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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 21 2013
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
FILM
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Ultima (Miriam Colon) teaches the young Antonio (Luke Ganalon) the importance of a plant's life.
'Ultima' fit for small screen
IALEX IAMR
alamb@kansan.com
Bless Me, Ultima" is one of those novels that has so much literary acclaim (and controversy) that you've probably heard about it in an English class at some point. In fact, it's arguably the most highly regarded piece of literature written by a Mexican-American.
But for some strange reason, the film adaptation of this widely known book has received barely any publicity, prepared to completely slip under everyone's radar. Which is too bad, because there's definitely a strong showcase of cultural identity on display here, even though the film's undemanding execution lacks much of the style that made the novel so unique.
Telling a simple story of the spiritual growth of young Antonio (Luke Ganon) as he encounters good against evil in his community, "Bless Me, Ultima" stands out for its setting of New Mexico during World War II, elements of magical realism and portrayal of an interesting culture.
The titular character of "Ultima"
(Miriam Colon), an old medicine
woman, drives the overarching plot as she comes to live with Antonio's family, teaches him about her mystical ways, and tries to keep the vindictive Tenorio (Castulo Guerra) and his three witch daughters at bay. Everything in the film with "Ultima" makes for compelling viewing, particularly because of the occult aspects. But all of the rest with just Antonio and his family, which comprises over half of the movie, isn't as satisfying.
Writer/director Carl Franklin, who has a natural flair for high drama, adapts Rudolfo Anaya's dynamic novel in the safest, least risky manner possible. While a scene where "Ultima" works to lift a curse off Antonio's uncle gets a bit surreal and visually inventive, making it one of the movie's most effective sequences, Franklin otherwise dials it back and even excises some of the more otherworldly "Ultima" parts of the book.
Diminishing the pronounced aspect of the magical realism into more traditional narrative contrivances takes away from the overall enchantment of the story, but the other themes of life and death, family responsibility, and religion and spirituality still unfold thoughtfully. The problem is that it lacks much engrossing depth or the provocative, meaningful edge one might expect from one of the most challenged books in the country.
While the performances are allaround competent, the dialogue feels a bit forced at times, although that's partially because the writing is sometimes basic and stereotypical. But Colon succeeds wonderfully as such a mythical, wise and kind yet powerful figure. Ganalon doesn't possess such an engaging presence, but as a child actor, he shows a natural curiosity of the world that's easy to step into.
When it comes down to it, "Bless Me, Ultima" has far more of a small screen vibe than big screen. The same way an original Lifetime movie often takes an interesting topic, then plainly moralizes it so as to not offend anyone and uses straightforward storytelling, so does this adaptation. A nice tale, but an unremarkable one.
MUSIC
Edited by Dylan Lysen
Frank Ocean rejuvenates R&B with meaningful lyrics
LYNDSEY HAVENS
lhavens@kansan.com
Artists like Frank Ocean and Miguel have been receiving plenty of media attention surrounding the 55th Annual Grammys. They're doing something right. They are reviving and revamping the long lost genre of R&B.
Ocean
According to Spin Magazine,
"R&B is evolving and this is a
thrilling moment for fans of the
music." The magazine has named
"Alt-R&B" as the Trend of the
Year in 2012, and music critic Eric Harvey coined the term 'PBR&B',
that has become a popular buzzword.
Cristelle Fornesi, a freshman from San Francisco, is happy to see R&B making a comeback.
"Frank Ocean is able to write about so much more than just superficial things. He includes real messages into his lyrics that appeal to both men and women," Fornesi said. "People appreciate more thoughtful songwriting, and that is something that has really been lacking these days. Frank Ocean delivers that, plus a pretty
melody to go with it."
Aside from more meaningful content, technological advancements have certainly helped the evolution of R&B as well. Both digital recording and the Internet have largely supported the success that Ocean and Miguel are encountering.
Each artist not only earned a spot as a performer at the Grammys, but also was in the running for several nominations. Ocean was nominated for record of the year, album of the year, best new artist, and beat out Miguel for best urban contemporary album. Miguel was nominated for song of the year, best R&B performance, and won for best R&B song.
Yes, both artists possess immense talent, but something else must be in the works that led them to such sudden success. Ocean and Miguel don't restrict themselves to fit the mold of just one genre. While they can be considered "R&B" artists, they are certainly covering more range.
Pat McQuillan, a freshman from St. Paul, Minn., agreed.
"If R&B was ever losing its spot in the limelight, Ocean has most definitely brought it back," McQuillan said. Ocean has "songs that are throwbacks to the smooth R&B vibe of Motown with a modern twist, or that take the soulful
tenor of R&B and throw it in a present day hip hop flow... If anything I would say Ocean has opened the doors for this genre."
One genre that has a strong presence in both Ocean and Miguel's songs is electronic dance music (EDM). Although it is often pop artists who incorporate wubs and bass into the chorus of their catchy songs, they are no longer the only ones.
In Ocean's hit, "Thinkin Bout You," Spin says that his "melancholy moans are reinforced with a warbling synthesizer," and goes on to say that Miguel's well-known song, "Adorn," also includes "distorted bass throbs that surround Miguel's smooth murmur."
Though EDM has proven to be too much for some, Ocean and Miguel have seemed to find just the right balance. By choosing to test the boundaries of the genre, their sensuous croons have reached new levels, and new fans.
If EDM can even slightly be held accountable for bringing back R&B, it is hard to say where it will wobble to next.
Edited by Tyler Conover
LAWRENCE
Rapper Talib Kweli to perform local on Friday
Rap veteran Talib Kweli is performing in Lawrence this Friday at the Granada to promote his upcoming album, "Prisoner of Conscious," which is his fifth solo album. He will be joined by supporting acts Heartfelt Anarchy, Reach and Bizzy.
kweli has been known as a true lyricist in rap ever since his early work as Blackstar with Mos Def. Kweli has been in the rap game since 1998 and has managed to stay relevant throughout his entire career. In 2012 Kweli released a mixtape, "Attack the Block," which is still available for free. He will release his newest album on April 23.
Kweli is known for his conscious style of rap, where instead of talking about flashy things he owns, Kweli talks
about more important issues within society and rap itself.
"I've been a fan of Talib Kweli for a long time," said Josh Florez, a freshman from Wichita. "I really like his lyrical content. He's definitely one of my favorite rappers."
Tickets are $22 in advance. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m.
Ryan Wright
THE OTHER GUYS: SEEDED #68