Culture Diary, Week Commencing 29/08/2011

Mon 29/08

Hanna - DVD & Blu-Ray
Directed by Joe Wright (of Atonement fame), Hanna tells the tale of a 16 year old girl, raised by her father to be the perfect assassin (for reasons which become clear). Garnering mixed reviews on its cinema release, it is nevertheless a superior thriller, boasting a strong ensemble cast featuring Saoirse Ronan as Hanna, Eric Bana as her father and Cate Blanchett as the corrupt CIA agent Hanna must eliminate, this movie offers thrills and spills alongside beautiful scenery.
http://www.hannathemovie.com/

Oh Land - White Nights
I must confess the chanteuse was entirely new to me as of the end of last week. Oh Land came to my attention for all the wrong reasons, 'earning' worst album of the month in Vice magazine. I felt duty-bound to check her out, point and laugh. Instead, I got served this charming piece of Scandi-pop, not incredibly unlike Bat For Lashes sans the ridiculous head gear and penchant for taking oneself a little too seriously. It's a winner, folks - check out the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LcL7MAqwOc

Wed 31/08

Best Coast @ Mojo, £10
With Reading/Leeds disappearing over the horizon and festival season along with it, we can all get back to focussing on some great tours up and down the UK. This Wednesday sees an early treat in the form of California fuzz-pop trio, Best Coast, providing the perfect soundtrack to the end of the summer.
http://www.facebook.com/rockandrollaintnoisepollution?sk=events#!/event.php?eid=218021514898335

White Denim @ O2 Academy, £8
If your tastes run to something altogether more rootsy, you're in luck, for Texan four-piece White Denim also happen to be in town this week. Their latest record, D, was released earlier this year to much critical acclaim. Catch them while they're hot, we reckon.
http://www.myspace.com/whitedenimmusic

Fri  02/09

Kill List
Part post Iraq fall-out, part UK Gangster/Pagan horror-movie mash up, this high concept Brit-shocker seems to have been made in-part simply to vex the likes of me, trying my ass off to provide a little insight without giving the whole damn thing away. Directed by Ben Wheatley (Down Terrace), Kill List is certainly causing a stir. Check out the official trailer below, it opens later this week.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqkqF--v1tg