Culture Fiend

In Chronicle, Should We Have Sympathy for the Devil?

Today’s antihero is a teen with superpowers who ransacks Seattle.

Posted by: Matthew Halverson on Feb 03, 2012 at 09:15AM 0 Comments

Mad teenager.

It’s hard not to feel for Andrew, the angsty, hoodie-wearing, Seattle high schooler at the center of Chronicle. (More on the local angle in a minute.) Played with brittle intensity in this new found-footage sci-fi flick, he drifts through life unnoticed by everyone—except the meatheads at school who remind him daily of his place in the pecking order, and his alcoholic father who uses him nightly as a punching bag. And it’s that blatant attempt to play on the audience’s sympathies that makes the flick such a confounding mess.

Things start out promisingly enough: Andrew and two other partygoers stumble (literally) upon a glowing, subterranean crystal formation in the woods, and then discover days later that they’ve developed telekinetic powers. Watching them experiment with their newfound abilities by playfully terrorizing shoppers at a toy store is a trip, because pulling pranks is exactly what you’d expect a trio of reckless and suddenly supercharged teenagers to do. It’s even enough to distract from director Josh Trank’s failure to capitalize on the in-the-moment immediacy that found footage (done well) can offer.

But instead of mining the kids-undergoing-massive-transformation scenario to explore the pinballing emotions of young adults, Chronicle devolves into disturbing wish fulfillment for anyone who’s ever been picked on. When Andrew realizes that even his ability to fly can’t make him cool or fix his relationship with his dad, he lashes out—as only a guy capable of crushing cars with his mind can. But because Andrew’s life is so god-awful, we’re left to wonder whether Trank wants us to actually root for Andrew as he brings a city to its knees.

And about that city: The Space Needle is a constant presence in Chronicle, poking out of the background in multiple shots and even serving as the backdrop for some of Andrew’s ragey exploits. But the Emerald City is just a setting and hardly a character, raising a question about its inclusion that could also be directed at the movie itself: Why bother?

Chronicle
In theaters nationwide Feb 3

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Tags: Film Review

Met Picks: Bond and Beyond, Belgianfest, Sasquatch! Launch Party

The top 10 things to see or do this weekend.

Posted by: Seattle Met staff on Feb 02, 2012 at 12:00PM 0 Comments

“I am a banana!” See more of Don Hertzfeldt’s Rejected cartoons at SIFF Cinema at the Uptown.

FILM

Feb 2
An Evening with Don Hertzfeldt
Go inside the mind of the Oscar-nominated animator whose stick-figure cartoon shorts are the stuff of cult legend, particularly the Rejected series (“I am a banana!”). He’s in house for a Q&A following the Seattle premiere of his new animated film It’s Such a Beautiful Day. SIFF Cinema at the Uptown, $10–$15.

Opens Feb 3
Coriolanus
Free of Lord Voldemort makeup (but still terrifying), Ralph Fiennes makes his directorial debut in this update of the Shakespearean tragedy. SIFF Cinema at the Uptown, $5–$10.

EAT & DRINK

Feb 4
Belgianfest
Dubbels. Tripels. Lambics and saisons. There are over 70 regional beers to sample at this weekend’s Belgianfest, and tickets are going fast. Bell Harbor International Conference Center, $30.

CONCERTS

Feb 2
Sasquatch! Launch Party 2012
The rumors have been flying: Lana Del Rey and Girl Talk to headline Friday night? The Shins on Saturday? The official lineup of the 2012 summer music fest at the Gorge is finally revealed tonight. Podcaster Luke Burbank hosts the kickoff party, featuring performances by Junip (with Jose Gonzalez), the Physics, and Matthew Caws of Nada Surf. Neptune Theatre, $16.

Feb 3
Gimme Shelter
We’ve seen Billy Joel Huels of swing band the Dusty 45s set his trumpet on fire. Imagine what he’ll do in a benefit to end homelessness. The Maldives, the Young Evils, Lazy Susan, and more play this fundraiser for homeless adults center DESC. Showbox at the Market, $15.

VISUAL ART

Feb 2–Mar 17
Guy Tillim: Second Nature
The South African photographer captured both the natural beauty and poverty of contemporary Polynesia during his 2010 catamaran trip from New Zealand. He shows the dual sides of paradise at the same time Seattle Art Museum features Gauguin’s lush Polynesian paintings, on display starting February 9. James Harris Gallery, free. First Thursday reception Feb 2, 6–8.

DANCE

Feb 2–4
Shen Wei Dance Arts
Shen Wei is known for choreographing the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, but his smaller-scale company performances are equally thrilling. In Limited States his dancers in flesh-toned bodysuits slink and intertwine, like tangled statues come to life; the fluid motion is punctuated by Daniel Burke’s minimalist soundscape. UW World Series, Meany Hall, $39–$42.

Feb 3–12
Don Quixote
The matador soars when Pacific Northwest Ballet premieres a new version of this classical ballet, updated by star Russian-born choreographer Alexei Ratmansky. Actor Tom Skerritt steps in as the tragicomic Don. McCaw Hall, $28–$168.

CLASSICAL & MORE

Feb 2–5
Bond and Beyond: Celebrating 50 Years of 007
For all the talk of Bond women, cars, and gadgets, it’s that theme song that’s truly iconic. Seattle Symphony samples from 50 years of Bond soundtracks. Benaroya Hall, $17–$89.

Seattle Chamber Music Society: 2012 Winter Festival
Grammy-winning violinist and SCMS artistic director James Ehnes leads the charge in this annual weekend of chamber music, performing nearly a dozen pieces by Brahms, Beethoven, and Bartók. And that’s just the Bs. Benaroya Hall, $10–$45.

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Tags: Met Picks, Weekend

Behind the Scenes of Don Quixote, the $3 Million Ballet

Pacific Northwest Ballets presents the U.S. premiere of this updated classic.

Posted by: Laura Dannen on Feb 02, 2012 at 10:00AM 0 Comments

Photo: Courtesy Dutch National Ballet.

What’s your story? Choreographer Alexei Ratmansky chants this like a mantra, asking it of each dancer during a recent Pacific Northwest Ballet rehearsal for Don Quixote. In this case, principal Seth Orza is being coached on the story he’s telling with his oversized red cape—a surprisingly unwieldy prop he bears in the role of Espada, a self-satisfied toreador. He whirls it up and over his head, once, twice, three times.

“And up! And up!” Ratmansky urges. Orza looks like he’s going through a CrossFit workout. “Use more of a swing, see how it flies… You should look like you’ve been doing this your whole life!” Clap, clap, clap, clap. Ratmansky signals Orza to stop, and the dancer doubles over, panting.

“I just whipped myself,” Orza says, laughing. They’ve been doing cape work for about 20 minutes, and though spirits are still high, this speaks to the ambition of Ratmansky, the former artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet and the man behind this $3 million update of the classical Petipa and Gorsky ballet (originally created for the Dutch National Ballet). The devil’s in the details—a story to be told with every whirl of the cape and flutter of the fan.

So when PNB presents the U.S. premiere of Don Quixote this weekend, the attention isn’t solely on actor Tom Skerritt, who’ll play the tragicomic hero, or the five different principal couples, or the lavish sets and costumes by Jérôme Kaplan. It’s a package deal. This is one of the most opulent productions in PNB’s history, with 46 company members and 24 PNBS students performing, 280 costumes, 46 wigs and hairpieces, one smiling moon—and one very discerning choreographer who’s breathing new life into the classics.

Don Quixote
Feb 3–12, Pacific Northwest Ballet, McCaw Hall

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Tags: PNB, Dance, Seattle Center, McCaw Hall

Final Week: Master Class with Isaac Layman

Artist boot camp comes to an end.

Posted by: Adriana Grant on Feb 01, 2012 at 03:00PM 0 Comments

Isaac Layman, Basement, 2009.

Editor’s note: For this new four-week series, Culture Fiend’s art writer Adriana Grant has enrolled in a master class with Seattle photographer Isaac Layman at the Frye. This is her story.—LD

Our final class is in session, and it feels a bit like the white walls of the Frye’s classroom are closing in. Eleven students sit behind plastic banquet tables shoved into a U, nervously waiting for their turn to present. After a month of master class with Seattle photographer Isaac Layman—when we worked one-on-one on our artistic discipline of choice, be it photography or (in my case) poetry—it’s time to show our final product. Now he’ll really know if we spent 20 hours a week creating art (our homework).

I stayed up late the night before to finish my eight-poem chapbook, and woke early to make copies for class. No dice: I couldn’t find a copy shop open before 10am on a Saturday. I rushed home to snatch the mockup so I’d have something to show for my month of labor.

With the class seated in a small, tight circle, I read my newest poems aloud for the first time.

“I know nothing of poetry,” Isaac said, “but I like how they all seem very hard core: just that moment forever. It’s that soft thud. And it’s not fluttered; it’s not off balance either. It sits with a concern.”

Yes, that’s how he talks. Isaac offers unabashedly subjective feedback: He’ll discuss the mood a piece evokes, and whether it works for him or not. He does the same thing with his own photography. He speaks candidly of feeling “temporary,” and how his photography doesn’t document things; they’re more like self-portraits of decisions he makes. In his latest exhibit at the Frye, he examined paradise in the mundane, spending hours photographing an ice cube tray or a pile of soggy tissues. He looks at our work the same way he views his own—emotionally, and critically. I’m happy that he appreciated the seriousness within the playful language I used.

The group responded warmly to both my work and process. A teacher commiserated with my desire to do something original instead of write about other people’s work. And I’m grateful to this class for kick-starting my writing habit after months of inertia. Eight new poems is by far the most I’ve written in a single month. For me, the bigger accomplishment is taking my work seriously—sitting with it for hours at a time, even when I’m not sure where it’s heading.

“Even if you have no idea,” explained Isaac, “that second and third [step] will unpack the first step.”

As for my next steps? This class gave me permission to take several self-styled poetry retreats, and, perhaps most significantly, has prompted me to apply for an MFA in poetry this fall. After a few short weeks under Isaac’s tutelage, my future is new.

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Tags: Visual Art, Master Class , Isaac Layman

Intiman’s Final Countdown

Will the theater raise the $1 million it needs to stay open?

Posted by: Laura Dannen on Jan 31, 2012 at 11:00AM 0 Comments

The many faces of Intiman Theatre.

Is today truly the day? A recent KUOW broadcast noted that Tony-winning Intiman Theatre needed to raise $1 million by the end of January in order to stay open. But arts consultant Susan Trapnell, who’s been hired to help Intiman get out of the budget crisis that crippled its 2011 season, just told me that the theater’s board members won’t vote on the future of Intiman until next Monday—so there are a few more days to show support for the regional theater.

“Everything is a pledge”—not a donation—"until we know we have enough," Trapnell said. They’ve secured commitments for $823,000 to date. The clock’s ticking, and every gift makes a difference. (Pledges can be made at intiman.org.)

With the funds in place, Intiman will relaunch under new artistic director Andrew Russell with a four-play summer festival slated for July and August. It’s a 2012 season that’s both risky and inviting—the collaborative effort of the company’s new multidisciplinary repertory—featuring an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, staged within the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, starring Marya Sea Kaminski with choreography by former PNB principal Olivier Wevers; a contemporary two-act play by director Valerie Curtis-Newton set inside the theater and in the courtyard; and an original show by Dan Savage.

The repertory will honor Intiman’s classical roots, but this lineup foretells an exciting future of cross-pollination, bringing in top local choreographers, musicians, directors, playwrights, and artists—even Seattle Symphony conductor Ludovic Morlot is on board. Now they just need to get the theater up and running…and restore institutional credibility.

“Forty years of live theater is worth fighting for,” Russell says in the video below. Meet a few of Intiman’s new artists in the clip.

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Tags: Intiman Theatre, Seattle Center

Coming Soon: Esperanza Spalding at the Paramount

Portland’s jazz phenom shows off her new album, Radio Music Society.

Posted by: Laura Dannen on Jan 30, 2012 at 11:00AM 0 Comments

Bieber’s hair can’t compare.

Sadly, some know Esperanza Spalding simply as that girl who took Justin Bieber’s Grammy for best new artist in 2011. But Bieber couldn’t even out-hair the Portland-born jazz bassist, a charismatic bandleader who’s nine inches shorter than her instrument but larger than life when she performs. Ever since her self-titled debut in 2008, the 27-year-old phenom has emerged as “the hottest pop-jazz crossover artist since Norah Jones,” to quote our sister publication Portland Monthly. She’s brainy, setting William Blake to music, and appeals across borders, switching easily from English to Spanish to Portuguese.

And she has a new album out March 20, Radio Music Society, which comes with 12 concept videos shot in New York City, Barcelona, and Portland. She’ll show off her latest work at the Paramount Theatre on April 24. Tickets ($30-$42) are on sale now at stgpresents.org.

Esperanza Spalding
April 24, 8pm, Paramount Theatre

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Tags: Paramount Theatre, Concert, Ticket Alerts

Seattle Film Safety Not Guaranteed Is a Hit at Sundance

And it all started with an Internet meme.

Posted by: Laura Dannen on Jan 27, 2012 at 12:45PM 0 Comments

(L-r) Aubrey Plaza, Karan Soni, and Jake Johnson hunt down a lead in Safety Not Guaranteed.

Ever since its January 22 premiere at Sundance (hell, even before that) Seattle-based comedy Safety Not Guaranteed has been one of the most talked about films of the festival. For good reason: It’s based on the too-bizarre-not-to-be-true story of Seattle magazine writers (no, that other magazine) on the hunt for the guy who placed this ad in Backwoods Home magazine in 1997:

The ad became an Internet sensation, but it was up to screenwriter Derek Connolly to create the saga around that mullet. He scripted a back story about magazine writer Jeff (played by Jake Johnson of New Girl) who gets intern Darius (Aubrey Plaza, Parks and Recreation) to feminine wile her way into the life of time-traveler Kenneth (Mark Duplass, The League). As the film stops by familiar Seattle spots—the Shipwreck Tavern in West Seattle and the Marco Polo Lounge on Aurora—an unlikely love match between Kenneth and Darius starts to form. “Even crazy people deserve to be loved,” director Colin Trevorrow said at the Park City premiere. After a rousing ovation, out came the reviews:

“A small movie with a big heart…endearingly scrappy and romantic romp.” (Variety)

“Four stars… Director Colin Trevorrow and writer Derek Connolly create a touching and funny comedy that veers from absurdity to tenderness with ease.” (Salt Lake Tribune)

“It took long enough, but the 2012 Sundance Film Festival finally produced a big winner.” (Hitflix)

“Expect a lucrative sale for this one, which has tons of mainstream breakout potential.” (New York magazine)

This is great news for local producer Lacey Leavitt (featured in a recent Seattle Times article) and the Seattle-based supporting cast and crew who made up the movie’s ranks. Bring on the bidding war for Safety Not Guaranteed. UPDATED 1/30/12. FilmDistrict (the company behind Drive ) secured the rights to Safety Not Guaranteed for a little over $1 million, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Sundance Film Festival
Thru Jan 29, Park City, Utah

Bonus: Hear what Mark Duplass has to say about this “sensitive, relationship-oriented time-travel movie” in his interview with Vanity Fair.

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Tags: Film Fest, Sundance 2012, Park City, Seattle Filmmakers

Met Picks: Hungry Planet, Erin Jorgensen and Steve Fisk, Children’s Film Festival

The top 10 things to see or do this weekend.

Posted by: Seattle Met staff on Jan 27, 2012 at 10:15AM 0 Comments

New exhibit Hungry Planet opens January 28 at the Burke Museum.

VISUAL ART

Jan 28–June 10
Hungry Planet: What the World Eats
The traveling exhibit (based on the book by Peter Menzel and Faith D’Alusio) compares the eating habits of 10 families around the world. See what a week’s worth of groceries looks like in Germany, China, the U.S., and Chad, and explore cultural differences in sustainability and consumption. The January 27 preview (6–8pm) includes a bluegrass band, refreshments, and a food drive for Northwest tribal communities. Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, $8–$10.

Thru May 20
Tacoma Art Museum’s 10th Northwest Biennial
Thirty up-and-coming Northwest artists show new projects: an assortment of painting, photography, prints, sculpture, video, and installation art. Several projects have a social conscience—Harrell Fletcher collaborates with landscape artists and environmentalists—while others call for interaction (look out for the pants exchange). Tacoma Art Museum, $8–$10.

FAMILY

Thru Feb 5
Northwest Film Forum’s Children’s Film Festival
Now in its seventh year, Northwest Film Forum’s Children’s Film Festival boasts more than 100 films from almost 30 countries, dance parties with Caspar Babypants, a Claymation workshop, and the don’t-miss-it-unless-you-hate-happiness pancake breakfast on January 28. The pancake breakfast is at Central Lutheran Church; all screenings are at Northwest Film Forum.

CONCERTS

Thru Jan 28
Erin Jorgensen and Steve Fisk: Redemption
Fisk, a legendary producer of Nirvana and Soundgarden, mixes Jorgensen’s marimba melodies, hushed vocals, and ambient noise as a concept album that navigates loneliness. On the Boards, $20.

CLASSICAL

Jan 27
Seattle Modern Orchestra: Layers of Time
Now in its sophomore season, the modern chamber music ensemble performs pieces from the 1980s that were “coexistent layers of music”: Piece no. 2 for Small Orchestra by Conlon Nancarrow, Steve Reich’s Eight Lines, and Gérard Grisey’s Talea. Cornish College of the Arts. Update: This event is sold out.

THEATER

Jan 27–Feb 11
White Hot
This psychodrama by playwright Tommy Smith is a far cry from the silly fun Smith and producer Mark Siano have as members of sketch troupe the Habit. Instead, tragedy unfolds onstage as a young couple’s marriage crumbles, thanks to Shakespearean-sized helpings of madness and betrayal. West of Lenin, $9–$18.

FILM

Jan 27–Feb 2
How the Fire Fell
Edward P. Davee won the 2011 Local Sightings Film Festival with his black-and-white feature about the rise and fall of the Brides of Christ, a turn-of-the-century cult in Oregon. It enjoys an encore screening this week. Northwest Film Forum, $6–$9.

Ongoing
Seattle Met’s Oscar Nominees Movie Marathon
Now that the Oscar nominees are in, we’ve mapped out a weekend-long film binge at cinemas around town. Time to catch up.

LAST CHANCE…

…to see Seattle Shakespeare’s Coriolanus at Center House Theatre (closing Jan 29) and Seattle Opera’s Attila at McCaw Hall (closing Jan 28).

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Tags: Met Picks, Weekend

Week 3: Master Class with Isaac Layman, or A Little Dab(ble) Won’t Do

Class instructed to double down.

Posted by: Adriana Grant on Jan 27, 2012 at 09:30AM 0 Comments

Isaac Layman chills on the front stoop of my building after our first in-person studio visit.

Editor’s note: For this new four-week series, Culture Fiend’s art writer Adriana Grant has enrolled in a master class with Seattle photographer Isaac Layman at the Frye. This is her story.—LD

“I know a number of you have felt unable to put in the 20 hours a week,” Isaac started his email to the students of his month-long master class. His critically acclaimed solo exhibit at the Frye just closed, but he’s plenty busy teaching 11 artists (including myself) to rededicate themselves to their art practice.

“I understand it seems difficult and that it takes time away from other activities,” his email continues, “but it’s entirely doable and necessary if you wish to become critically involved with your art. Dabbling won’t get you where you want to go. Make your art a priority. […] When you do that your art will get better.”

Isaac’s right. Last week I put in 7.5 hours writing poetry—my chosen art practice—and this week, I’ve already made up that time in five days. It’s not easy, but I’m doing what I feel I ought to do, and that creates its own feel-good feedback loop. I’m creating more poetry, better poetry, and it’s easier to return to work with smaller gaps between writing sessions.

Ironically, as Isaac admonishes his students to commit more time to their artwork, he’s doing the opposite. Isaac’s teaching role has thrust him out of his studio and into those of his students. He’s had two one-hour studio visits with each of 11 students. This social labor reminds Isaac to seek more balance in his own life, between his artwork, family, and friends.

As for balance in my own life, I’m putting that aside, as I promised to get closer to the 20-hours-a-week studio requirement, and have a chapbook ready to present for the last class, tomorrow. I have many more hours to go to make that goal, and to be proud of what I’ll show for my month of labor. I might just have to pull the all-nighter Isaac suggested last week.

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Tags: Visual Art, frye art museum, Master Class , Isaac Layman

Seattle Symphony Announces New Season

Hum along if you’ve heard these before.

Posted by: Allison Williams on Jan 25, 2012 at 05:00PM 0 Comments

When else are you going to break out your tux and tails?

The Seattle Symphony makes its announcements in style; conductor Ludovic Morlot lugged his whole group down to City Hall for a free concert this afternoon before releasing the 2012–2013 lineup. Fine, Ludo—we’re listening.

Morlot’s second season invites back some of the same big names that paid us a visit in his first; Joshua Bell, Itzhak Perlman, Emanuel Ax, and Hilary Hahn all return. But there’s new stuff, too, like revamped Rush Hour concerts—they’re now called Symphony Untuxed, and they’re followed by cocktail mingling with the musicians. Plus, there’s a new concertmaster, Alexander Velinzon, straight from the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Find the whole lineup here; book a subscription by March 3 to be entered into a contest for a free Alaskan cruise. Icebergs aside, here’s the big news from the new season:

• Joshua Bell is making an even bigger splash. The virtuoso violinist who rocked Benaroya a few weeks ago will return for the opening night gala on September 15, which features a program of George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, and Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.

• Sonic Evolution strikes again. Last year, brand-new compositions paid tribute to Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain; this year’s October 26 event will have new stuff inspired by Alice in Chains, Blue Scholars, and Yes.

• The Russians are coming. For two days in January, the symphony goes all Rachmaninov, all the time, playing his four piano concertos in Rach Fest. In May, Gerard Schwarz returns to conduct a Russian Spectacular series, featuring Tchaikovsky and a whole lot of Shostakovich (six pieces, to be exact). And don’t forget Rimsky-Korsakov’s Sheherazade, a haunting piece heard March 28–30.

• There’s a funky new sound in town. For the Turangalîla Symphony by Messiaen in January, soloist Cynthia Millar plays the ondes martenot. It’s a kind of proto-electrical instrument that uses vacuum tubes to create an eerie wail.

• Retro is in. The first of the Seattle Pops Series is the Cocktail Hour: Music from the Mad Men Era, with plenty of bossa nova; later Marvin Hamlisch conducts his own tunes from A Chorus Line and The Way We Were.

Symphony geeks should be satisfied, but will neophytes? Those who merely want to hear something they recognize—say, from a car commercial or a Bugs Bunny cartoon—can choose from mounds of blockbusters on the schedule: Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain, Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik, Rossini’s William Tell Overture, and Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite.

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Tags: Seattle Symphony, Classical and More, 2011 Schedule

Where to Watch Oscar-Nominated Films in Seattle

Even if we’re not Academy members, we can still enjoy a good movie binge.

Posted by: Brian Colella with Laura Dannen on Jan 25, 2012 at 12:45PM 0 Comments

Glenn Close hosts a late-night talk show on TBS plays Albert Nobbs, an Irish woman passing as a man.

The Oscar nominations are in, which means it’s time for our annual pre-award show marathon. You could spend a day catching up at a cineplex, watching back-to-back best picture nominees Hugo and War Horse, or study Rooney Mara in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo or Gary Oldman in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. But we found a few films off the beaten path.

For your consideration:

Albert Nobbs
Glenn Close played Nobbs, an Irish woman passing as a man in order to work, on stage in 1982; nearly 30 years later she stars in the film adaptation she’d been trying to make since she first auditioned for the role.
Nominated for: best actress (Close), best supporting actress (Janet McTeer), and best makeup.
See it at: Harvard Exit Theatre, starting January 27.

The Artist
Form and content both star in this (mostly) silent black-and-white about the end of the silent-film era and an actor struggling to transition, while his former costar flourishes. Aptly, one of the film’s 10 nominations is for best original score.
Nominated for: best picture, best actor (Jean Dujardin), best supporting actress (Berenice Bejo), cinematography, art direction, costume design, directing (Michel Hazanavicius), film editing, original score, original screenplay.
See it at: Harvard Exit Theatre, Majestic Bay Theatre, out now.

The Descendants
George Clooney plays a less-than-doting dad forced to re-evaluate his life as his wife lies dying, leaving him to care for their two daughters. But as much hype as there is for Clooney’s performance, we have a soft spot for Nick Krause, who steals the show as the teenage daughter’s slacker boyfriend.
Nominated for: best picture, best actor (Clooney), directing (Alexander Payne), film editing, adapted screenplay.
See it at: Landmark Guild 45th, Regal Meridian 16, out now.

The Iron Lady
Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher? Yes, please. If only Helen Mirren had a cameo as the Queen Mum, this could have been a best picture nominee.
Nominated for: best actress (Meryl Streep), best makeup.
See it at: Landmark Guild 45th, out now.

My Week with Marilyn
It’s both a plum job and a terrifying opportunity to be tasked to play the blondest of bombshells, Marilyn Monroe—but Michelle Williams, recently nominated for best actress in Blue Valentine, was up to the task.
Nominated for: best actress (Williams), best supporting actor (Kenneth Brannagh).
See it at: Big Picture Redmond, Varsity Theatre, out now.

Pina
In this visually stunning documentary, director Wim Wenders (Buena Vista Social Club) pays tribute to the late German dance pioneer Pina Bausch with excerpts of her most elaborate pieces—The Rite of Spring performed on a stage covered in dirt—and company members reimaging her choreography in meadows and at factories. In German, French, and English, with English subtitles; copresented by SIFF Cinema.
Nominated for: best documentary feature.
See it at: Seattle Cinerama, February 10–16.

Oscar-Nominated Short Films
Before the Oscars air at the end of the month, Landmark Theatres offers a rare opportunity to watch nominees before the final vote is cast. Live-action and animated shorts are separated into two feature-length events.
Nominated for: best animated short (“Dimanche/Sunday,” “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore,” “La Luna,” “A Morning Stroll,” “Wild Life”); best live-action short: “Pentecost,”“Raju,” “The Shore,” “Time Freak,” “Tuba Atlantic”).
See it at: Varsity Theatre, starting February 10.

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Tags: Film, Film Challenge, Oscars 2012

Lunch Break: Free Seattle Symphony Concert Today at City Hall

The show starts at 12:30.

Posted by: Laura Dannen on Jan 25, 2012 at 10:30AM 0 Comments

Photo: Courtesy Ben Vanhouten.

Take a long lunch today and head downtown to City Hall for the free Seattle Symphony community concert. Starting at 12:30, conductor Ludovic Morlot will lead the orchestra in Weber’s Overture to Der Freischütz and Beethoven’s Symphony no. 7 in A major, Op. 92. Following the performance, Morlot will introduce the lineup for the 2012-2013 season, which kicks off in September.

SSO Community Concert
Jan 25, 12:30-1:30, City Hall

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Tags: Seattle Symphony, Free Show, Classical and More, City Hall