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Show ftgviezus Welles Othello is classic after his Whats moist and baited and arrives in Atheys mailbox? time ri by Mike Weaver Forum staff writer Orson Welles has a particular talent for the peculiar that is evident in all his films, from the Magnificent Ambersons to his timeless Citizen Kane. Othello, which played at the Tower Theater Sept. 1, is up to his usual standard, with bizarre camera angles and playful use of shadow. Welles version may aggravate true Shakespeare fans. He doesnt use the language to make the movie but rather comes forth with a beautifully filmed piece in which the language s , EUTTHOLE whmm 8-1- is almost secondary. Orson Welles plays the part of Othello, a Moor and general of the army, who marries the beautiful and fair (Suzanne Cloutier). When the soldier Iago (Michael MacLiammoin) fails to get promoted, he starts to tell Othello stories of Desdemonas unfaithfulness, which drives Othello insane. The movie was the hardest to make for Welles. It was filmed over a two-yeperiod whenever money and supplies were available. If money was tight, Welles would find some acting job to make money. Assembling the actors each time was near impossible. Welles later claimed that they were assembled in the cutting room. For one scene there were no costumes available so Welles had the scene set in a Turkish bath with all the actors wearing towels. This version does not play true to Shakespeares original. Orson Welles Des-demo- na ar changes some characters, leaves some out, and combines others to make one character. But Welles is able to present a twisted tale of jealousy and revenge, not by poetry, but by stunning visuals. A very moving funeral piece opens and closes the movie with pall bearers dressed in black robes moving against a bleak sky with ominous music accompanying. In another scene the mournful face of Othello is surrounded by shadow to make his face appear to float in a sea of black. With a restored negative and a reor- ganized and remastered soundtrack, Welles vision is the most stunning and crisp it has ever been. Othello is hot a classic on the level of Citizen Kane, but is truly an exciting visual journey and an excellent example of Welles artistic insight and his ability to manipulate a camera to his every whim. "Othello is visually one of the most innovative movies which has come out in this century. IT THING by William Athey Forjum staff writer Moist Recordsbaited (sic) breath productions is a label in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, putting out some strange and quirky pop recordings. , They sent four CDs. Three of the four bands are from North Carolina; the fourth, It Thing, is from San Francisco. . been compared to the Minutemen and the Meat Puppets. These guys practice their piano scales, play tunes on a touch-top- e phone and sing about killing their dad with the car on the CD. They play fast, have hooks and add some tape effects. The CD is their first effort The lyrics remind me of some of Jonathan Richmans stuff with the Modem Lovers, but he was never so violent. The music is at times reminiscent of the Feelies. Im sure their live show is something to see. I think Bicycle Face can put out a great record. Parts of this album make them a band to watch in the future. full-leng- th WHAT PEGGY WANTS Death of a Sailor Death of Sailor has rich full production. Lap steel guitar, flute and violin on a few songs adds to the full sound. What Peggy Wants has a definite British fixation. The press release said they can brush shoulders with the Cure, the Cult, the Smiths, the Cocteau Twins and David Bowie. Death of a Sailor works best for me on songs where the fixation isnt present, like Live to Ride, What Peggy Beg, Wants, Mephisto Drag and Baby Drac-ul- a. This band can put out some sonic blasts of rockin noise. Maybe thats where the Cult comparison comes in. The Cocteau Twins and the Smiths never set me on fire. If thats your style you might like this CD. What does Peggy want? The question is answered in the song of the same name: she wants to be a sex kitten. THE EMPERORS OF ICE CREAM Imperialism Imperialism is a six song EP of straight ahead pop by a three piece band. A stripped-dow- n sound, all three sing. Standout songs are Tearing Up thp Floor and Sister, both fun, pQwer pop m the Nick Lowe, Rockpile vein. As the press material says, they usually feel pretty OK so their music is pretty much fun. I have to agree, pretty OK. vocals with Mark Zanandrea. She has an outstanding voice. The other member of It Thing is Greg Freeman on bass. They add two members to play live. The press release calls It Thing grunge poprock. There is a lot more to hear than grunge and pop. There are a rockabilly song, folk songs, including a heavy metal update of Dear Liza, and ballads to go with the grunge and pop. All are done with taste and professionalism. The musicianship is excellent, theres variety with intelligent, sometimes funny lyrics. I listen to music for entertainment and enjoyment; thats exactly what It Thing offers. . You probably cant find these records in Salt Lake City unless you special order them. I looked and couldnt find any stores that stocked any of them. Even though I dislike most chain stores and love many of the independents around town, God send us a Tower Records. Im tired of going to five different stores, to find five styles of music, not finding any of it and having to mail order. The address to order direct is: Moist Recordsbaited breath productions P.O.Box 3597 Chapel Hill, NC 27515 IT THING TOBJBDTJAE BICYCLE FACE Trust and Obey Just in case youre wondering the title stands for The Ode to Billy Joe Bob Dylan Thomas Jefferson Airplane Experience, it is also the title to the first song. This is the one to buy! It thing is formed from of the Catheads, Donner Harm Farm, Barbara Manning, Pell Party, Mell and the Call. The press release said this is San Franciscos greatest supergroup. I cant say if thats true, but they are good. Why are there four people in the press release photo? , Melanie Clarin plays drums and shares ex-memb- ers The drum kit includes hub caps and trash can lids. The guitar is an acoustic Ovation wired to an amp. The bass is an Ibanez cut down to the size of a loaf of bread. Bicycle Face is described as three misfits. From the description of their instruments, I agree. Playing quirky punk-tinge- d pop, theyve x - September 29, 1992 Forum Page 9 |