You’re no doubt familiar with Sydney five-piece Jinja Safari and their colourful, blissful take on indie rock that’s been soundtracking our summers since 2010. But did you know that these chilled out lads are quite the movie buffs?
Not self-proclaimed, of course, but they more than earned the title when we interviewed them recenetly. The chilled out lads are playing Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinema Sundae Sessions in February, so we thought we’d get the scoop on the films that have changed their lives.
From a heartbreaking narrative about cowboys in love, to modern classics about addiction and friendship, plus Elia Kazan’s Oscar-winning 1954 feature – this is what Jinja Safari told us.
Brokeback Mountain (2005, Dir: Ang Lee)
“I was working at the cinemas when this movie came out and I always tried to time my cinema checks with certain scenes; when Heath Ledger’s character gives his short speech around the campfire, or the closing scene where Heath holds Jack’s coat when the full theme song [by Gustavo Santaolalla] unravels; a really simple track with lots of subtle slide guitar. The acoustic guitar riff that makes up the main theme of the soundtrack is heartbreaking…”
On The Waterfront (1954, Dir: Elia Kazan)
“I’ve watched this movie so many times and I never get bored of watching Marlon Brando. He has so many different character nuances in every film that most of the time you don’t pick them up. In this, he’s an ex-boxer working at the docks. Similar to Rocky, but he doesn’t win any comps, which is closer to the reality of everyday life. Thematically, it’s interesting in the way it looks at class division as well.
Soundtrack is classic Hollywood; heavy on the strings and emotive chord changes.”
Requiem For A Dream (2000, Dir: Darren Aronofsky)
“I don’t know if this is one of my favourite films at all, but it has had a lasting effect for many years so it’s worth mentioning. The director, Darren Aronofsky, has a pretty dark element in most of his films while maintaining some sort of life-affirming quality as well.
Requiem was pretty dark. I watched it after a friend said, ‘Don’t ever watch this film, it’s the only film I’ve ever watched that I wish I could forget about’. It’s like a big red emergency button begging to be pressed. It explores all sorts of addiction really well, but it a very visually engaging way. The cinematography is pretty raw at times, giving it a chilling reality.
Also, another thing that stays with you for a long time is the main string line in the soundtrack [by Clint Mansell, performed by Kronos Quartet]. It’s amazing. So epic and grand but so uncomplicated – so much that I find myself whistling it if ever I’m in a heavy life situation and I want to add an extra element of cinematic drama.”
Good Will Hunting (1998, Dir: Gus Van Sant)
“In terms of films that have had a lasting effect on me, this easily makes the list for a few reasons.
I was about seven when this film came out, so a bit too young to understand what was going on. My parents didn’t know, but our first DVD player came with a couple free promo DVDs in the box and Good Will was one, so I’ve watched this enough times to confidently act out each scene if it was ever required.
It introduced me to a couple of artists that would remain an inspiration until this day: Elliott Smith and Gus Van Sant. Danny Elfman did the soundtrack, but Elliott Smith contributed about five or six really pivotal songs. Smith has been with me ever since that film, and no matter what period of my life I’m going through, his lyrics always seem to sum up what I’m feeling.
I’ve also admired Van Sants’ cinematic vision and perspective on life. Even though his films might not be the best to watch with the boys and a couple beers, all of his films stay with you for a long time, and keep resurfacing at different points.
Also, on another note, the script is great. Robin Williams and Stellan Skarsgard in solid form, and it’s a great success story regarding two out of work actors, Matt Damon and Ben Aflleck, writing a script that would eventually win them an Oscar and set them up for a couple solid careers. Not to mention all the great supporting actors: Minnie Driver, Casey Affleck, and Cole Hauser.
Catch Jinja Safari providing some cinematic sounds of their own at Ben Jerry’s Openair Cinemas Sundae Sessions this weekend.
Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinemas Sundae Sessions
Ben & Jerry’s Sundae Sessions Charity Launch
Date: Sunday 16th February
Address: Commonwealth Park, Canberra
Tickets: openaircinemas.com.au
Film: Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
Artists: Jinja Safari
Cost: $37 – $50
