Polly Jean Harvey very easily connects rock-and-roll and physical aspect into something fully inseparable, something that has its roots in the blues which she used to love as a kid, and it never left her. And one can see it, hear it, feel it. Everything intertwines in her moves into a combination worthy of a halo.
It was long ago when a French woman revealed to me the films directed by Hal Hartley. The first one that I watched was ‘Simple Men’. Six years and four films later, Hal made ‘The Book of Life’. It was the end of the 1990es, quite a convenient time about the end of the world. PJ Harvey is Mary Magdalene, while Jesus is played by Hartley’s favorite actor, Martin Donovan. I loved him from ‘Simple Men’. Otherwise, Martin had a great directing debut several years ago with his film ‘Collaborator’. Unfortunately, without Polly Jean.
‘The Book of Life’ was made as one of the films for the cycle celebrating the entrance to the new millennium. Jesus and Mary Magdalene arrive to modern day New York to make it even with Earth and once again resolve the issue of the Apocalypse. In the very finale there is also ‘Yo La Tengo’ as the Salvation Army Orchestra, and somebody would also notice the contribution of William S. Burroughs. Apart from excellent acting, PJ also gives two songs to the film.
The Faster I Breathe
the art is inside
