At the Movies – February 2013 – Part 1: Independent Films

Art-House Dramas:

Sound City (David Grohl) – Documentary – Feb 1

Plot Summary: Sound City is a recording studio in Van Nuys (Los Angeles), California, where lots and lots of classic and amazing rock albums were recorded, but now with digital recording making it so easy for artists to do things themselves the fabled studio has gone under. David Grohl and other musicians who recorded there get together to reminisce and talk about the current state of music. Filmmakers: This documentary marks the directorial debut of David Grohl, who is also producing. He is working with cinematographer Kenny Stoff. Expectations: Sound City looks like a great documentary for rock music fans and musicians interested in the behind-the-scenes stories of their favorite bands and albums and stories about analog recording, but it probably has limited interest for everyone else. Trailer: Here.

Art-House Comedies:

A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III (Roman Coppola) – Comedy – Feb 15

Plot Summary: Charles Swan III is a graphic designer. He leads an enviable life. But when his girlfriend breaks up with him, he drifts into despair. Filmmakers: This is the second feature film from writer-director Roman Coppola, whose first film is the aesthetically fantastic CQ (I am one of the five people who not only saw it in theatres, but also owns a copy). He also co-wrote The Darjeeling Limited and Moonrise Kingdom, and served as the second-unit director on a couple of his father, sister, and Wes Anderson’s films. Coppola is working with composers Liam Hayes (a famous pop artist) and Roger Neill (King of the Hill), cinematographer Nick Beal (his first feature film), and production designer Elliott Hostetter (Spring Breakers). Cast: The film stars Charlie Sheen and co-stars Jason Schwartzman and Bill Murray. Katheryn Winnick, Patricia Arquette, Aubrey Plaza, Dermot Mulroney, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Angela Lindvall (who played a big role in CQ) feature in support. Expectations: A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III is going to be very polarizing and weird (certainly not for everyone). Roman Coppola is a very artistic filmmaker in much the same style as Spike Jonze and Michel Gondry, but his work is much more subtle and dry dramatically. If you like their work, you will probably enjoy this film too. But, for everyone else, this is probably a rental only if you like the trailer. Personally, as a fan of CQ, I am looking forward to seeing it. Trailer: Here.