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March 16, 2006
Eight Days a Week
FILM
Syriana is a fictionalised version of ex-CIA Agent Robert Baer’s memoir, See No Evil. Adapted by writer/director Stephen Gaghan (winner of the Best Screenplay Oscar for Traffic), this is a powerful and disturbing look at the murky world of global politics and the oil industry and how the two are inextricably linked. It has multiple storylines and follows a number of characters whose lives may or may not intersect but who are affected by (or affect the) decisions taken in the offices of power.
As the destinies of individuals, nations and countries are determined by a few, often unscrupulous men some of the characters we meet are CIA agent Robert Barnes (George Clooney, who is also one of the producers of the movie), Bryan Woodman (Matt Damon), an energy commodities trader whose personal tragedy brings him into contact with some powerful people; Julie Woodman (Amanda Peet), Bryan’s wife who thinks her husband is forfeiting his principles and using his tragedy for personal gain; Dean Whiting (Christopher Plummer), a Washington-based lawyer who has connections all over the world; Prince Nasir (Alexander Siddig), the heir-apparent of an oil-rich but unnamed Middle Eastern kingdom, and Wasim (Mazhar Munir), a young Pakistani oil-field worker disillusioned and disenfranchised when he and his father are left unemployed. Other characters in the movie are played by Jeffrey Wright, William Hurt and Chris Cooper.
Gaghan’s canvas is wide and you would be best advised not to figure out exactly how all the dots connect. It’s more important to realise that a great game is being played in boardrooms and cabinet meetings that envelops and affects innumerable lives that are notable to figure out themselves how the dots connect. This game has a life unto itself and even if some of the players are taken out and replaced by others the game will continue. Loyalties will shift, principles will be compromised, and morality will become murkier and murkier. Take Clooney’s character, Robert Barnes: is he a good guy or a bad guy? Depends on your perspective.
Syriana is a powerful and intelligent political thriller. George Clooney’s performance also won him this year’s Best Supporting Actor Oscar. My only reservation with the film would be Wasim’s story which seems shoehorned to make a certain point (I can’t say more here for fear of giving away a plot element). A must see.—Khusro Mumtaz
CLASSIc MOVIE
Becket (1964) tells us the true story of King Henry II of England (Peter O’Toole) and his friend and advisor Thomas Becket (Richard Burton), who were destined to stand on opposite sides of a great divide. One of the better historical epics made in the `50s and `60s, the movie’s theme of the conflict between church and state is still very relevant today, perhaps even more so than when the movie was made.
Based on the play by Jean Anouilh and directed competently if a little stodgily by Peter Glenville, the movie boasts great performances from O’Toole (in particular) and Burton, both at the top of their game. They were both nominated for Best Actor Oscars as was John Gielgud for his performance as the king of France. None of the actors won but Edward Anhalt did pick up the award for Best Adapted Screenplay. In all, Becket was nominated for 12 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. Available in Pakistan on DVD.—K.M.
Single
It’s truly a sign of the times when a Pink Panther movie – this time a remake starring Steve Martin as the famous Inspector Closeau – is getting more attention for its top hip-hop groove rather than its unforgettable Henry Mancini theme and score.
Beyonce Knowles, who stars alongside Martin in the flick The Pink Panther, currently, holds the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart with Check On It, featuring Slim Thug. This is the first single released from the film’s accompanying original motion picture soundtrack and is also featured on Destiny’s Child’s album #1s.
Swizz Beats provides the production duties and the accompanying video features the 5’7” bombshell sporting many different looks and a variety of hairstyles, including a pink wig at one point.
Although the song does not feature the timeless Mancini theme (other than for a few seconds at the beginning and end of the track), Check On It is a very hummable tune in its own way. The lyrics revolve around Knowles letting a man she admires know that she is his if he wants her. I can be a tease, she sings, but I really wanna please you.
The single has a smooth hip-hop beat and catchy chorus, but is without a doubt one of the diva’s weaker efforts. Check On It is worth checking out, but it’s unlikely you will be crazy in love with it.—T. U. Dawood
Album
Stevie Wonder has just released his first new studio album in more than ten years and the resulting A Time to Love was worth waiting for. Many critics are rushing to say it’s the best the legend has done since his classic Hotter than July and they are right. A Time to Love is full of catchy grooves, lovable lyrics and great guests.
First single So What’s The Fuss features Prince on guitar, which he does in a perfectly minimalist way, and En Vogue on back-up vocals. A great dance number, the lyrics are actually a social commentary with Wonder singing, And if we live in a time where/every nation’s fightin’ ‘round the world/Yet we can’t all agree that peace is the way/Shame on us.
Other successful guest appearances include gospel singer Kim Burell on If Your Heart Cannot Be Moved, India Arie on the title track, Bonnie Raitt on Tell Your Heart I Love You and Wonder’s daughter Aisha Morris on the jazzy How Will I Know? Long-time fans will remember that Morris was the inspiration for Wonder’s 1976 classic Isn’t She Lovely?
Other gems include the formulaic but very well crafted Shelter in the Rain, the bluesy True Love and the upbeat Positivity.
There are some weaker moments on the CD including the sluggish Passionate Raindrops, but overall the disc is one of the artist’s bests. It won’t take you very long to fall in love with A Time to Love. –– T.U.D
CONCERT
A classical fusion concert with one of Pakistan’s most critically acclaimed bands, Mekaal Hassan Band featuring ace guitarist Mekaal Hasan and classically trained vocalist, Jawed Bashir, will be held on March 18 at Defence Club at 8pm. The concert is being presented by Sampurna, a music NGO that is trying to promote classical music. –– A.S.
EXHIBITION
A display of clothes and jewellery is being presented by two Indian designers. Kamaldeep Oberoi will display his 22 carat jewellery in minakari, polki and rosecut diamonds and Raman Lamba, a fashion designer, will present intricate embroideries of Lucknow chicken, Parsi gara, fine gota work and delicate zardozi and resham kurtis, saris and silk suits. The exhibition is being done by Shaiyanne Malik at Samanzar on Friday and Saturday at showrooms 19 and 20 at The Plaza G7 Clifton.
–– A.S.
OR
The spring season is the time when life bursts at its seams with an awakening of everything. Exhibitions are the norm these days. Kersi Dubash’s collection of clothes consisting of Parsi gara and kundan work on sarees, kurtas, joras and purses is being exhibited till the 19th of this month at Regent Plaza.
OR
An exhibition of jewellery by Ajjo Chaudhry arranged by Majmua Gallery, will continue till March 18 at Khayaban Badban. Using 9kt, 18kt and 22kt gold, the designer produces a distinctive range of bracelets, necklaces, rings pendants and earrings.
She creates her own designs, based on the traditional South Asian jewellery. Tel: 5848010.—A.S
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