Does anyone remember Gus Van Sant’s nearly unwatchable 2005 film, Last Days? The sort of, but not really biopic of Kurt Cobain? No? Probably a good thing. While an interesting exercise in film, Van Sant hardly injected much of a story (or even a sense of characters), confusing fans of not only Nirvana but Van Sant’s work. Now comes a slightly similar project. Titled This Must Be The Place – yes, like the Talking Heads song — this new film sees director Paolo Sorrentino take actor-turned-director-turned-world’s-savior Sean Penn and turning him into a slightly Robert Smith-like character. Penn isn’t the only acclaimed talent involved; co-stars include Frances McDormand, Harry Dean Stanton, and Bono’s daughter Eve Hewson. It’s creating some buzz on the net, especially since it’s premiering at Cannes Film Festival next month.
So, why should you care?
Well, with the exception of any Robert Smith enthusiasts, others might be pleased to know David Byrne and Will Oldham, aka Bonnie “Prince” Billy, wrote songs for the film. In fact, Byrne makes an appearance in the film performing the titular track. With that in mind, it’s likely the tunes here won’t be throwaways. So far, at least judging from the teaser clip below (via 24B), the Cure-like melodies are pretty catchy. Check out the clip and judge for yourself. Admittedly, it’s hard not to laugh at the idea of Penn donning the ’80s goth garb in the American Southwest. It’s weird and that’s coming from a die-hard Cure fan.
But to each his own….
