The Michigan Daily - Monday, September 11, 1995 - 9A 'Ilusions' Clive Barker's latest Prashant Tamaskar aiy Arts Writer One of the most frustrating ex- eriences for a movie viewer is when film with a fairly intriguing con- ept is ruined by an over ambitious lot; consequently, the movie strays 00 far from its interesting original idea. Such is the case with Clive Barker's "Lord of Illusions," the latest movie directed by and based "Lord of Illusions" is one of the better horror movies of the last few years. Then again, that isn't saying very much. on the works of the best-selling horror author. The film begins with the murder of a cult leader/magician named Nix, who is betrayed by his appren- tice Swann. Thirteen years later we see that Swann has earned great success and fame as a master illu- sionist. Swann's wife, however, senses that something is wrong with her performer husband and hires I can't disguise a film horror film won't keep you up at night comings. And this is not the only problem with the film. Although there are a Lord of Illusions few wonderful scenes throughout the movie, these are overshadowed Writen and directed by numerous sequences that are hard by Clive Barker to take seriously. Most of these in- with Scott Bakula volve cults and supernatural illu- At Showcase Moreover, the film tries to feign a love triangle between Swann, his wife, and D'Amour. This idiotic private detective Harry D'Amour ploy is both insulting to the viewer (Scott Bakula) to figure out what is and detracting from the rest of the troubling him. But Swann inconve- story. niently dies when attempting to per- Although acting is not a large form what he deems his most spec- part of most horror films, the per- tacular feat ever. formances in this movie are notice- D'Amour then searches for the ably poor. This is most evident in person responsible for Swann's the lack of chemistry between any death and proceeds to discover a of the three main characters in- shocking truth: Swann faked his volved in the romantic affair. own death in an attempt to hide With the exception of Scott from a resurrected Nix. Bakula, none of the cast members From there, D'Amour concerns are well known actors, and they himself with trying to protect the certainly won't improve their sta- illusionist and his wife from Nix tus based on this work. and his loyal subjects. Unfortunately for Bakula, better The concept of a magician dis- suited for television, he will now guising himself by faking his own have to live with the knowledge death is somewhat promising. that "Necessary Roughness" is not The most obvious question one the worst movie in which he has might ask, however, is that if the ever acted. darkly powerful Nix can be resur- To its credit, and despite its many rected from his grave, why wouldn't troubles, "Lord of Illusions" is re- he be able to figure out that Swann ally one of the better horror films to did not really die? This discrepancy be made in the last few years. Then is one of "Illusions"'s major short- again, that isn't saying very much. that fails to engage HI. I'm Scott Bakula. Why can't I do a quantum leap out of this awful movie? Sonos Handbell En- somble Sonos Handbell Ensemble Well-Tempered Productidns A tradition going back to medi- eval times, the art of handbell ring- ing has expanded greatly since its introduction to America at the turn of the century. An excellent example is that of the Sonos Handbell Ensemble. Com- posed of I 1 members, the ensemble handles 62 bells covering a range over five octaves. The works on this album are very diverse. The handbells produce a mystical, enchanting feeling which is evident in each piece. Yet, this same connecting thread works against some of the songs. "Hava Nageela" and "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho" are two pieces that would have sounded better with deeper tones and some bass. Though both arrangements are put together well, there is a missing element that can be found in other dreamier pieces. By intermixing sounds and tech- niques, the ensemble creates songs such as "Leyenda" and "Shenandoah" which are beautiful, mysterious and haunting. In "Greensleeves," the Ensemble is joined by the flute and the violin to create variations and harmonies in the simple melody of the piece. An arrangement of Aram Khachaturian's "Sabre Dance" has a touch of lightness and freedom which comes directly from the bells. As a dedication to the memory of Katsumi Kodama-the late Japanese director who brought handbell per- formance to a new level - the En- semble plays "Aka Tonbo," a Japa- nese folk melody. In this song, the tones are flowing, yet melancholy, and fade away in the end. As an honorable tribute, the work is a fitting end-piece. From the first clocks to performances world-wide, handbells have endured through the centuries. As demonstrated by the success of Sonos Handbell Ensemble, the music produced by the multiple bells is some- thing that can not easily be dismissed nor forgotten. -Sangita Baxi See RECORDS page 10 Career opportunities at J. P. Morgan for t 1'nirersi - ofMichigan lusiWess students (undergraduale) interested in Audit Plus Financial Please plan to alleml our infornation presentation on Tuesday, September 12 Wolierine Lobby, Business 'School 4:30-6:00 pm JPMorgan internet http://www.jpmuuorgan.comi J.P. Morpn is an equal opportunity employer ARTHUR ANDERSEN ARTHUR ANDERSEN& CQ SC ANDERSEN CONSULTING ARTHUR ANDERSEN& CQ SC INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN: " Indonesia " Taiwan " Philippines * Malaysia " Singapore " Japan " Thailand " South Korea " Hong Kongl China Arthur Andersen & Co, SC, an international professional services firm, has exciting opportunities for staff consultants and accountants in its many practice areas including auditing, tax, business advisory services (including corporate recovery, operational consulting and litigation services), information technology, strategic services, and change management consulting. Positions are available to highly motivated students who are citizens or have permanent legal authorization to work in one of the above countries and planning to return there upon completion of m s m