Arts

Arts

TV Review | 'True Detective' stands out as promising crime drama

January 22

List off all the typical ingredients of the standard crime drama, and "True Detective" seems like a perfectly calculated recipe: two mismatched male detectives trying to solve a gruesome, inexplicable murder in a decrepit southern gothic town. But as the show develops, it becomes clear that HBO's new anthology series is anything but a clich?sum of its parts. Writer and creator Nic Pizzolatto subverts the centricity of the actual mystery and instead demands a closer examination of the cops' damaged psyches, revealing demons that slowly unfold to make "True Detective" one of the network's most intriguing releases of 2014.

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Arts

TV Review | ‘True Detective’ stands out as promising crime drama

January 22

List off all the typical ingredients of the standard crime drama, and “True Detective” seems like a perfectly calculated recipe: two mismatched male detectives trying to solve a gruesome, inexplicable murder in a decrepit southern gothic town. But as the show develops, it becomes clear that HBO’s new anthology series is anything but a clich?sum of its parts. Writer and creator Nic Pizzolatto subverts the centricity of the actual mystery and instead demands a closer examination of the cops’ damaged psyches, revealing demons that slowly unfold to make “True Detective” one of the network’s most intriguing releases of 2014.

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Arts

Springsteen returns with 'High Hopes'

January 20

When veteran rocker Bruce Springsteen announced that his 18th studio album would consist mainly of outtakes, covers and re-recorded songs, many assumed that the artist was finally scraping the bottom of the barrel. But with the release of "High Hopes," Springsteen proves that he still has some surprises left even at this point in his long career. The result is a mostly successful experiment that showcases Springsteen's various stylistic approaches, developed over the past decade and beyond, as well as his newfound musical relationship with guitarist Tom Morello. The album's songs may not fit together quite as elegantly as they do on many of Springsteen's previous albums, but the strength of his songwriting and willingness to explore new territory make "High Hopes" a compelling listen.

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Arts

Sharon Jones sticks to what she knows

January 20

For more than a decade, one band has been trying to revive the sounds of record companies Motown and Stax in the most in the most authentic way possible. Not content with just using samples or experimenting with already established formulas, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings have been producing the real deal. Eschewing modern conventions by recording with non-digital equipment, they make vintage music the same way it was made in the late ’60s and early ’70s. Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings have also ensured that their music stays true to the original soul and funk music style found in their five studio albums, the latest of which, “Give the People What They Want,” mostly follows the same old formula. And it is this very formula that has become both a blessing and a curse for the band.

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Arts

TV Review | 'The Mindy Project' sticks to old formula

January 20

"The Mindy Project" (2012-present) doesn't like to waste time. The winter premiere fast forwarded through Dr. Mindy Lahiri's (Mindy Kaling) new relationship with handsome lawyer Cliff (Glenn Howerton) by documenting their many firsts: first kiss, first time having sex, first late-night conversation - you get the picture. This progression, however, comes to a halt once Cliff asks Mindy to go on a ski trip - what would be their first vacation. One might expect this to be an exciting prospect, but Mindy is more worried than thrilled. This trip will be the first time Cliff sees her in a bikini - and our resident OB/GYN does not relish this idea.

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Arts

Springsteen returns with ‘High Hopes’

January 20

When veteran rocker Bruce Springsteen announced that his 18th studio album would consist mainly of outtakes, covers and re-recorded songs, many assumed that the artist was finally scraping the bottom of the barrel. But with the release of “High Hopes,” Springsteen proves that he still has some surprises left even at this point in his long career. The result is a mostly successful experiment that showcases Springsteen’s various stylistic approaches, developed over the past decade and beyond, as well as his newfound musical relationship with guitarist Tom Morello. The album’s songs may not fit together quite as elegantly as they do on many of Springsteen’s previous albums, but the strength of his songwriting and willingness to explore new territory make “High Hopes” a compelling listen.

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Arts

Artificial intelligence creates authentic love in 'Her'

January 20

Spike Jonze's "Her" is one of the many Oscar bait films widely released at the beginning of 2014. That is not to say it is the kind of movie that exists simply to win awards.

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Arts

Artificial intelligence creates authentic love in ‘Her’

January 20

Spike Jonze’s “Her” is one of the many Oscar bait films widely released at the beginning of 2014. That is not to say it is the kind of movie that exists simply to win awards.

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Arts

TV Review | ‘The Mindy Project’ sticks to old formula

January 20

“The Mindy Project” (2012-present) doesn’t like to waste time. The winter premiere fast forwarded through Dr. Mindy Lahiri’s (Mindy Kaling) new relationship with handsome lawyer Cliff (Glenn Howerton) by documenting their many firsts: first kiss, first time having sex, first late-night conversation — you get the picture. This progression, however, comes to a halt once Cliff asks Mindy to go on a ski trip — what would be their first vacation. One might expect this to be an exciting prospect, but Mindy is more worried than thrilled. This trip will be the first time Cliff sees her in a bikini — and our resident OB/GYN does not relish this idea.

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Arts

Malkmus' newest album off solo project is charming, human

January 16

At this point in his career, it seems like there is no stopping Stephen Malkmus. With five albums from his eponymous band already under his belt, it would be understandable if the 47-year-old musician decided to pack up his guitar and call it a day. Instead, he has pulled together yet another collection of loose, fun-loving tracks - and is traveling across the world to promote them. Malkmus isn't concerned with expectations, and it is this nonchalance that makes his newest record both accessible and enjoyable. In an age where it is cool to not care, Malkmus excels at making his music human, which encourages the listener to feel a tangible connection to his songs - a connection that many indie artists have lost.

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Arts

Theatre Review | Huntington Theatre Company's 'Venus in Fur' a success

January 16

Loud, crackling thunderclaps vibrate through the theater as the curtain rises on the Huntington Theatre Company’s production of “Venus in Fur.” The fearsome, unsettling thunder, delivered with little warning, silenced the audience and became a symbol of power and nature for this play, which is a study in power dynamics and sexual authority.

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Arts

Theatre Review | Huntington Theatre Company's 'Venus in Fur' a success

January 16

Loud, crackling thunderclaps vibrate through the theater as the curtain rises on the Huntington Theatre Company's production of "Venus in Fur." The fearsome, unsettling thunder, delivered with little warning, silenced the audience and became a symbol of power and nature for this play, which is a study in power dynamics and sexual authority.

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Arts

Malkmus’ newest album off solo project is charming, human

January 16

At this point in his career, it seems like there is no stopping Stephen Malkmus. With five albums from his eponymous band already under his belt, it would be understandable if the 47-year-old musician decided to pack up his guitar and call it a day. Instead, he has pulled together yet another collection of loose, fun-loving tracks — and is traveling across the world to promote them. Malkmus isn’t concerned with expectations, and it is this nonchalance that makes his newest record both accessible and enjoyable. In an age where it is cool to not care, Malkmus excels at making his music human, which encourages the listener to feel a tangible connection to his songs — a connection that many indie artists have lost.

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Arts

James Vincent McMorrow excites with new album

January 14

R&B, a genre once dominated by artists like Mary J. Blige and Boyz II Men, has received a makeover in the last few years. With artists like Frank Ocean and Miguel blazing onto the scene, the doors of the R&B world have burst open in spectacular fashion. Enter James Vincent McMorrow, a 30-year-old Irish singer and songwriter. McMorrow’s music is marked by melancholic and deep vocals that croon nostalgic lyrics over simple melodies created with acoustic guitar and synthesizers. His music is not traditional R&B; in fact, some will be more comfortable placing him in the indie-folk acoustic realm alongside acts like Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes. However, McMorrow’s sound has undoubtedly been born out of one of the newest trends in the musical world; synthesizing R&B beats and melodies into more traditionally alternative tunes.

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Arts

TV Review | Winter TV promises return of acclaimed comedies, dramas

January 14

Winter can be an unfortunate time for TV fans. With several shows still in the middle of their hiatus and others that aired finales in December, it can feel like all the best shows have disappeared. Luckily, there are some gems to tune into while waiting for “Scandal” (2012-present) and “The Walking Dead” (2010-present) to return to the television — or computer — screen.  “Enlisted” This new comedy from Fox which premiered last Friday night to a warm reception, has pleasantly surprised critics and viewers alike despite less than stellar ratings. The sitcom follows three soldiers — Pete, Derrick and Randy — who are also brothers consigned to rear detachment duty — or rear D — at a Florida base comically named Fort McGee. Their responsibilities don’t exactly scream “action” — rear D soldiers are the troops left at home to take care of the base and the military families who live there. They spend their days finding lost pets, cleaning tanks and playing war games with a visiting Italian regiment. Eldest brother Pete (Geoff Stults) is an overachiever and less than thrilled that he has been tapped to lead the band of misfits that include his younger brothers — bitingly sarcastic Derrick (Chris Lowell) and lovable idiot Randy (Parker Young). The pilot had several laugh-out-loud moments and hopefully word-of-mouth and critical praise can make “Enlisted” the hit it deserves to be.   “Girls” and “Looking” These two “dramedies” from HBO are sure to get their fair share of press in the coming months. Lena Dunham’s “Girls” (2012-present) entered its third season earlier this month — and was renewed for a fourth before the premiere even aired. Dunham has kept plot details under wraps, though she has teased several big breakups and the return of Andrew Rannells as Elijah — the gay ex-boyfriend of Dunham’s character Hannah. Airing after “Girls” this winter is “Looking,” which premieres Jan. 19. The new show is led by Jonathan Groff — best known for his roles on “Glee” (2009-present) and the 2006 Broadway production of “Spring Awakening” — and revolves around a group of gay men living in San Francisco and navigating complicated love lives and professional challenges.With “Girls” having achieved critical acclaim and “Looking” off to a promising start, HBO has secured solid Sunday night programming.  Critically Acclaimed Political Thrillers Return2013 was a dynamic and innovative year for television, proving definitively that — with few exceptions — the best dramas are no longer found on network television. This winter, two acclaimed shows return: Netflix’s “House of Cards” (2013-present) and FX’s “The Americans” (2013-present).The Netflix show, which premiered last year on the streaming service, is back for a second season on Feb. 14, with Kevin Spacey’s conniving and manipulative Frank Underwood having worked his way into the vice presidency. “The Americans,” a thriller about KGB agents posing as an American couple, returns Feb. 21 after its well received first season. Spies Elizabeth and Phillip Jennings — played by Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys — will have no shortage of challenges to face this season, not the least of which is their teenage daughter Paige (Holly Taylor), who begins to suspect her parents are keeping major secrets hidden.  British InvasionPBS has not traditionally been considered the home of popular Sunday night programming but this winter that is set to change. With the return of “Downton Abbey” (2010-present), now in its fourth season, on Jan. 5 and the third season of fellow British import “Sherlock” (2010-present) set to premiere Jan. 19, PBS will see impressive, and possibly record-breaking, ratings. In fact, “Downton Abbey” has already done so, drawing 10.2 million viewers to the premiere — the highest-rated drama premiere in PBS history. It would appear that the death of handsome earl-to-be Matthew Crawley in the season three finale of “Downton” has not affected audience interest in the period soap.“Sherlock,” meanwhile, returns after two years off the air to a rabid fan base eager for new installments of the meticulously crafted detective drama. Since the show last aired, its two leads — Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman — have seen their careers explode with Cumberbatch appearing in seemingly every film that hits theaters and Freeman starring as Bilbo Baggins in the film adaptations of “The Hobbit” (1937). Yet their iterations of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, respectively, remain as popular as ever — at least according to U.K. ratings, which have been massive. Considering the level of anticipation for “Sherlock,” it’s likely that its U.S. viewership will be equally stellar. The OlympicsThe Winter Olympics may play second fiddle to the Summer Games, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to enjoy from NBC’s Sochi coverage. The run-up to the Games has been controversial — Russia’s treatment of LGBT citizens and the country’s so-called “anti-gay propaganda” law have become flashpoints. Some countries, including the U.S., Canada, France and Germany, will not be sending any high-level delegates to Sochi, and recent attacks by suicide bombers in Russia have done nothing to quell concerns about the political state of the country.12

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Arts

TV Review | Winter TV promises return of acclaimed comedies, dramas

January 14

Winter can be an unfortunate time for TV fans. With several shows still in the middle of their hiatus and others that aired finales in December, it can feel like all the best shows have disappeared. Luckily, there are some gems to tune into while waiting for "Scandal" (2012-present) and "The Walking Dead" (2010-present) to return to the television - or computer - screen.  "Enlisted" This new comedy from Fox which premiered last Friday night to a warm reception, has pleasantly surprised critics and viewers alike despite less than stellar ratings. The sitcom follows three soldiers - Pete, Derrick and Randy - who are also brothers consigned to rear detachment duty - or rear D - at a Florida base comically named Fort McGee. Their responsibilities don't exactly scream "action" - rear D soldiers are the troops left at home to take care of the base and the military families who live there. They spend their days finding lost pets, cleaning tanks and playing war games with a visiting Italian regiment. Eldest brother Pete (Geoff Stults) is an overachiever and less than thrilled that he has been tapped to lead the band of misfits that include his younger brothers - bitingly sarcastic Derrick (Chris Lowell) and lovable idiot Randy (Parker Young). The pilot had several laugh-out-loud moments and hopefully word-of-mouth and critical praise can make "Enlisted" the hit it deserves to be.   "Girls" and "Looking" These two "dramedies" from HBO are sure to get their fair share of press in the coming months. Lena Dunham's "Girls" (2012-present) entered its third season earlier this month - and was renewed for a fourth before the premiere even aired. Dunham has kept plot details under wraps, though she has teased several big breakups and the return of Andrew Rannells as Elijah - the gay ex-boyfriend of Dunham's character Hannah. Airing after "Girls" this winter is "Looking," which premieres Jan. 19. The new show is led by Jonathan Groff - best known for his roles on "Glee" (2009-present) and the 2006 Broadway production of "Spring Awakening" - and revolves around a group of gay men living in San Francisco and navigating complicated love lives and professional challenges.With "Girls" having achieved critical acclaim and "Looking" off to a promising start, HBO has secured solid Sunday night programming.  Critically Acclaimed Political Thrillers Return2013 was a dynamic and innovative year for television, proving definitively that - with few exceptions - the best dramas are no longer found on network television. This winter, two acclaimed shows return: Netflix's "House of Cards" (2013-present) and FX's "The Americans" (2013-present).The Netflix show, which premiered last year on the streaming service, is back for a second season on Feb. 14, with Kevin Spacey's conniving and manipulative Frank Underwood having worked his way into the vice presidency. "The Americans," a thriller about KGB agents posing as an American couple, returns Feb. 21 after its well received first season. Spies Elizabeth and Phillip Jennings - played by Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys - will have no shortage of challenges to face this season, not the least of which is their teenage daughter Paige (Holly Taylor), who begins to suspect her parents are keeping major secrets hidden.  British InvasionPBS has not traditionally been considered the home of popular Sunday night programming but this winter that is set to change. With the return of "Downton Abbey" (2010-present), now in its fourth season, on Jan. 5 and the third season of fellow British import "Sherlock" (2010-present) set to premiere Jan. 19, PBS will see impressive, and possibly record-breaking, ratings. In fact, "Downton Abbey" has already done so, drawing 10.2 million viewers to the premiere - the highest-rated drama premiere in PBS history. It would appear that the death of handsome earl-to-be Matthew Crawley in the season three finale of "Downton" has not affected audience interest in the period soap."Sherlock," meanwhile, returns after two years off the air to a rabid fan base eager for new installments of the meticulously crafted detective drama. Since the show last aired, its two leads - Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman - have seen their careers explode with Cumberbatch appearing in seemingly every film that hits theaters and Freeman starring as Bilbo Baggins in the film adaptations of "The Hobbit" (1937). Yet their iterations of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, respectively, remain as popular as ever - at least according to U.K. ratings, which have been massive. Considering the level of anticipation for "Sherlock," it's likely that its U.S. viewership will be equally stellar. The OlympicsThe Winter Olympics may play second fiddle to the Summer Games, but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty to enjoy from NBC's Sochi coverage. The run-up to the Games has been controversial - Russia's treatment of LGBT citizens and the country's so-called "anti-gay propaganda" law have become flashpoints. Some countries, including the U.S., Canada, France and Germany, will not be sending any high-level delegates to Sochi, and recent attacks by suicide bombers in Russia have done nothing to quell concerns about the political state of the country.12

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Arts

MFA exhibit highlights unique perspectives, effects of watercolors

December 8

At the height of his fame at the end of the 19th century, John Singer Sargent became increasingly weary of painting commissioned portraits. In the decade that followed, the Paris-trained American decided to explore different themes and subjects by traveling widely in southern and central Europe as well as the formerly Ottoman Levant. These travels brought out his brilliant composition and brushwork that captured not only vivid hues, but also a liberating sense of lightness and leisure that is rarely seen in his commissioned oil paintings.

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Arts

Interview | Oscar Issac discusses role in ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’

December 5

Oscar Issac talked to the Daily about his performance as Llewyn Davis in the upcoming Coen Brothers film, “Inside Llewyn Davis.” The movie details the life and troubles of Davis, a struggling folk artist living in New York in the 1960s.

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Arts

Weekender | Mikko Nissinen’s rendition of ‘The Nutcracker’ showcases company talent

December 4

The Boston Ballet kicked off Mikko Nissinen’s “The Nutcracker” at the Boston Opera House on Nov. 29. Now in its 42nd year, “The Nutcracker” has long been considered “New England’s #1 Holiday Tradition,” according to the Boston Ballet website. The show will run through Dec. 29, employing over 250 Boston Ballet students in 43 performances. This is only the second year of Nissinen’s version of the production, so the experience is still fresh and exciting for both the dancers and audience members.This year will showcase the incredible talent within the company, including the debut of new additions to the roster, principal dancers Petra Conti and Eris Nezha. Among the lead dancers is ballerina Misa Kuranaga, who plays both the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Snow Queen.Alexandre Dumas, p?re’s libretto “The Tale of the Nutcracker” (1844), which itself is an adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” (1816), serves as the basis of Nissinen’s “The Nutcracker.”The dance tells the tale of young girl named Clara who receives a nutcracker as a gift on Christmas Eve. After everyone has gone to sleep, her nutcracker magically transforms into a prince, who leads her through an enchanted forest, combats a mouse king and ultimately brings her to his kingdom — until she awakens from the dream. Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, performed by the Boston Ballet Orchestra, accompanies the performance. Mikko Nissinen’s impactNissinen began as Artistic Director of the Boston Ballet and the Boston Ballet School in 2001. With Nissinen at the helm, Boston Ballet has toured around the country and the globe, including shows in Spain, Korea and Canada. Before he took over the position, the ballet hadn’t toured internationally in 16 years.Under Nissinen, The Boston Opera House became the company’s main performance venue in 2009. The 2,500-seat theater, located in Boston’s Theater District, provides the audience with better views and includes a renovated orchestra section.This year, audiences will watch the second annual production of Nissinen’s edition of “The Nutcracker.” Set designer Robert Perdziola, with whom Nissinen worked closely, chose to set this production in the early 1800s — about 20 years earlier than the show’s previous iteration.This was Perdziola’s first commission with the company, and his work has been received as an incredible success. He designed over 350 handmade costumes, each one custom painted. Young Clara exemplifies the era of the piece — her bonnet and dress in the first scene making her look like a young character from a Jane Austen novel.Relocation to the Boston Opera House has had a magical effect on the viewing experience. The set contains an impressive amount of moving scenery, including Christmas presents that open to reveal dancing toys and a sleigh for the Snow Queen and King. One chandelier is hung above the prince’s throne, while others are suspended above the heads of the audience. Pounds of falling snow, cannons shooting enormous candies wrapped in red and gold and an almost 43-foot Christmas tree, brilliantly detailed with 600 ornaments, add to the dazzling and fantastical effects of the set.A dancer’s perspectiveBut new innovations come with difficulties for the dancers. Principal dancer Kuranaga says that adapting to set changes has forced her to work much harder.“Visually, it is perfection from the audience’s view, but because we’re so new to it we’re still trying to figure out problems,” Kuranaga said. “My costume is beautiful but hard to dance in. It’s very stiff and not broken in.”According to Kuranaga, the new, slippery floor also poses difficulties, especially when falling snow piles up on stage.She is grateful, however, that the production will run until the end of December, giving dancers the opportunity to improve with each show.“More shows means more chances for revision,” Kuranaga said.In particular, she hopes to continue to improve the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. “It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It seems really easy, but it’s a lot of footwork,” she said.Luckily, Kuranaga has some support. She works closely with ballet master Larissa Ponomarenko, who has helped her develop as a dancer.“My dancing has changed, and I have much more to think about now,” Kuranaga said. “It’s so much deeper.” She added that one of the most meaningful parts of the preparation process is her collaboration with Ponomarenko. “We’re making a product together,” Kuranaga said. “To make something amazing you have to do it together.”12

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Arts

'Frozen' suffers from lack of originality

December 4

Disney's newest film, "Frozen" has been receiving high praise, with some critics even comparing it to classics such as "Beauty and the Beast" (1991) and "The Lion King" (1994). Yet, while the wintery tale may be warming hearts this season, there is little to suggest that the movie will ever join the ranks of Disney's beloved perennial favorites. A flurried blend of confusing plot twists and cliches may be precisely what viewers expect from an animated holiday flick, but this combination alone is far from the stuff of cinematic legend. Unfortunately, many of the solid elements of "Frozen" - the charming and whimsical humor, a reasonable dose of star-power and the gorgeous imaginary landscape of dazzling winter - are buried beneath an unwieldy and predictable storyline that lacks the smoothness and development of earlier Disney hits.

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