Who Says That Murder’s Not An Art?

I saw Chicago yesterday, and I’ve got to say that it blew away every expectation that I could’ve had for the film. It’s fantastic, it’s one of the most inspired and well crafted pieces of cinema I’ve ever seen. Rob Marshall’s direction is nearly flawless, and the cinematography and set design is top notch. Even Richard Gere, who I otherwise dislike, was great in this film. Catherine Zeta-Jones was obviously made for her role, and Renée Zellweger is a revelation as the leading lady of this production. My favorite scene in the film is her performance of “Roxie”, just as much for the song as for the stunning visual design of this setpiece in the film. I strongly recommend seeing the film, even if you are not a fan of musicals.

Well then. The preceding paragraph could very well be one of the least critical reviews ever penned. The thing of it is, I really have nothing bad to say about Chicago, and nothing particularly analytical to say about it either. It’s just a big, fun, pretty, sexy spectacle. It’s great, and made with real passion and intelligence. Take my word for it.

Here’s a few more MP3s, which will remain up til Thursday morning. I’m keeping the two Malkmus songs from Pig Lib up a little while longer too.

Scissor Sisters “Laura (Simone)”

Max Tundra “Lights”

Broadcast “Echo’s Answer (live at All Tomorrow’s Parties 2001)”

Sonic Youth “Skip Tracer (live in Tilburg, Holland 1996)”

First Moog Quartet “Hey, Hey” – Taken from the Best Of Moog: Electronic Pop Hits From The 60’s and 70’s compilation.

Tangerine Roof “Back In My Arms” – Taken from the Sixties Rebellion #4: The Go Go compilation.

And for the folks at Barbelith who missed it the first time around, I offer Eminem Vs. Scott Joplin, aka “Marshall’s Been Snookered” by the Freelance Hairdresser.