Page 8-The Michigan Daily-Tuesday, January 23, 1990 A dissonant note Music Box dir. Costa-Gavras BY TONY SILBER The Holocaust still haunts us and historically, Hollywood has tried to treat this topic in a sensitive man- ner. But this film, directed by Costa- Gavras (Z, Missing) takes a slight departure from the conventional ap- proach to the holocaust film. Jessica Lange (Frances, Tootsie) is the only big name on the Music Box marquis and, as usual, she doesn't disappoint as she takes con- trol of the story and molds it around her versatile talents. She portrays Ann Talbot, a Hungarian-American yuppie and successful criminal lawyer who must come to the rescue of her father, Michael Laszlo (Armin Mueller-Stahl), who has been ac- cused of being a war criminal. Music Box becomes more than your average courtroom drama A '- L.A. Law with skillful storytelling direction and tremendous perfor- mances. Set in present-day suburban Chicago, hardworking family man Laszlo is called to stand trial for war crimes and faces a possible extradi- tion back to Hungary. The prosecu- tion, led by the wily and resourceful Jack Burke (Frederick Forrest), claims Laszlo was part of a ruthless Gestapo regiment known as Aero- cross, which murdered thousands of civilians in Budapest. Burke produces Lazslo's immi- gration identification card as well as a group of anguished- Holocaust sur- vivors who all identify Laszlo as the perpetrator of unspeakable evils; "heinous crimes which boggle the mind," as Burke describes it (a quotl, incidentally, found in Judgement at Nuremberg). Predictably, everything points toward Laszlo's guilt and pre- dictably, his daughter finds a way out of his legal dilemma - but that is where predictability ends and the real film begins. Costa-Gavras is too talented a filmmaker to stumble into the pit- falls of clich6 storytelling, especially in the courtroom drama genre. In- stead of cut-and-dried conclusions, Music Box offers twists and varia- tions within a seemingly conven- tional story structure. The last half of the film is riddled with surprises, so much so that the first hour seems mundane in retrospect. A terminally ill witness surfaces in Budapest and the trial is forced to reconvene in the Hungarian capital. In this episode Ann learns the truth about her father, but the climactic confrontation between the two upon Music Box becomes more than your average courtroom drama a la L.A. Law with skillful storytelling direction and tremendous performances. Set in present-day suburban Chicago, hardworking family man Laszlo is called to stand trial for war crimes and faces a possible extradition back to Hungary. her return to Chicago is slightly dis- appointing, lacking the power and impact that scene could have had. But Music Box does offer a num- ber of terrific moments which lend credence to Costa-Gavras' ability to S t Ann Talbot and her father, alleged war criminal Michael Laszlo (Armin Mueller-Stahl), find themselves in'an icy encounter in Music Box, the new film from director Costa-Gavras. dangle his audience on the end of the string that he controls. As we hear Talbot questioning a witness in the background, we also hear the soft whispering of the two prosecutors, just loud enough to understand with- out losing track of the other action. Another scene in which Laszlo col- lapses in court while confronting one of his accusers achieves great dramatic power. Because of the subject matter of this picture and its point of view (coming from the alleged criminal instead of the survivor), the question of sympathizing with Laszlo comes into play. But it is difficult to sym- pathize with this man, even if he is innocent. Instead, the sympathy lies with his daughter, who faces the most unnerving dilemma of Music Box in having to live between two roles: her father's daughter and her father's attorney. More than anything else, this is an important film in relaying the lessons learned from the Holocaust. As Burke and Talbot discuss the trial, Burke tells her, "if anything else, this case reminds us that we can't forget." Beyond all of the Hol- lywood glamor and filmmaking techniques, this vital message is not lost. Costa-Gavras' intricate direc- tion and Lange's excellent perfor mance are definite assets on the Mu- sic Box balance sheet, but it is diffi- cult to call this film great by any means. The message it reinforces takes prominence over the story it- self. MUSIC BOX is playing at Briar wood and Showcase. HIMMELMAN Continued from page 7 success, Himmelman's follow-up, Gematria, yielded a top-30 single in "Waning Moon," and the title track video came on MTV with a loose and satisfying sense of rock dynam- ics. Like Simple Minds and Tears for Fears - whose pop sensibilities are suggested, respectively, by "245 Days" and "Speaking Mouth" - Himmelman's style is decidedly ac- cessible, although it doesn't neatly fit into any of radio's pigeonhole formats. The former track's sturdy lament, powered by the superb Al Wolovitch's percolating fretless bass and overlaid by Jeff Victor's grace- ful, trademark piano flourishes, is music that begs to be heard. But if all this isn't enough to in- terest you in Mr. Himmelman's gig - well, put the pieces together for another interesting tidbit: Min- nesota... Jewish... acoustic guitars... and his wife's maiden name is Zim- merman.... See you there, Mr. Jones. PETER HIMMELMAN will be per- forming at the Ark, 637 1/2 S. Main, tonight at 8 p.m. Free tickets are available at Schoolkids and at the door. KUMIN Continued from page 7 and member of the Class of 1905, gave one-fifth of his estate to the University in order to encourage cre- ative writing. Previous winners have included Arthur Miller and Marge Piercy; judges have included Joyce Carol Oates and H.L. Mencken. Contest information can be obtained at the Hopwood Room, 1006 Angel Hall. MAXINE KUMIN will be reading at 3:30 p.m. in Rackham Amphithe- atre. I SKIN PROGRAMS The University of Michigan Dept. of .Dermatology is seeking volunteers to test new therapies for: -- - University of Michigan Medical Center I University of Michigan Asian Students' Coalition presents An Asian American Art Show Reception "Asian and American: To Strike a Balance" January 19th 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Michigan Union Art Lounge Live Entertainment Asian Refreshments Display continues though Jan. 31st IN THE SPOTLIGHT Feed your spirit: Harold Kush- ner, author of the best-seller When Bad Things Happen to Good People* will be speaking at Hillel tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Irwin Green Audi torium. His 1986 book, When All, You've Ever Wanted Isn't Enough received the Christopher Medal in recognition of its "contribution to the exaltation of the human spirit." Kushner has received auspicious re views for his latest work, Who' Needs God. Tickets are available a Hillel for$10, $6 for students and seniors,or call 769-0500. THE SOCIETY OF MINORITY ENGINEERING STUDENTS (SMES) announces its 14th ANNUAL INDUSTRIAL AWARDS BANQUET 10 SUN DAMAGED SKIN (WRINKLES) Males and Females, ages 45-70 years with wrinkles. OFFICE VISITS ARE FREE UNEVEN/DARK SPOTS (HYPERPIGMENTATION) Black individuals who have uneven dark areas on the face and arms as a result of skin damage. (ACNE, BURNS, ETC.) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 313-936-4070 BLOTCHY BROWN SPOTS (MELASMA) On the face as a result of pregnancy or oral contraceptives. to be held at I I I 1 I u- All This and More for $6.00 an Hour! Good Times! Great Pay! Terrific People! We want YOU at MICHIGAN TELEFUND -$6.00-$8.Oo/hour plus bonuses. r.