Just Because
The violin tuning might be my favorite part of this movie.
Pure Evil
Dimitri Shostakovich wrote this (2nd movement, Symphony #10) as a musical portrait of Stalin, who had harrassed him directly and indirectly throughout his career. This is pure malevolence, published after Stalin was safely dead. While Uncle Joe was alive, DS was mostly confined to putting out government approved, “socalist realist” garbage, while keeping much of his “real” work private. Occasionally he could put one over on the Soviets and follow the letter of their requirements while mocking them. One cool thing is that in the finale of this same symphony, he has a theme based on his initials, DSCH, vie for dominance against the Stalin theme from this movement. DSCH wins. Artistic revenge at its finest. “He who laughs last, laughs longest.”
The conductor seems a little too into his hair, and I’m not sure why he appears to be grinning during this grim business. But you’ve gotta give him credit, his musicians are playing the hell out of this. He made his reputation whipping these young Venezuelans into a respectable unit. He’s since gone on to greener pastures in LA.
X Was Never Like This
Come on, we’ve all seen it. Right?
Looking For Stiv
Goddamn, I’m a sucker for these things.
In his second punk documentary, filmmaker Danny “Looking for Johnny” Garcia takes a deep dive into the life and legacy of the Dead Boys front man. Included in STIV is some rare footage and lore about Stiv’s surprising career before and after the Dead Boys, as well as the hilarious stories and hijinks one associates with the punk legend who died at age 40 in 1990.
Interview with the director right over here.
And here’s a panel interview from the world premiere a few days ago.
Where’s Wide World Of Sports When You Need Them
Those crazy Russians. I wonder how much vodka had to be consumed to create the sport of professional slapping. Nothing works the politburo into a tizzy like 2 shirtless dudes slapping the shit out of each other. Fast forward to about the 2:30 mark for the action…