T / on movies about musicians

October 3, 2014 by caitandtiff Leave a comment

Musicians musicians musicians. They are sexy, tortured, possibly dark, sometimes selfish like how some creatives are perceived to be, and always unwaveringly cool in their search for the perfect sound. This week in my common-cold induced haze, I’ve been looking to them for inspiration. And because I easily get down in the dumps when forced to hibernate and limit my communication to my keyboard, I need to watch quite a few of them to maintain any semblance of inspired. So this week, I thought I’d share some new faves. The ones that spoke to me and one that I just can’t wait to dive into.

Yes, Frank is that movie where Michael Fassbender spends 99% of his performance in a paper-maché head. But it is so much more than that. From fantasizing that there is nowhere that I would like to be more than making music with a bunch of misfits in the Irish countryside, to the sober reality-laden crescendo of the movie. Watch this now.

After a rough night of the dry coughs (which could very well be a new band name), I woke up with only Johnny Cash in my head. It must be that mix of feeling law and deep bass country, but I couldn’t help but dive into Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon’s poised performances.

I love some good girl rock swagger. All leather, tight jeans, smeared make up and sweat. If you’re looking for some pro-fem, leaning in kind of power to pick you up (like when stuck in bed), definitely watch the heck out of this one.

I have to include a movie about a tour. A real one to boot. Big Easy Express is a long time favourite. How could you say no to a hazy perfect folkie fantasy of following Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Mumford & Sons, and Old Crow Medicine Show across the rambling south?

And coming soon to a theatre near you, Low Down features John Hawkes, Elle Fanning and Peter freaking Dinklage. I couldn’t ask for a better cast. Hearing Ms. Fanning’s soulful voice lament and love for life as a struggling jazz musician’s daughter is just perfect for the rhythm of a fall Oscar-swooning movie.