Here we are, well into the beginning of a new century, where great technological advances are still being made in the reproduction of sound, and inconceivably someone shouts, “Go Mono!”?
Some might say, “Forget Digital 5:1 Surround Sound, 7:1 is available.” But the earthy, noisy sound trend is coming back, evident as many musicians have started to offer their unique sound waves on vinyl (once thought extinct). Retro is in, and exemplar mono mixes are featured in two fine modern films produced post-2000.
American Astronaut
American Astronaut was lovingly crafted and impressively conceived by Cory McAbee of the rock band The Billy Nayer Show. Though low budget, the producers spared no expense on actual film, as the movie was rendered on beautiful 35mm black and white stock. The soundtrack is provided by The Billy Nayer Show, with the option on the DVD to watch the movie set-up in mono. The music is a driving force from the beginning and evolves into an almost unintentional rock musical. Expanding on the film’s “Space is a lonely town” tagline, McAbee sets the stage for his eccentric and surreal humor. There are some elements of wackier movies like The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Forbidden Zone, but with a surreal combination of seriously executed imagery and a potentially addictive soundtrack, the film is basically definitive of a new and untapped genre. American Astronaut is a lot of fun and lives up to its conception. Help support independent film and seek this one out.
Matchpoint
Recently released on DVD, Woody Allen’s Matchpoint is scored with wonderful opera segments. These pieces sound as if they were recorded straight from the original mono 78s. The music?almost as much the backdrop as the sets?brings great atmosphere to the picture. Despite the attention paid to the score, Allen was careful not to have the soundtrack de-tract from the actors’ delivery of dialogue. Matchpoint is, in short, unlike any of Woody Allen’s movies to date. It is a thriller presenting new dramatic devices for Allen, while still including staples from his past films. He is a true American master, and it is nice to see him return with such a strong offering, as there have been some less than memorable works from him in the recent past.
Until next time, I hope you have a great viewing experience. Comments are welcomed at cinespire@gmail.com.
