Cristella's Picks

Hi, this is Cristella from Information Services. Here are a few things I’ve enjoyed in the last year or so. You can check on the availability of an item by clicking on the images below. I have very eclectic tastes so if you’d like me to recommend something to you or have suggestions for me, feel free to comment or stop by and chat!

	The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (Rated R) This is a film that sneaks up on you, mostly because of the acting. Casey Affleck plays Robert Ford who joins his brother, played by Sam Rockwell, in Jesse James’ gang.  The story takes place over a few months in which Ford becomes disenchanted when he realizes the fear and paranoia are not quite the life he expected. His seemingly good deed is not met with the reaction he’d hoped nor expected. The cinematography and music compliment this fascinating character study.
	Neko Case, Fox Confessor Brings the Flood Neko Case has one of the most amazing voices I’ve heard. Her voice along with her unique style of songwriting makes her music incredibly compelling. She is influenced by country, gospel and folk music. Some of my favorite songs on this record are “Maybe Sparrow” and “The Needle Has Landed.”  What’s great about this recording is that it grows each time you listen to it. I hear something new each time I play it. This is Case’s fourth recording.
	John Adams (Starring Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney) Based on David McCullough’s biography of our second president, John Adams is an eight part mini series chronicling the life of our second president. Paul Giamatti portrays Adams and Laura Linney stars as Abigail Adams. The Boston Massacre, the Continental Congress, the Declaration of Independence, the drafting of the Constitution are dramatized. If you’re like me, you’ve forgotten most of what I had learned about the American Revolution in high school and this sparked a new interest for me. David McCullough’s biography of John Adams is also available.
	Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and Birth of the New Hollywood by Mark Harris When Bonnie and Clyde, Dr. Dolittle, The Graduate, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, and In the Heat of the Night, were nominated for Best Picture in 1967, it marked a change not only in the culture of film but in American culture. Harris creates an entertaining and compelling story tracking these five films from their inception to their eventual success in being recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The book provides fascinating anecdotes about the films’ participants and although filmaking can be and arduous process, Harris writes the story in a way that keeps you turning the pages and wanting to know what will happen next.
	M. Ward, Post-War Matt Ward’s sixth record is insprired by the music of post World War II America. He drew paralells between that time in our country to the present culture. Ward’s music could be called country. He is skilled with a guitar and counts Roy Orbison as a major influence and inspriration. This CD is great for a road trip!