ph: Peter Pedonomou
Monday, August 25, 2014
Rarely Heard: Theodor W. Adorno - 2 songs from 'Der Schatz des Indianer-Joe' (1932-33)
Of course, Theodor W. Adorno is well-known as philosopher and also that he extensively wrote about music theory and specifically appraising the Second Viennese School. It is probably lesser known that he actually took composition lessons from Alban Berg. His studies seem to have been more than just attempting to get more acquainted with the serial twelve-tone technique for his theoretical work. It appears that he had some aspirations of becoming a composer himself. He wrote several instrumental works and a "Singspiel" called "Der Schatz des Indianer-Joe" (Indian Joe's Treasure) based on Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer". Evidently, the result is not quite suitable for children, but reveals some remarkable, but rather scholastic exercises in Schönberg apologetics.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
The Whole Nine Yards (2000)
A struggling dentist in Canada finds out that the new neighbor is a well-known mafia killer.
Star-spangled black comedy that for most parts works entertainingly well.
On second view: still OK as mildly amusing entertainment.
Halliwell (no star): "Crude farce, in which Willis does his familiar togh-guy act, Arquette and Pollak use the oddest accents ever heard, and Perry provides the physical comedy; it somehow misses its target."
Maltin**1/2: "Farcical black comedy has enough twists, turns, and laughs to overcome its basic silliness."
The Last Wave (1977)
A Sydney lawyer defends five Aborigines in a ritualized taboo murder and in the process learns disturbing things about himself.
Semi-mystical thriller directed with great style, but with no intention to make any sense.
Halliwell*: "Curious supernatural drama successfully played as a mystery, with excellent atmosphere and special effects."
Maltin***: "Fascinating chiller...Modern symbolism and ancient tribal rituals make for unusual and absorbing film."
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