music

The Cry of Jazz: An Invaluable Meditation on Art and Race
The Cry of Jazz: An Invaluable Meditation on Art and Race

The Cry of Jazz does not waste energy or time, and in doing so it succeeds in breaking through with its considerable strength.

SOUND OF METAL: An Innovative, Meditative Experience
SOUND OF METAL: An Innovative, Meditative Experience

It is an innovative piece of work; it starts off intense and visceral until it takes a turn and becomes a tender, compassionate exploration of acceptance.

SWANS - WHERE DOES A BODY END?: Swans and the Glowing Man
SWANS – WHERE DOES A BODY END?: Swans and the Glowing Man

While Swans – Where Does A Body End? will be streaming on Amazon Prime, this a movie that should be played as loud as possible.

HARRY CHAPIN: WHEN IN DOUBT, DO SOMETHING: A Partially Interested Musical Documentary
HARRY CHAPIN: WHEN IN DOUBT, DO SOMETHING: Providing Words to Live By

While many would probably have appreciated a more robust exploration of his musical career, there’s also a deeply human message at the core.

Ridgefield International Film Festival 2020: GAY CHORUS DEEP SOUTH
Ridgefield International Film Festival 2020: GAY CHORUS DEEP SOUTH

In the face of hate, Gay Chorus Deep South is a shining beacon of love and an exemplary display of resilience and strength.

HERB ALPERT IS... More Than a Man and His Trumpet
HERB ALPERT IS… More Than a Man and His Trumpet

In spite of its cutesy title, Herb Alpert Is… does attempt to flesh out the multi-faceted extent of his talents: then and now.

Toronto International Film Festival 2020: THE BOY FROM MEDELLÍN: An Important Reflection on the Political Role of Public Figures
Toronto International Film Festival 2020: THE BOY FROM MEDELLÍN: An Important Reflection on the Political Role of Public Figures

Director Matthew Heineman takes somewhat of a left turn to document the homecoming of Colombia’s biggest reggae superstar, J Balvín.

BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC: A Most Excellent Threequel
BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC: A Most Excellent Threequel

Genuinely funny and made with a real passion for its heroes, Bill & Ted Face the Music is a most excellent addition to the franchise.

I AM WOMAN: Woman’s Voice in a Man’s World
I AM WOMAN: Woman’s Voice in a Man’s World

While the energy soars, I Am Woman is certainly neither the greatest musical biopic nor the most intriguing account of a musician.

SLIM & I: Musical Memories
SLIM & I: Musical Memories

Slim & I, one of the rare Australian features to sneak back into cinemas post-quarantine, delivers the history of Dusty Slim with a little cunning twist.

Melbourne International Film Festival 2020: Interview with TT The Artist, Director of DARK CITY BENEATH THE BEAT
Melbourne International Film Festival 2020: Interview with TT The Artist, Director of DARK CITY BENEATH THE BEAT

Alex Lines had the opportunity to interview TT the Artist, the director of musical documentary Dark City Beneath the Beat.

JAZZ ON A SUMMER'S DAY: An Exuberant Paragon for Concert Films
JAZZ ON A SUMMER’S DAY: An Exuberant Paragon for Concert Films

But Jazz on a Summer’s Day so effectively captures the energy of the moment, making us sense the atmosphere and enjoy it vicariously.

Elevating Classic Lyrics To New Meaning in ROCKETMAN
Elevating Classic Lyrics To New Meaning in ROCKETMAN

William Hopson dives deep into how the power of Elton John music elevated his classic music to new heights in 2019’s Rocketman.

Melbourne Documentary Film Festival 2020: Interview with Iván Castell, Director of THE RISE OF THE SYNTHS
Melbourne Documentary Film Festival 2020: Interview with Iván Castell, Director of THE RISE OF THE SYNTHS

Alex Lines spois with director Iván Castell about his latest music revival documentary The Rose of the Synths.

THE BLUE ANGEL at 90 and the Iconography of Marlene Dietrich
THE BLUE ANGEL at 90 and the Iconography of Marlene Dietrich

With just her voice and her eyes, Marlene Dietrich lays bare Lola’s body and heart in The Blue Angel – and we fall under her spell.