Archive for August 28th, 2009

Director and producer of An Inconvenient Truth Davis Guggenheim takes on a less politically challenged source for material in his latest offering It Might Get Loud– rock guitarists. Specifically Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, The Edge from U2, and Jack White of the White Stripes are all tapped in this documentary. Talking shop about their various bands, how they each got into playing the guitar, and where and how they formed their respective signature sound are topics addressed in this film. Aside from the personal stories and histories though, the real magic happens when all three of the artists get together to talk music, share songs, and trade ideas with each other, a real treat for the rock history buffs. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t spend much time at this round table but rather spends more time with each individual and feels more like a really well put together episode of Behind The Music. To that end, Hard core fans of any of the afore mentioned artists will still find interesting and new material here, but this film still feels like more of a rental. It Might Get Loud is rated PG.

Paul Giamatti (Paul Giamatti) is an actor starring in a play by Chekov but feels bogged down by the heaviness of his soul. When a new procedure is developed to remove the soul from the body to liberate people from their worries, Paul takes particular interest. Before long, the now soulless actor begins to realize he was actually better off with his soul. Unfortunately, when he goes to have his soul re-attached to his body, he discovers his soul has been sold on the black market. Will a donor soul suffice, will Paul ever get his soul back, will his soul retain its beauty despite being sold to a vile and poisonous person? Written with the actor in mind, this unique tale makes for a funny and imaginative look into “what if?” And, for Paul Giamatti, the script allows for a fun and interesting challenge. The occasional jaunts into art film territory also add a splash of the unexpected. Definitely a film that will get you talking and give pause for thought. Worthy of a matinee or a rental later, Cold Souls is rated PG-13.