Mingus Ah Um

Tonight I finally got Mingus. I listened to his box set a few weeks ago. I loved it, it was great and I truly needed to hear it when I did. And I have loved his stuff for years now - Live at the Town Hall, Tijuana Moods, the Atlantic box set all demand multiple repeat listens. But tonight I had Mingus Ah Um on the way past Edgbaston cricket ground and on the way back. I was heading into the city to see a friend play an acoustic gig. The first half of Ah Um was on, Mingus crying in the background as the band crescendos. On the way back the second half of the album played as I ascended the Russell Rd hill. This guy for me is a beautiful example of humanity, of what we can achieve as humans. As Mingus solos, the drummer goes in to double time. A moment. Capturing notes. I love it and tonight I really really got it.

Charles Mingus, jazz

Before Sunrise

Today I rented Before Sunrise (from Cinephilia - see My Profile). It beat even its sequel in depth and emotion. Because of its real-time set up, you leave feeling as though you have been part of the their wonderful evening. This film should be seen by anyone who is sceptical about love, as maybe we all are at some stage of our lives. The film floats along like a dream and yet the actors create an atmosphere that is totally believable, full of awkwardness and gay abandon. You feel for the characters as they part ways. Knowing what happens in the sequel also adds to the interest. Vienna is made to look beautiful almost by accident. What I mean is the story and the conversation are always central even when they are commenting on the city or the river or whatever. Therefore, the physical presence and beauty of the city is a by-product of the film.

Before Sunset also makes your insides hit the floor, the feeling where all past, present and future loves reach for your heart and your heart doesn't seem to want to be reached and escapes. You feel hollow. Both films give you that feeling. Not many films can claim to have that impact...

Before Sunset
Before Sunrise
Vienna