FILLMORE DISCOS 79

May 2024 review update.

Pearl, 2023 (****)
Not a fan of X but this one, perhaps significant for being co-written with main star Mia Goth, is an effective psychopathy character study, albeit within a classic horror format. Occasionally self-indulgent and drawn-out but ultimately a very satisfying movie indeed with a terrific pay-off. Looking forward to MAXXINE!

Sleep, 2023 (*****)
Highly recommended claustrophobic horror with wonderfully black comedy elements of a pregnant wife whose somnambulating husband is engaging in increasingly bizarre and inexplicable behaviour. Don't miss this one!

Rent-A-Pal, 2020 (**)
One of the most unrelentingly depressing movies I've ever seen. Unpleasant middle-aged man living with his dementia mother sees mental and physical abuse going both ways. Film is very well-made and acted but no entertainment value whatsoever.

Immaculate, 2024 (**)
Nunsploitation horror without the exploitation. Locales are pretty, excellent and believable support cast and a snappy runtime. Sidney Sweeney gratuitously screaming gets annoying really quickly though.

Exhuma, 2024 (**)
If you've seen the excellent Yumi's Cells drama, you'll know the FL and it's quite impossible to take her seriously as a practised shaman and otherwise manipulator of various dark supernatural arts. Film delves into interesting aspects of Korean contemporary history but beyond two or three quite nicely ominous scenes felt flat.

Anatomy Of A Fall, 2024 (**)
Unforgivably long, highly pretentious wannabe Bergmanesque deep character study of a couple's relationship seen through the lens of an investigation into the husband's suspicious death via a fall all leading to an absurdist courtroom drama final act.

Love Reset, 2024 (****)
Highly enjoyable romantic comedy.

Hostage:Missing Celebrity, 2023 (***)
Korean remake of Chinese movie Saving Mr. Wu has plenty of memorable scenes but ultimately formulaic and predictable.

Brave Citizen, 2023 (***)
Shin Hye-Sun, as a most unlikely former female boxing chmapion ever and now high school teacher, is brilliant as the cat-mask-wearing heroine avenging bullying victims in her school. Sadly, an overlong Rocky-style denouement does spoil the balance of the entire film.

Tastes Of Horror, 2001 (**)
Compilation of 6 shorts, mostly supernatural in nature, a few nice moments but as a cohesive experience nothing very special.

FILLMORE DISCOS 78

STEVE ALBINI (1962-2024)

I am so deeply saddened by the shocking news yesterday of Steve Albini passing away. Can't quite believe it.

In 1987 we first recorded the 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' 7" with Steve at his home studio (pictured) - at the time knowing him more as a notable writer at Forced Exposure though I believe we may have briefly met at the 1983/1984 concerts in Chicago.

From then I used to see Steve regularly all through the 90s and during that time worked together for the full TYLS album (1990), another 7", albums 'Twice Is Not Enough' (1991)/'Halogen' (1994)/'Quality Time.' (1995) and then the three extended sound collages on 'Mummy And Daddy' (1998)/'Cruise' (2001)/'Bird Seed' (2003).

Steve was exceptionally talented at everything he put his mind to as he also did with great thoughtfulness and integrity.

It was an incredible privilege and huge pleasure to have been able to work with him and learn so much. Not only about music and recording, for example one poignant remark he made directly inspired me to drastically cut down on drinking at shows.

Steve was so funny, so well-read and knowledgeable, a fantastic often caustic story-teller, always down-to-earth, always sharply focused and dedicated to his amazing work.

My love and thoughts go out to Steve's friends, his family, and his partner.