Strange Powers: Stephin Merritt and the Magnetic Fields [Hot Docs reviews]

84 min ~ USA

Director: Kerthy Fix, Gail O'Hara ~ Producers : Kerthy Fix, Gail O'Hara, Alan Oxman

Rating (out of 4 stars):
Hot Docs showtimes & trailer

I never heard of the Magnetic Fields until I saw this film, but after seeing it I didn't much care about them either. They are a cult band with a dedicated following, but beyond that there's little else to say about bandleader Stephin Merritt. He and bandmate-manager, Claudia Gonson, arose out of the Reagan 80s to become indie darlings, but never hit mainstream success due to their unusual instrumentation (a cello) and dour lyrics. Billed as both a genius and misanthrope, Merritt isn't exactly either. Instead, he comes across as a talented guy making interesting music, but he's also withdrawn and speaks in a consistent monotone which makes him a lousy choice for a documentary. I never got under his skin. Fans of the Magnetic Fields will of course, beg to differ, and they will revel in vintage home movies and interviews shot over 10 years. However, the rest of us may just shrug.

Beyond Ipanema [Hot Docs review]

87 min ~ Brazil & USA
Director: Guto Barra ~ Producers: Guto Barra, Béco Dranoff

Rating (out of 4 stars):
Hot Docs showtimes & trailer

This is a stylish, well-researched history of modern Brazilian music, starting with thirties Hollywood star, Carmen Miranda, and running up to the trip hop present. Interviews of David Byrne, M.I.A., Devendra Banhardt, Gilberto Gil, Tom Zé, and Os Mutantes tell the story of these infectious rhythms and catchy melodies that eventually won over North American ears. Of course bossa nova godfather, João Gilberto, his wife Astrud and their child, Bebel, are given their due (The Girl From Ipanema being the most famous Brazilian song ever), but also the Tropicália movement which arose out of the rebellious sixties. It's surprising to hear of the roles of Japanese musicians and DJs who both propelled Brazillian music beyond its tropical shores. A must-see.