[Thor Joachim Haga]

Crikey, I keep forgetting to post about new viewings here.

Anyways, some more films with Warren Ellis scores:

KINGS (2017)

What a letdown after Deniz Gamze Ergüven’s superb MUSTANG. There’s a lot of drama surrounding the 1991 Rodney King riots, but the film never lives out its potential as it depicts a family caught in the crossfire. Ergüven must have felt the same, because she left filmmaking after this and focussed on TV.

WIND RIVER (2017)

Pretty good neo-Western crime drama set to a reservation in Wyoming. Directed by Taylor Sheridan, who would go on to YELLOWSTONE fame. Wintery and chilly, great mood.

THE NEW BOY (2023)

Australian drama starring Cate Blanchett as a nun in 1940s Australia, and a young, indigenous boy with supernatural powers she takes in. Lots of potential, but weird narrative structure and too long for what it has to say. But some great Cave/Ellis moments, one of the best they’ve done, I think.

Also:

MIDNIGHT RUN (1988)

As mentioned in another thread, a rewatch with two of my mates. Still dig this film. And spectacular Elfman score.

Then some Norwegian kiddie films that weren’t very good — NORTH (but great score by Raymond Enoksen), RUFUS – THE SEA SERPENT WHO COULDN’T SWIM and THE BADGERS.

And finally a new good Norwegian-US film:

FLOPHOUSE AMERICA (2026)

Beautiful documentary about a young boy and his alcoholic parents, living in a tiny motel room. Puts the finger on US poverty, and surviving against all odds. Lots of human resilience in that young boy. One of the best films I’ve seen this year, this.