8- The Michigan Daily - Wednesday, March 29, 2000 ART S Documentary sings 'Blues' of foreign man By David Victor Daily Arts Writer Ever hear of a little place near Siberia called Tuva? A forgotten coun- try absorbed by Russia after World War l, Tuva is home to a unique'style of singing. Think of a leaf-blower with a melody, and you have Tuvan throatsinging. It seems as foreign and distant as its country of origin, but "Ghengis Blues" is the story of how a man from San Francisco came to Tuva, singing their native music. It makes for compelling documentary (the film as nominated for Best Documentary ma the Academy Awards) and a truly _ ique story of worlds colliding. Paul Pena was a blues singer, born blind. He played. with the likes of B.B. King in blues halls across the country. Recently, his wife died and the blind Pena began searching the shortwave radio frequencies to keep himself occu- pied. He came across an odd sound that he didn't know at the time was Tuvan throatsinging. Intrigued by the strange sound, Pena began studying the art of throatsinging. To learn the meaning of the strange songs he heard from half a world away, Pena needed to translate the Tuvan into English. He tracked down two braille dictionaries, one from Tuvan to Russ- ian and one from Russian to Tuvan. Through sheer coincidence, a Tuvan throatsinging troupe was in town and Pena went to hear them. The rest, as they say, is history. "Ghengis Blues" is the story of Pena's journey to Tuva and his adven- tures in the distant land. He performs at a throatsinging competition. He visits Tuvan landmarks. He journey's from Tuva's deserts to it's grassy pastures. A camera crew, a DJ and some amateur filmmakers accompany him. Through highs and lows, we learn about Pena and the foreign land he has traveled to. For the most part, "Blues" makes for a very compelling story. The unique music, unique people and unique set- ting draw you in from the very begin- ning. While Pena isn't the best storyteller, the other people involved in the trip supply most of the commen- tary, keeping the pace up throughout the film. However, the high-spirits, impromp- tu feel of this film Ghengis Blues Grade: B At the Michigan Theater is backed up by some awful cam- era work. This is a film made by amateurs, and it shows. The col- ors are washed out and bland, and the video-to- film transfer is grainy and blurry whenever the camera moves. The way Pena interacts with the culturally isolat- ed Tuvans makes for some memorable moments. In a few scenes, Pena plays his native blues to folksy people of Tuva, and they sit enraptured. His throatsinging is also unique, and you'll see why the Tuvans nicknamed him "jishin," which is Tuvan for "earth- quake." His deep voice drones and warbles, rivaling any Tuvan at their own art. The story of Pena is both tragic and triumphant, as he overcame his stifling disability to do what no one else has ever done. "Genghis Blues" is the story of how the language.of music tran- scends cultures and differences to bring people together in ways never thought possible. Do yourself a favor and check out "Genghis Blues." You'll find yourself trying throatsinging yourself as you drive home from the theater. courtesy of Buena Vi tcture Jodi Lyn O'Keefe stars in "Whatever it Takes." WHATEVER Continued from Page 5 The entire narrative seems aimec to the lowest common denominato - within the first five minutes we have a pretty good idea how thing are going to end up and th tory never strays from the beaten path When this is the case, a film need large amounts of humor to maintain our interest before its inevitable fin ish. "American Pie" was a pretty basic sorry but at least it was funny and amusing enough to keep ou attention. Here, however, the screenwriter fall back on all the usual tricks fo laughs including a lecture to student on safe sex, a five foot tall nme1 o the male reproductive organ and the much-beloved guy sneaks into girl' locker room scene. The kicker, how ever, is a sequence where Ashley chugs a glass of lemonade and thei hops on an amusement park ride with Ryan. Any guesses as to hov that turns out? All of the characters here are noth ing more than cliches and reo types ranging from beauty to ck tc the two best friends who are really meant for each other. There's noth ing original here, no heart, no pas sion for making movies. The film i: lifeless and dead from the second i hits the screen to the gloriou, moment when the credits finally arise. Save your hard-earned money and watch "Saved By The Bell," iti got the same message and you migh even crack a smile or two. -. .,. - . ° g 4 F------ Summer Session 2000 Apply now at the Law Library *non-Law Students 0 Northwestern University offers a summer educational experience tailored to your needs. With our extensive course offerings, you will find hundreds of ways to catch up, get ahead, or pursue new interests: * More than 300 courses in 44 departments " Small, interactive day and evening classes on our lakefront campuses in Evanston and * Summer Study Abroad combines classroom learning with lectures and visits to culturally significant sites in three foreign cities: Arles, France; Bangkok, Thailand; and Verona, Italy * Summer Field Studies supplement classroom learning and allow you to expand your skills at numerous locations in the United States. Summer Session has the flexibility to suit your *Law Students eS.l. 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