Jazz just sounds cooler when it's backing a black and white scene, doesn't it? Gives it an organic, refreshing sound, almost a palpable texture. Jazz under neon blue lights and nightclub smoke makes for a great atmosphere, too, but that's sultry and mysterious and can be too confined by its own setting.The reason I point this out is because Damien Chazelle's Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench (which made waves at Tribeca in April but is still seeking financing for a theatrical release) gives jazz a shot in the arm that not only gets your toe tapping, but your spirit soaring. You're not seduced by the riffs so much as you're invigorated by them.
It's a verite-style romantic musical dramedy that defies categorization precisely because it fits so many descriptions: indie, docudrama, mumblecore, to name a few. At different times it reminded of new cinema (In Search of a Midnight Kiss and Medicine for Melancholy) and classic cinema (the dancing scene from Jean-Luc Godard's Band of Outsiders), and it won't work for everyone if only because it's so peculiarly surreal. But I think that's why I loved it, aside from the fact that it was shot on the Boston and Cambridge streets that hold a special nostalgia for me.
Guy (actual trumpeting phenom Jason Palmer) plays in various jazz collectives, his girlfriend Madeline (Desiree Garcia) waits tables and waits for her break as a jazz singer. We see the two finish a decidedly awkward conversation on a park bench; the details of why they break up don't matter (and Chazelle's lack of explaining and narrative handholding is appreciated throughout the film) so long as we accept that it wasn't really what either person wanted. Soon enough both are on the rebound - Guy meeting Elena (Sandha Khin) in an almost startlingly sensual encounter on the T, and Madeline heading to New York City and a new relationship with a much less talented and much less charming musician.
If any or all of that appeals to your cinematic senses, keep your fingers crossed that Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench makes its way to you this fall (click here for a screening schedule). It's a delight that sneaks up on you like a spontaneous jazz solo; you almost don't have time to process the fact that what you're watching is truly special.
[Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench screens as part of Sound Unseen 10 this Saturday, October 3rd at 6:45 PM at the Trylon microcinema. Tickets.]
This sounds really good - you had me at "jazz" and "verite-style romantic musical drama" but mostly at "the dancing scene from Godard's Band of Outsiders" (my favorite scene in one of my favorite films). No screenings near me yet, but I'll be keeping my eye out for it, thanks!
ReplyDeleteHappy to spread the word on this one, Jandy. I think the trailer does a great job of summarizing everything that goes on here, so my review is really just a confirmation that yep, it's a unique one. The dancing scenes here don't have quite the captivating quality as the one in Band of Outsiders, but they're still enjoyable and fit the rest of it perfectly. Hope you get to check it out soon!
ReplyDeleteWhat a work done by Damien Chazelle,I m very eager to watch Guy and Madeline movie! I had watch its trailer and its really amazing.I have also came to know that this movie has won 1 award too.and i must say that this review is really awesome.I must recommend all to watch Guy and Madeline on park bench movie !
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cruz. Good timing as this fantastic film is just now making its way to theaters on the coasts. No need to download it - it would be MUCH better experienced in a theater!
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