LENINGRAD COWBOYS GO AMERICA |
| CREDITS: Director: Aki Kaurismaki. Cast: Matti Pellonpaa & Kari Vaanen. Finland
(subtitled) 1989 (15). INTRODUCTION: Kaurismaki's breakthrough movie and indeed the movie that launched the current wave of Scandinavian comic films. SYNOPSIS: The film follows the exploits of a band called the Leningrad Cowboys, their frozen bassist, their tyrannical manager Vladimir and their one groupie as they leave their native Finland to seek their fame and fortune in the U. S. of A. where, they are reliably informed, they will listen to any old shit. REVIEW: A sort of Eastern European "This is Spinal Tap". OK not a great pitch line, but a great little film, which follows the band from state to state as they attempt to make their way to a wedding booking in Mexico. Along the way they experiment with the various musical styles they encounter. Pellonpaa is brilliant as the totalitarian manager and Vaanen provides excellent support as the dim-witted groupie. The film is not a laugh out loud riot fest, if indeed such a thing exists, but these quirky characterisations and peculiar situations provide more than enough reason for you to chuckle throughout. A genuine treat and an easily accessible introduction to the world of Scandinavian comedy productions. Mutt's Rating: **** |