Yesterday afternoon I saw Inni at the Metro Cinema and I felt as though I should write something about it, although I don’t feel I have quite enough to discuss to warrant an actual review of the documentary. I wasn’t even sure what to write about at all, other than a gentle ribbing of their stage fashion (the lead singer looks like Ziggy Stardust applying for a spot in the Lonely Hearts Club Band). If you are here looking for my opinion on the film itself, it is great. Go see it, even if you are only vaguely familiar with Sigur Rόs. If you have no idea who Sigur Rόs is you give your eyes and ears a treat and go see it anyway. And bring a friend. It is a beautiful and moving auditory and visual experience. In fact, my main criticism of the film is that I find the music so beautiful and interesting that I want to close my eyes to listen to it, at which point I am missing the film itself.
Comprised almost entirely of concert footage, Inni really relies on the cinematography and editing to make it worth watching and not just sitting at home with the CD playing and your eyes closed. Fortunately, the film itself very beautiful, although it often had the picture quality of a home video and I would have liked a crisper image. Of course, this may have been due more viewing a digital copy rather than a film print, and in the end it didn’t really detract from the viewing experience.
The most important thing I wanted to mention here was how I felt while watching Inni. Essentially, it brought back all my feelings of despair that music this beautiful and interesting exists and is combined with a mesmerising stage show and yet people insist on listening to the boring and derivative music found on the radio. Now that may seem a little hipster-y, but I swear, I’m not trying to be snobby. This isn’t some sort of exclusivity thing to make me feel above everyone else. I want everyone to hear this music and see what these concerts can be like. I would love for the mainstream to embrace interesting and thoughtful music. Also, it is not just me. In the words of Roz (who loves the radio and frequently accuses me of being a hipster), “this music makes Muse sound like Nickleback”. And Muse, although not my cup of tea, are very talented individuals. But actually watching Sigur Rόs play and realising that their sound is not due to studio trickery is kind of mind blowing. Everyone in the band is crazy talented, but the lead singer’s pitch is just out of this world. Also, I had never really paid much attention to the drumming before, but holy shit is their drummer spectacular!
So I think what I am trying to get at here is that you should all try and see this film. And if you can’t, then pick up a Sigur Rόs album (personally I recommend Ágætis byrjun). Your ears will thank you.
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