Be Kind Rewind

Along with Quentin Tarantino and Wes Anderson, I think that Michel Gondry is becoming one of my all time favourite directors. When I say becoming, this is said with a very clear understanding that even though someone can do amazing things, it’s when they do it over and over again that they begin to take on the role of a favourite.

With a line of music videos and a few films you might recognise under his belt including some Bjork classics, Daft Punk brilliance, Massive Attack excellence and even a pinch of Flight of the Conchords, this french 80’s pop influenced director has slowly made a very definitive name for himself, enough to be courted by the likes of Gap, Smirnoff, Air France, Nike, Coca Cola, Adidas, Polaroid and Levi in an effort to create unique and memorable commercials the latter making him the most highly awarded director for a one off commercial.

Be Kind Rewind is not an epic film. It’s not a thought provoking doco. Its not even a dramatised recreation of something….powerfully…um, important. What it is, is human. It’s real in its storytelling and genuine in its simplicity.

Casting Yasiin Bey [Mos Def] and Jack Black in the primary roles was both a stroke of genius and probably a choice that was really always going to work. They both bring a sense of playfulness that makes this film awesome in so many ways. Admittedly, if you don’t like Jack Black, you might struggle a bit. He is exceptionally good at playing himself in pretty much everything he does.

Yasiin Bey though, well, there is just something about him that is real. From Hitchhikers Guide…to The Italian Job, I find him spellbinding. [Small man crush ensues]. But it’s the musical talents of Bey that really make this soundtrack a stand out.

JeanMichel Bernard is the musical genius that partners Bey in this trip down old school street with a distinct blues feel to it, it is scattered with unexpected tracks that fit so beautifully into the film, but when you listen to the soundtrack as one long entity, they give it a framework that is really easy to listen to. Kinda like pre party beers on the patio at dusk before everyone turns up. Its happy [mostly] and encapsulates that childlike playfulness I mentioned before.

Along with JeanMichel and Yasiin, and an obvious tribute to Fats Waller [you gotta see the movie to get that one], Most of the album is made up of instrumentals that make me smile everytime I hear them. Bluesy Jazz piano’s, organs, brass and orchestral pieces that give you a really warm feeling of ease.

There are a few tracks some of you may know, some standards that when they are sung by Bey are really genuine. Most of us do know him better as Mos Def [Yes, I know some of you are asking who the fuck that is as well], the hip hop artist with a voice like melted butter, but in this scenario, he pulls off old school blues like he was Fats Waller himself. [I think this was the aim]

Tracks like ‘I Ain’t Got Nobody’, ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’ & ‘Lulu’s Back In Town’ are all classics that have been revived beautifully. Then there is the classic ‘Nothing from Nothing’ by the brilliant Billy Preston who just oozes 70’s soul. It just seems to keep this album upbeat and energetic.

But, as per usual, there is a track that I truly dig the most within the 28 tracks of ease. It’s Booker T. & the MG’s ‘Sunny Monday’s’. I’ve loved these guys ever since I heard ‘Green Onions’ as a young man. But I didn’t even realise I knew this track until I heard it. It’s the first track I’m gonna play when I find myself driving across country to…anywhere. Makes me wonder how much other music is in the deep crevasse of my memory that I am yet to re access.

Either way, if you haven’t seen this film and you at least understand who the Hell Fats Waller is, then this is probably a great Sunday night flick to check out. Once you’ve done that, seriously think about grabbing the soundtrack and somehow manage a way to position yourself on that patio with a beer with the last shades of sun casting over the tops of the neighbouring buildings.

If you need someone to share it with, IM me….

M /