entertainment
Films
Movie of the Month
by tom b r ow n e a n d l au r a d e a n - osgo o d
Georg Elser (Christian Friedel) is interrogated in 13 Minutes
■■foreign language: 13 minutes
© studio can al
Georg Elser has been largely forgotten by history. A communist sympathiser who attempted to assassinate Hitler and his entourage with a bomb in 1939, his exploits have been overshadowed by the more famous Claus von Stauffenberg (portryed on screen by Tom Cruise in 2008’s Valkyrie). But this riveting and harrowing film from Downfall director Oliver Hirschbiegel should change that. Christian Friedel, in particular, is wonderful as Elser, a musician and womansier who slowly realises the horror of the Nazi regime, but he’s matched in the acting stakes by Katharina Schüttler as Elsa, his troubled mistress. 13 Minutes is tough to watch at times, but it’s no less compelling for that. ■■documentary: amy Singer Amy
■■drama: eden
Winehouse died of alcohol poisoning at just 27, but her immense musical talent continues to influence the world of music, paving the way for a new generation of female soul singers. Using archive footage and home video, Amy shows a side of the artist that was often obscured by the coverage of her chaotic lifestyle—a young talent growing up, finding and then struggling with fame.
This charming French movie charts the rise and fall of Paul (Félix de Givry), a dance DJ who pioneers a new sound but sees others fulfil his dreams of success. The rise-and-fall narrative is simple, but Eden is a real gem. The soundtrack is a delight, even for those with no interest in the genre, and the skillfully developed characters cast a powerful spell—you don’t realise your emotional engagement until the heartbreaking final moments. 07•2015
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e n t e r ta i n m e n t
Music
■■action/sci-fi: terminator genisys Arnie has certainly stayed true
■■animation: song of the sea
Based on a tale from Irish folklore, this animation tells the story of a young boy who discovers that his mute sister is in fact a Selkie—a girl who came from the sea. We follow the siblings as they set out on an adventure to free other mystical creatures who are stuck in the modern world. Nominated for a Best Animated Feature Oscar, it should be perfect viewing for audiences of all ages.
to the words of his famous catchphrase. Over 30 years after the rather excellent first film, he’s back in the fifth installment of the Terminator franchise. We’ve reached 2029, and John Connor, his mother and an ageing terminator are crossing time lines in the ultimate rage against the machines.
by ma n di goodi er
The fifth album by Ducktails has its very own patron saint: St Catherine of Alexandria. Condemned for her faith in a time when it was seen as lunacy, she became an emblem of virtue. Appropriately, the soul of this album stems from its celestial concept and lyrical imagery. Beauty resonates from tracks such as “Heaven’s Room” and “Church”, thanks to that signature laid-back Ducktails sound. “[It’s] about being blinded by light [and] throwing yourself into a revery, regardless of the consequences,” says songwriter Matt Mondanile of the album’s tone, which is like a lazy, sun-drenched day.
DVD of the month
■■A Brilliant young mind
Key tracks: “Headbanging in the Mirror”, “St Catherine”, “Krumme Lanke” Like this? You may also like: Real Estate, Deerhunter, The War On Drugs
An awkward prodigy finds new confidence in this British drama.
Overlooked Record from the Past Genesis by Wendy & Bonnie
Online: The BBC News website Every morning with
night, repeat after repeat.
my cup of tea, to get me in gear for the day.
unique technique! When the narrative stopped in the middle of a sentence and the facing page was blank, I was intrigued.
Listening: Wooden Ships by Crosby, Stills and Nash. So hippy
it’s untrue. Listen to that wonderful guitar intro and tell me you’re not back in 1968. Groovy!
Fancy appearing in this section? Send your current cultural favourites, along with short descriptions, to readersletters@readersdigest.co.uk 18
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© studio can al / © Para mount P i ctures
Watching: The Big Bang Theory (E4) Night after
Album of the Month
St Catherine by Ducktails
On Your Radar Lynne Lowes, writer and proofreader
Reading: Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell It has such a
Reader’s Digest
Immensely talented sisters Wendy and Bonnie were teens in 1969 when they composed and recorded Genesis. Their inseparable vocal arrangements are incredibly immersive, and the songs perfectly capture the essence of the time, from the tender lament “Paisley Windowpane” to the exhilarating “Let Yourself Go Some Other Time”. Wendy & Bonnie’s record label went bankrupt shortly after its release, and the pair fell into further obscurity when their manager was murdered two years later. So it seems that Genesis was destined to take its place in the ranks of forgotten albums. listen to these albums at READERSDIGEST.CO.UK/LISTEN
On Our Radar Hampton Court Flower Show, June 30–July 5 The royal
palace in full bloom. Lewes Speakers Festival, July 17–19
Author talks in the Sussex hills. Edinburgh Jazz Carnival, July 19
Music from over 700 performers fills the city streets.
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