Real to reel

Local observations from a movie, music buff

A down year in cinema, a fine one in music — here’s a look at the top movies and albums of ’07

By Dan Ochwat

Who’s up for a flick on the Iraq war this weekend? Anyone? Yeah, me neither.

Crappy war movies like Reese Witherspoon’s “Rendition” certainly take blame for part of 2007’s disappointing year in movies, but they can’t entirely be held accountable — Iraq had nothing to do with “Norbit” or anything starring Hilary Swank (“Freedom Writers,” “The Reaping,” “P.S. I Love You”).

Nevertheless, the year did have its notables. “Superbad” and “Knocked Up” made Seth Rogen an instant star and fattened Judd Apatow’s wallet ... forever. Those “Hot Fuzz” guys made me smile, too. Some excellent, original films entered the tired scene as well in “Lars and the Real Girl” and “Black Snake Moan.”

Yet, it wasn’t the comedy or the odd that made the biggest impact in 2007, to me anyway. It was the well-crafted, modest drama. They were subtle yet intense, sure-handed and austere. Some may cry boring, but I cried top 10.

1. “4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days”
It’s one girl helping her friend get an illegal abortion in communist, 1980s Romania. The movie’s as dry as that statement, but it’s filmed with such bleak realism that it wrings out a very intense drama. The director, Cristian Mungiu, overplays nothing, and why should he? This is an intense day, and it chugs along while Otilia (the helper) goes through hoops for her friend. There’s a scene at Otilia’s boyfriend’s family dinner table that is suffocating and wonderful — the best of the year. “4 Months” will screen at the Music Box Feb. 8. It’s a nod to a “new wave” of Romanian films. Who knew the country had more than just talented gymnasts?

2. “The Kite Runner”
Director Marc Forster (“Stranger Than Fiction,” “Monster’s Ball,”) has said that he only makes movies where there’s a risk of failure. Here, we have child actors, subtitles and Afghanistan — not to mention it’s based on a treasured novel with a huge following. Then there’s the overwhelming storyline of friends, class, a paternal love triangle, lies, terrorism and the list goes on. This movie was a huge risk, but the genius is how Forster controls this bag of snakes and turns out a thoroughly engrossing film. It feels like a novel and at times a family film, and yes, the story fits too perfectly and there is no female presence, but this is a heartwarming gem.

3. “There Will Be Blood”
This isn’t your typical P.T. Anderson project; it’s dark and just gets darker, and about the only real showmanship comes from the movie’s score, which can be unsettling sirens or revved up violins. “Blood” is about making money off oil and religion, mining folks’ naiveté. It’s a bit “Citizen Kane,” showing one oil man’s filthy rise. And what a stirring devil does Daniel Day Lewis make! This is his movie — his legendary performance.

4. “Michael Clayton”
The directorial debut from the writer of the “Bourne” movies, Tony Gilroy, this sleazy lawyer genre pic isn’t anything new, but it is superbly made, filmed with a hushed tone. The story of corporate deceit and the lawyers that go with it plays cat-and-mouse with you until settling on a rousing finale that makes you cheer (even if some of us wished for more deceit).

5. “Zodiac”
A police/journalist procedural that’s kind of like watching someone do homework for two hours — and that’s a compliment. Go into this David Fincher movie knowing it’s not “Zodiac Club” but a meticulous and riveting who-done-it based on California’s never-caught Zodiac killer.

6. “Eastern Promises”
In a debate, all I’d have to say is “bathhouse scene,” and you’d put it in your top 10. David Cronenberg helmed this seedy, sometimes wonderfully violent tale of a covert Russian mob in London. It has a few crowd-pleasing moments but for the most part is modestly made. It’s one that sits with you.

7. “Away From Her”
The debut from actress Sarah Polley, this movie is devastating. You are grieving with one man as his wife slips away due to Alzheimer’s. He’s no angel though, and this is no Hallmark Hall of Fame production. In fact, it’s a work of pure skill. Shot in a nursing home and on vast snowy lands, it’s oppressively lonely, and the film’s lighting makes some shots look like fading memories.

8. “Black Snake Moan”
Tough love: A bluesman chains a whore to a radiator to preach the devil out of her. An original movie with an outrageous premise that surprised the hell out of me by being a touching redemption song. These are depraved characters who by film’s end are in your good graces. Writer/director Craig Brewer is a real talent.

9. “Juno”
The comedy of the year with some real serious moments follows a preggo high school hipster (in a star-establishing performance by Ellen Page) and the adoptive parents. Chock-full of one-liners by the all-too-witty Juno and her family and friends, this movie is an intelligent, hysterical romantic comedy driven by a woman in the “John Cusack role” for a change.

10. “The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters”
Good vs. evil in the highly competitive world of Donkey Kong, the arcade game. This deft documentary is a hoot, as it clearly defines a villain (a mulleted, cocky, hot sauce entrepreneur) and hero (a zero-self-esteem family man), both battling for the record score. The “cast of characters” of fanboy gaming nerds just adds to this slice of life treasure.

Best of the rest: “Into The Wild,” “Rocket Science” and “Diving Bell and the Butterfly.”

 

ALBUMS OF THE YEAR
For ’07, of the hundreds upon hundreds of albums I listened to in car, on iPod, on vinyl and CD player, I can rattle off at least 40 worthy of a “best of” mention. Narrowing it down to 10 was a chore, omitting such wonders this year by M.I.A., LCD Soundsystem, The National and Animal Collective. Here’s what I settled on:

1. Deerhunter, “Cryptograms”
Don’t just skip to the good songs! Those interludes of meditative buildup are at play, setting you up for the brilliance of songs like “Lake Somerset” and “Spring Hall Convert.” Be patient and let its awesomeness in. (On vinyl, you also receive the Fluorescent Grey EP, which combined, really is the most complete album of the year.)

2. Okkervil River, “The Stage Names”
John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats, Craig Finn of The Hold Steady and the leader of this band, Will Sheff, in my opinion, are the top songwriters today. “The Stage Names” levels you with complex fiction rolled into enjoyable Americana rock ‘n’ roll that has singsong, anthemic energy.

3. Arcade Fire, “Neon Bible”
A big sound, ominous and angry, Arcade Fire’s “Neon Bible” is near perfect (the only song I dislike is “Black Waves/Bad Intentions,” which sounds like it could score a Michael Bay film.

4. Caribou, “Andorra”
This album carries spacious, whimsical maiden ditties that front to back blend wonderfully together.

5. Radiohead, “In Rainbows”
Newsmaking self-online-release aside, this album was great, burying tidbits of a near-R&B sound in some songs. The question is: Did you pay for your download?

6. Battles, “Mirrored”
An orchestral, electro-rock jam session, this is that rare album that establishes a new and unique sound.

7. Wilco, “Sky Blue Sky”
This is a warm album with a standout for all times in “Impossible Germany.” The songwriting has a bittersweet “it is what it is” feel that really hit home when I turned 30.

8. Marnie Stern, “In Advance of the Broken Arm”
It’s the sound behind the sound. Yes, beneath the instant shredding and squeaky childlike vocals is a catchy, awesome rock album.

9. Feist, “The Reminder”
Ever-running iPod commercial aside, the Norah Jones of indie rock crafted an undeniable record with dance pop tunes and beautiful slow jams.

10. The Besnard Lakes, “The Besnard Lakes are the Dark Horse”
Blending a lot of sounds and tempos, this folkish album has a warm pacing to it with just enough groove and just enough pop.

In concert
Well, the best shows I saw in 2007 consist of Arcade Fire at the Chicago Auditorium, Wilco at the Pritzker Pavilion, Feist/Grizzly Bear at the Vic and Deerhunter, pre-band shakeup, at Empty Bottle. You just may catch next year’s best with this upcoming roster headlined by the Tomorrow Never Knows Festival at Schubas. Running 1/16 through 1/20, more than 20 bands will play including John Vanderslice, White Williams, The Walkmen, White Rabbits, Young Galaxy and more.

Also playing, local popsters The Changes visit the Double Door on 1/25. Brit band Editors play the Vic on 1/25, and Dan Deacon and Girl Talk team up for two shows at the Metro on 1/26.

In early February, a couple bands are in town that released outstanding albums that just missed my “best of ’07” list beginning with experimental California punkers No Age, who are playing with Liars on 2/5 at the Metro. Yeasayer bring their world music-inspired sound to Schubas on 2/8, and the violent guitars of A Place to Bury Strangers will pound Schubas on 2/17.

Rounding out with some legends, minimalist popfather Daniel Johnston plays the Metro 2/6, while Cat Power visits the Vic 2/10. Finally, Wilco begins five shows at the Riviera, starting 2/15.

Keep sending me your music or anything else on your mind at danochwat@hotmail.com. I’ve also joined the MySpace army, so give The Real Chicago some love at http://www.myspace.com/danochwat

Keep sending me your music or anything else on your mind at danochwat@hotmail.com. I’ve also joined the MySpace army, so give The Real Chicago some love at http://www.myspace.com/danochwat

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