Ich Seh Ich Seh [Goodnight Mommy] (2015)

*****Contains no spoilers*****

Are you my mother?

Besides it being the title of a famous Dr. Seuss book, it's the question that was floating around SouthSide's head when viewing this creepy, psychological haunt of a ghost story titled Ich Seh Ich Seh aka Goodnight Mommy. This Austrian film, with English subtitles, offers the cinema enthusiast over 90 minutes of intriguing, intense, nail-biting moments amidst a heavy cloud of mystery surrounding two twin boys (Lukas and Elias Schwarz) and their mother (Susanne Wuest), who spends majority of the film shrouded behind a face mask due to recent surgery. 

Yet the question remains when the boys notice huge difference about their "mother" - is she really their mother?

Goodnight Mommy opens with scenes of Lukas and Elias romping through the corn field and forest, swimming in the lake and exploring a dark tunnel (a very suspenseful scene as you're gradually led inside without ever knowing why or what's awaiting for you) until the next scenes finds them back home where their mother has returned from surgery. Isolated in the middle nowhere in Austria (miles and miles away from Vienna, SouthSide suppose), they're given a cold, unloving welcome from her who immediately complains about their dirty clothes. 

It was strange to watch a woman shower love and attention on Elias rather than equally with both boys to have this reviewer scratching her head ...wondering why a mother has so much animosity towards Lukas. She's definitely won the "Joan 'Mommy Dearest' Crawford" award, blogspot readers. Her changed personality sparks intrigue and their quest to determine if she's really their mother. And do they ever go through lengths torturing this woman who's recovering from facial reconstructive surgery in their efforts to find out who (or what) she is. From monstrous-sized beetles to super gluing her lips shut, the boys inflict sadistic methods and acts of torture which had SouthSide's skin crawling during certain moments until the bitter yet shocking, fiery end.

So was she their mother? What really happened to her which she needed facial surgery? What did Elias do to cause the "accident"? And why are the Austrian Red Cross volunteers (collecting donations) so nosey

and pushy?

Those questions and many more that will never be answered, blogspot readers.

SouthSide loves movies like Goodnight Mommy that have her scratching her head and analyzing the plot as well as conclusion. Yep, this psycho-horror movie will force you to think, analyze, discuss while deeply submerged amidst the mysterious plot-line from beginning to end. 

Writers/directors Severin Fiala and Veronika Franz gives you all the clues needed throughout the movie to support the arguments for and against ...leaving your mind twisted to either convince you that she IS or NOT their mother, blogspot readers. And believe SouthSide, she was siding with Lukas and Elias. That's the beauty about this movie. The subtle plot twists and fiery surprise at the end (which will have you discussing with other movie patrons) are just some of the things this movie that kept this reviewer (as well as her daughter) glued to her seat ...or sometimes gripping it. However, that same question was also the distraction to real plot of the movie which revolves around the boys, Lukas and Elias, besides their mother. One of them is not what he appears to be.

Sorry, blogspot readers, SouthSide will not reveal which twin it pertains to or the many hints dropped throughout the movie. 

It was shot beautifully. She loved how they lived in this modern (mostly glass) house in the middle of nowhere that's surrounded by a corn field and forest. What a strange place and way to live where your nearest neighbor could be thity or more away for help. Though it's never explained why a mother would choose such a place to raise her sons, it's the crucial crux of the Ich Seh Ich Seh's story to which easily immerses you into the daily activities of Elias' and Lukas' isolated life while their mother also stays isolated in her room recovering from surgery. Isolation can be so creepy and very unnerving, blogspot readers. It can slowly turn child's thoughts towards a path of becoming twisted and crazy. And that happens so quickly during the scene where they're playing "Who Am I?" with their mother and she doesn't get the hint the person she guessing is herself.

SouthSide's teen daughter only had this to say "...what a messed up, creepy movie..."

Absolutely a "must see" type of movie if you want to know the haunting plot twist and abruptly strange conclusion that will leave you dazed and confused for hours ...discussing it with others.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

12 Nov 13 - Muse Live from Olympic Stadium in Rome

All natural and technological
Processes proceed in such
a way that the availability of the
remaining energy decreases

In all energy exchanges, if no energy
enters or leaves an isolated system
the entropy of that system increases

Energy continuously flows from being
concentrated to becoming dispersed
spread out, wasted and useless

New energy cannot be
created and high-grade
energy is being destroyed

An economy based on endless
growth is unsustainable ~ "Unsustainable" by Muse

SouthSide's attending her first Muse concert! Well ...not actually live up close and personal, blogspot readers, but it felt like she did once this movie had concluded. Underneath the starry skies inside the legendary cinema palace Music Box Theatre (located in the Lakeview neighborhood), this reviewer among many other Muse fans recently attended a screening - Muse Live from Olympic Stadium in Rome. Filmed live on 06 July 2013 using 4K camera technology by Omniverse Vision, this movie took the audience on a musical experience featuring pyrotechnics, digital screens and animation, actors and a 20-song playlist selection of songs from The 2nd Law, Uprising, Supermassive Black Hole, Time Is Running Out, Straight and Plug-In Baby albums. It also gave everyone an in depth look at Muse - Matthew Bellamy, Dominic Howard and Chris Wosltenholme performing on stage (with some behind the scenes) in front of a crowd over 60,000, blogspot readers.

SouthSide enjoyed how director Matt Askem at times used a split sequence to not only capture the action on stage but also the fan reactions as it simultaneously happened at that exact moment. His cameras are there filming precious moments of fans singing along with Muse ...the flaming pyrotechnic columns (used during certain songs like Supremacy) and the animation on the digital screens (Jib Jab of world leaders in Panic Station and animated choir for Survival) and much more. She enjoyed the use of this technique during the song Animals where you watch a creepy video of corporate greed on side and Muse performing the song on the other. Adding more creepiness to this particular was the actor portraying the Wall Street-like executive who tossed money into the crowd and then receiving a haunting harmonic funeral march in the end. Also, there are moments where he capture certain scenes using black and white for more of a dramatic effect in order to connect the audience with Matthew as he sings songs like Feelin' Good and part of Follow Me (before returning to color shots). 

The digital surround sound inside Music Box almost puts you in the middle of the action inside Olympic Stadium ...capturing every scream from the thousands of fans to the many voices singing along to the chorus in Resistance, Madness and Time Is Running Out. You won't miss a single moment of having personal face time with Matthew, blogspot readers, especially when he grabs the camera during Madness or looks directly into it while running around the stage at ground level (with security flanking him). There's a rush that comes with viewing this Muse movie in which diehard fans will instantly feel the moment they hear their favorite song or watching the intensity of the guitar riffs during Knights of Cydonia ...or feel the emotional plea with Matthew and crowds during Explorers. Compared to other concert movies that this reviewer has seen, Matt Askem (with the use of this camera technology) gave the audience a better non-grainy digital movie resolution in which might have you thinking you're in Rome not in your seat inside a movie theatre.

SouthSide highly recommends Muse fans checking out this movie when it comes out on DVD Dec 2nd ...just in time for holiday gift giving.

For more information about Muse and its music, visit http://www.muse.mu.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

October 2012

Fall is upon us, blogspot readers, and so are the ghostly ghouls and goblins haunting the music scene near and far. It's a thrillin' month to shake and rattle your bones while attending a show (or few) during the month of October.

Please note all shows are 21+ unless posted otherwise.

Oct 1:
Elbo Room - Fairhaven will be rocking the stage there.

Oct 2:
Martyrs' - Brown Bag Event presents Fresh Hops, Catfish & the Dogstars/ JMB (Joe Marcinek Band) and Brown Bag with an acoustic set by Scott Larsen.

The Exit (the upstairs lounge) - try a little poetry with you absinthe, blogspot readers, at this social literary meeting which features local artists/writers and poets spouting words while the drinks are flowing.
10p


Oct 3:
The Whistler - The Claudettes must perform two sets at this venue starting at 9:30p


Oct 4:
House of Blues (Chicago) - The Giving Tree Band Album Release Concert featuring The Ragbirds (MI)  and Old Shoe at this 17+ show. Tickets on sale now.

Ultra Lounge - Robots Counterfeiting Money, Warhellride, Analecta and Jet W. Lee (in support of their new album - Western Nightmare)


Oct 5 - 6:
Andy's Jazz Club - Human Spirit comes to Chicago to perform two back-to-back shows.

Oct 5 - 7:
Art in the Little Village. For more information visit http://www.facebook.com/villarte.

Oct 5:
Metro - Hemmingbirds, Carbon Tigers and Parlours will be joining Audiences in their CD release show. It's a FREE show RSVP on the Metro website.

The Unsatisfied will be releasing a downloadable single - Blood Gospel (which was recorded at Pindlewood Studios with engineer Alex Rexroat as part of the a scouting deal with Capital Entertainment). Check out this band's Reverbnation and Facebook pages.

Bird's Nest - Joe Taylor will be performing a live solo acoustic show
9p

Reggie's - King's Foil, Set The Trend, Grand Finale, and Having Antlers will be rockin' the stage.
ALL AGES / $10

Oct 6:
Stonefly Brewery Co (Milwaukee, WI) - Riverwest ArtWalk 2012 After Party featuring live performances by The Pillowsnatchers, Tiger Mouth and Heavycritters, silent auction and more.

Metro - dance until dawn with the other fashionable vampires and night creatures at this Nocturna.

Livewire Lounge - The fabulous Ms Cherries Jubalies is hosting a Monster Metal Madnes: Badass Bitches and Boobies!


Oct. 8:
Chester Street Bar (Champaign, IL) - Nekromancy: Revolution Zero 2012 happens featuring Psyclone Jack, Dark Valentine, Leper and Illusion Fate.
19+ / 21+ to drink / $6 cover

Double Door - Check out Pet Peeve!
8p / $7


Oct 9:
Winery - Alex Cuba in support of his new album, Rudio en el Sistema as well as featuring other songs from his last album (that won him a Latin Grammy for Best New Artist and nomination for Best Latin Pop) will be performing.


Oct 10:
Cubby Bear - Makeshift Prodigy will be rockin' the stage along with I AM Dynamite and Board of Governors.
$10


Oct 11:
Beauty Bar - it's BUMP and GRINDCORE VOL 2: Welcome to the Spam Jam featuring The Embraceables and DJ sets by Zebo, Moneyworth and All The Way Kay.
RSVP for the Hosted Colt 45 at DO312 site.
FREE til 11p / $3 after 11p

Elbo Room - Swallows fly back to Chicago for a show in support of their new album, Witching and Divining.

Lincoln Hall - Frighten Rabbit in support of their new album State Hospital (featuring Wedding Gloves with Aidan Moffat) will be rockin' the stage as part of their Fall tour. Tour starts on Oct 5th at Johnny Brenda's in Philadelphia, PA. Visit http://www.frightenedrabbit.com for tour info and more.

The Burlington - Luck of Eden Hall in support of Rocket Miner and The Foreign Resort (Denmark) will be rockin' the stage at this venue.


Oct 12:
Cafe Mustache - Glad Fanny and Jim Drake will be performing. Please note this venue holds approx 50 people. So it's advisable that you get there early!
Free

Two Brothers Roadhouse - that's where you're going to find Strange Arrangement performing.

Oct 13:
Jesse Oaks - check out this metal/thrash show featuring Blood Rites, Thunder Driver, Lucifreum, Purge Felony 4, The Atrocities and Devangelist rocking the big red barn in the back.
7p / $5

Bottom Lounge - My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult  along with Sinister Fate and DJ Scary Lady Sarah will be rockin' the stage there.

Lincoln Tap Room - Cirque De La Femme: Peep show / Freak show!

Cort's Cafe (located 2922 Central in Evanston, IL) - Black Forest presents a night of songs from the magical year of 1967! It's the Summer of Love! Where were you when you heard lovely tunes like Let's Spend The Night Together, Strawberry Fields Forever, San Francisco or Both Sides Now as well as Soul Kitchen and more? Come out to this coffee/BYOB shop to see featured artists like WhiteWolfSonicPrincess, Telepaths, Chris Bock, Brian Cox and many more performing these memorable hits!
Free /7p

Oct 14:
Fitz's Spare Keys - Simplistic Urge featuring Heroine and more.
All Ages / 21+ to drink / $8 / 6p


Oct 15:
Double Door - Arrested Development will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of their groud-breaking debut record "3yrs, 5 months, 2 days in the life of..."


Oct 17:
Vic Theatre - Italian artist Jovanotti will be performing.

The Canopy Club (Champaign, IL) - Bambi Raptor and Pearl Jem will be performing.

Quenchers Saloon - Andy Metz performs an acoustic show
$5 / 9p


Oct 19:
Reggie's - Come one ...come all to Carnivale Delirium III! This yearly circus cabaret extravaganza will feature Master of Ceremonies - The A.S.S. Titan (of Boston, MA), musical guests Bakelite 78 (Seattle, WA), Environmental Encroachment,  Mary Squeezebox and more, sideshow by Squidling Brothers, and even a Haiku contest! Vendors ...palm readers ...and more surprises!
$20 adv / $25 DOS / $45 VIP (includes two hour open bar sponsored by Koval) / 9p / 18+ / 21+ to drink.

Elbo Room - Sutured Psyche bids a fond rockin' farewell to the stage after 2 1/2 years of being the "bastards" of the local scene featuring Cheer Up Moon Cat in the lineup too.

Penny Road Pub - Strangers will be rockin' the stage.

The Abbey - the Unofficial Trey Anastascio After Party featuring performances by Jimkata (NY), Digeometric and Nipple.
$8 adv / $10 DOS

Reggie's - Peelander Z, Electric Eel Shock, Everything's Alright and The Joy of Painting will be performing
$10 adv / $12 DOS


Oct 20:
Martyrs' - Last Rites present singer/songwriter Kasim Sulton (of Todd Rundgren, Utopia, Meatloaf, Joan Jett & the Heartbreakers, Blue Oyster Cult - just to name a few) will be performing a solo acoustic show featuring great stories and playful conversations.
6:30p doors / 7p show / $15 adv / $20 DOS

Reggie's - The Creepshow, The Hellbound Hepcats, Johnny Murder, 25 To Life and The Tromatons will be performing.
$10 adv / $13 DOS


Oct 21:
Montrose Harbor - head out and support a fundraiser in loving memory of Eric Olesky by participating in either the 5k timed run or 5k walk.

Elbo Room - the fundraiser continues with a charity event to Rush Copley Hospital Cancer Center and Trust funds for Eric's kids, Hannah and Brandon. There's a $5 door donation.


Oct 24:
Music Box Theatre - film buffs should check out this special event  - Alliance Francias presents Melies, celebrating the 150 anniversary of Georges Melies through  thecinamatic wonderment of his works featuring reels of movies in which  he produced, performed, distributed, and directed accompanied as once done in 1900s with a narrator and pianist. For more information, visit http://www.musicboxtheatre.com/events.
Oct 25:
Q4 / Multi Kulti - Quennect 4 Gallery presents Philip Morris Fundraiser - while away touring, his apartment was robbed (electronics, his kids' video games safe that held rent money, and more). All proceeds will go to helping him find a new place and rebuilding his studio. It's an open open mic show / sign up is at 9p / show begins at 10p


Oct 26:
House of Blues (Chicago) - Swizzle Tree returns to open for LBC (Lucky Boys Confusion)

Chicago City Limits (Schaumburg) - it's a Halloween show ...an opportunity for the grown ups to dress up and wear costumes while rockin' to music by HedsTronG.

Congress Theatre - It's Freaky Deaky - The Biggest Halloween Party in the Midwest (and these aren't SouthSide's words)! Live performances include Midnight Conspiracy, Wolfgang Gartner and Bloody Beetroots DJ sets. For tickets and information, visit http://www.congresschicago.com.

Fitz's Spare Keys (Elmhurst, IL) - Too White Crew Halloween Bash!


Oct 27:
11919 S. Ave O - check out Rock Scarz Networking Convention 2012 - it's a chance for everyone in the business/industry to meet, network and conduct business.

Township - Husker Dudes featuring Boogazi (Bully in the Hallway as Fugazi) and Unknown Pleasures (Joy Division tribute) will be rockin' the stage.
9p

All Star Rock Bar (Kansas City, MO) - It's the Alice Sweet Alice Masquerade! This is a public costume party as well as multi-media event for ALL AGES to enjoy. The event is split into 3 - Halloween (children/AA), Mardi Gras (18+) and Vampire Ball (21+). For complete list of activities and bands performing visit http://www.alicesweetalice.com
$10 adv / $12 DOS / under 12 FREE

Double Door - check out The Last Vegas rockin' the stage as Billy Idol at this annual Halloween show!


Oct 31:
Bottom Lounge - It's the Annual Nocturna All Hallow's Eve Ball! No tricks, blogspot readers, just treats!


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide