loud motorcycle sound effects over his music and he felt like the joke was on him. Scherzo means joke, so Joke for Motorcycle. It was nice to hear the music without rumbling engines and explosions.

Selfie with Boba Fett!

Knowing his audience so well, Williams saved all the music he chose from the Star Wars films until the very end. Before he began, he enjoyed telling us how much he enjoyed writing music for Daisy Ridley’s character in The Force Awakens. When he introduced Rey’s Theme, he gushed on about how much he loved raising her up in the film. He said that before he agreed to write the music for The Last Jedi, he made sure Daisy would be in the film again. It was so sweet to see how much he loves his work and working with certain actors and characters.

As the last song was wrapping up, Throne Room and Finale from Star Wars, I clung to every note and wished it wouldn’t end. When it finished, the audience gave a loud, long standing ovation. None of us were ready to go home, we ached for more. And Williams delivered! He came out and performed Han and the Princess and then ended the night with The Imperial March, which ended in another standing ovation. We still wouldn’t sit. He graciously came back to bow over and over, he received flowers, waved to us as long as he could. And finally, as we just wouldn’t stop clapping for him, he put his hands together, leaned to the side and mimed that he needed to sleep. We laughed as we cheered. We were so thankful that he gave us such a fantastic evening.

When Mr. Williams visited my hometown, he had just celebrated his 86th birthday. Understandably, there were times as he stepped up and down from the podium that he seemed a little unsteady. I think the whole audience was praying he wouldn’t fall at one point. But as he conducted, his whole body moving with the music, he was ageless. Saying he was like a duck in water is too simple, but it works. It was such an honor to see him, to see him work in such a lovely environment and I’m sure most of us will never see it again. To see him conduct some of his latest Oscar nominated music was a truly rare treat, one that I’ve proudly told my son about already. If I’m lucky, one day I can tell my grand kids about it. And they can roll their eyes and call me an old nerd. I don’t mind. It was amazing.

Whiplash

Whiplash made me relive the recurring nightmares I’ve been having since I was a freshman in my high school marching band.  Nightmares where I show up to a competition without my instrument, or the music has been changed to something I’ve never heard of at the last moment.  And always, there are my old band directors looming over me, disapproving of my mistakes and pushing me harder.  But I never encountered a mentor as abrasive and brutal as Terence Fletcher.

Andrew (Miles Teller) is a freshman drummer at a prestigious music conservatory, where he is picked to be in the top jazz ensemble, run by Fletcher (J.K. Simmons).  The honor quickly turns into a nightmare, fueled by Fletcher’s abusive brand of teaching.  Through the course comments, screamed profanities, things thrown and even slapping, Andrew pushes himself to impress Fletcher and eventually earns a coveted part.  The lengths Andrew is willing to go to to keep the part makes us all question what Andrew is thinking and how being Fletcher’s pupil is affecting him.

J.K. Simmons portrays Fletcher, in what I believe is an Oscar worthy performance.  Wearing all black, he blends in with the shadows and can disappear quickly in the late nights where he first finds Andrew practicing.  Simmon’s gives Fletcher an air of intensity that can become explosive without warning.  We believe the fear in his students’ eyes whenever they are in his presence.  I completely understood how Andrew could fear this sadistic man, yet also want to earn his respect.

The film matches Fletcher’s intensity all around.  We watch Andrew practice for hours on end, pushing himself to the point of bleeding all over the drums.  The lengths he goes to in order to get to a performance on time are maddening and shows how much he is willing to sacrifice to keep the part he earned.  The editing is quick, changing our focus from one character to the next often, just as the music starts and stops quickly and often during practices with Fletcher.  The music as a whole, especially Andrew’s amazing performance, is so powerful and exhilarating.

Whiplash, this little amazing movie shot in only nineteen days, is nominated for five Oscars.  At the time of its nomination, it was one of the lowest grossing movies ever to be nominated for Best picture.  They other nominations include the awards for film editing, sound mixing, and adapted screenplay.  J.K. Simmons is nominated for best supporting actor and I am expecting him to take home the Oscar.

At the core of Whiplash seems to be a burning question whether Fletcher’s teaching tactics are worth it or not.  Does a musician, or any other artist, need to be pushed to their breaking points to unlock their true potential?  The film does not take a side, or even fully instigate viewers to argue.  Instead it ends on an amazing drum solo that left me gobsmacked.  But I think we can all agree we would rather not have a chair thrown at our heads for playing offbeat.

“Either you’re deliberately out of tune and sabotaging my band, or you don’t know you’re out of tune, and that’s even worse.”

The Triplets of Belleville

The Triplets of Belleville is a very unique animated film.  Written and directed by Sylvian Chomet, also known for The Illusionist, the film was nominated for best animated feature in 2003, alongside Finding Nemo and Brother Bear.  The characters are not designed to be overly cute, nor is there any catchy dialogue.  Or any dialogue at all, for that matter.  The film is simply a slow-paced, visual story that keeps us engaged by the wit, soul and odd humor that comes out of the characters.

We meet a grandmother and her grandson.  As a boy, he seems very sad and lonely, so she tries all she can to make him happy.  A puppy is a good start, but she realizes he loves bikes.  Seeing the boy ride in circles on a new tricycle is a joy for both the viewer and the grandmother.  The film jumps forward to the boy as an adult.  He’s nearly unrecognizable, with his lanky body of a professional cyclist in training for the Tour de France.  Alongside him through the newly developed streets outside Paris, is his ever supporting grandmother, being pulled behind on his old trike, whistling a tempo to keep his pace up.

During the race, something suspicious happens.  The medical vehicle the grandmother was riding on to keep up with her grandson suffers a flat tire and at the end of the race, her grandson is nowhere to be found.  Using the family dog (no longer a puppy, but a big hound of a sloppy dog) she discovers he’s been kidnapped and put on a ship.  She follows the ship across dangerous waters into Belleville (which seems a bit like New York, considering the obese, burger clutching Statue of Liberty).  With no money and now more leads, the grandmother has to rely on the help of strangers to find her grandson, and she teams up with three of the swingingest old gals in all of Belleville.

What I really love about this film is that even though the characters look odd and the story feels a little off-beat, there is still a wonderfully charming quality that shines through. Though she is quiet, the grandmother is very tenacious and has a fun way of thinking on her feet.  The triplets are a hoot and bring quite a few laughs.  Their style of music is catchy and fun.  I especially loved their dinner scene (and how it’s caught!)

As wonderful as I believe this film is, I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone.  Little ones may get bored with no dialogue or deterred by some of the odd looking characters.  There are also a few off-color moments parents may not want their kids to see.  However, for the more mature kids and their film loving parents, this could be a great transition from bouncy-noisy-Disney cartoons into a more subdued kind of animated film.  Besides, there is still a great (Oscar nominated) song that will have people of all ages dancing along to it.

“Voodoo, can-can aren’t taboo.  The world is strange in rendez-vous.”

Pink Floyd – The Wall

Pink Floyd – The Wall is unlike any film I’ve ever seen.  It can be seen as a long, elaborate music video, a daring rock opera or a stand alone story set to music.  There is no concert footage or time in the recording studio shown.  The film keeps rooted in the depths artist’s mind.  It boasts unforgettable images and ideas that flow and bring new dimensions to the music.

The film unfolds like a music video for an entire album.  We hear tracks from The Wall and images tell a stronger story than the album alone.  We watch a boy, Pink (Kevin McKeon), go from an idealistic youth to a disillusioned and isolated young man (Bob Geldof).  All the pain and confusion in his life, from family, school and women turn Pink into a destructive rock star, igniting a riot where similar young men take their aggressions out on a society that failed them.

The animation sequences in the film are haunting and add wonderfully surreal element to the film.  Many times, the animation depicts something so implausible and organically weird that film at the time could not do the image justice.  Flowers interact and transform, showing a struggle between the sexes.  The wall sweeps across the land, destroying a church.  A face stretches out of the wall, screaming.  And a whole army of red and black hammers march menacingly.  My favorite animated scene, the trial, depicts the mother, wife and judge in such grotesque manners, they could bring a lasting psychological impression on any viewer.

One of my favorite images is during the hit song Another Brick in the Wall.  We see school children lined up within school walls that look like a prison.  They march in rhythm into a machine, on the other side they are sitting at a desk with a nondescript face that looks like a pink plastic mask.  It depicts the British school system as an assembly line, churning out disciplined children who lack any creativity and settle for a menial existence.  Or they just become war fodder.

Pink’s relationship with women is particularly interesting.  With his father a casualty of war, he becomes the closest man in his mother’s life, and in turn, she becomes over-protective.  There is a bond, that seems longing and confused that gets shaken when Pink marries.  However, with his romances there seems an inability to communicate, a longing she has that he doesn’t know how to fulfill.  When women betray him, it leaves him even more alone and hurt, that contributes to his depression and isolation.

This film has to be at the top of any classic music lover’s list.  It may not be the most fun film.  It’s heavy themes of isolation, abandonment, war, sex and a less than glamorous rockstar lifestyle can be a real downer, but very thought provoking.  Within the serious rock/fiction genre, this is the best.

“Is there anybody out there?”

Five Easy Pieces

Robert, or Bobby to most, seems like your average blue collar drifter.  He works the oil fields, hangs out at the bowling alley, in his friend’s trailer and with his white trash girlfriend.  He’s rough talking, sarcastic and doesn’t seem to respect anyone.  You’d never imagine a guy like that coming from an upper-class household full of concert musicians.

Played by Jack Nicholson, Bobby hasn’t been home in about three years.  It’s suggested that there’s a general falling out between him and his father, but that’s never dwelled upon.  He’s visiting because his father has suffered multiple strokes, the end may be near.  With his sister being a professional pianist and his brother a classical violinist, Bobby is the black sheep who threw away his once promising musical career.

The two sides of Bobby’s life seem to be portrayed by two types of music: classical piano and country.  The country songs, mostly by Tammy Wynette, are the soundtrack to Bobby’s new life he’s found for himself down south.  They also seem to be the choice of his pea-brained girlfriend, Rayette.  The classical piano plays when Bobby is faced with family matters or in his childhood home.

One of my favorite scenes nearly combines the two music personalities.  Bobby and his coworker are stuck in traffic with horns blaring.  Bobby gets fed up and gets out of the car to yell at everyone.  He climbs into the back of a truck to find a piano in the back and proceeds play it (even though it’s horribly out of tune).  It seems even in the hot southern sun Bobby cannot escape his musical past, even when antics that can only be pulled off by Nicholson come to play.

My big problem with Five Easy Pieces is that I wasn’t sure where the heart of the story was for too long.  Like driving two days for a weekend getaway, I questioned if his time at home would be worth it.  There was so much time spent down south, and then the car ride was such a long journey, I was starting to wonder if the destination was important at all.  It’s only there that we discover who Bobby really is, the good, bad and everything.

I really enjoyed this film, but my husband curled up and fell asleep because, “Nothing was happening.”  Fair enough, it wasn’t the most eventful movie.  But it’s got the heart, the drama, and an interesting character that Nicholson was born to play.  Take it or leave it, it’s much better than Love Story.

“I move around a lot, not because I’m looking for anything really, but ’cause I’m getting away from things that get bad if I stay.”