Leningrad Cowboys Go America

I just saw Leningrad Cowboys for the third time and think it is a perfect film. Whatever else it may be about, it is a quest into the heart of rock and roll. The Cowboys start in New York playing their soulful/klezmerish immigrant blues on a seedy rooftop, then reel back through the roots of the genre--Memphis, Natchez, New Orleans, Honky Tonk and Biker Bars, road house and funeral...to their destination in Mexico where their Finnish filtered rock returns to its original sound, converging on the joyous soulful wedding as they back up a singer whose classic Indian features are not that different from some of the singers'... The esthetic is stylish and dead pan. The cinematography is actually quite beautiful, lyric of industrial decay. If you like Jarmusch (who does a spot as a car salesman) you'll like this movie. The pacing did not seem slow to me at all--but that may just be a sign of my age. The form is a series of theatrical skits and blackouts, and the tension of many scenes owes more to mime or comedia than MTV. I think my favorite is one involving the village idiot and a shoe that is not the one he wants. Poignant and hysterical at the same time. Oh, and maybe his treck with what looks to be a 50lb catfish... If you have a chance to see it, go. It is hilarious and sweet and utterly unlike anything else you've ever seen.

The most politically inclined and intellectual viewer would analyze this movie as a political satire, and they would be right. However, this movie is more enjoyable if seen as a road movie and a look at America through the eyes of a foreigner. Funny and poignant.

My wife Irene, and myself, (Robert Morris) owned "The Lonesome Bar" in Memphis where part of the movie was shot. This is where they performed "Rock And Roll Is Here To Stay" and my buddy, George Kunkle played the banjo and sang one of his songs. The barber was Bill Robertson, who was a real barber next door to the bar. He passed away shortly after the film came out, but it allowed him to sing in a international film.

The whole cast and crew was wonderful! We played pool and got drunk every night after shooting. One night we sat on the curb out front and took turns picking and singing our favorite songs. That was a experience I will never forget.

We hope you like the movie, as we will never forget it.

Colonel Robert morris

Deep in the icy heart of the tundra reside a rock band known as the Leningrad Cowboys. With their long winklepickers and impossibly high quiffs, they resemble something that crawled out of a radioactive Berlin sewer in the 1980's- and sound like it too. Their style of rock is not appreciated in their native land, except by the village idiot, Igor; whom they shun. Striving for success, they fly to America- carting their frozen guitarist with them, who succumbed to the tundra's biting nighttime temperatures. Travelling across the land of opportunity, the band play honky-tonks and bars, nightclubs and weddings, tracked by Igor all the way. Will the Cowboys find fame and fortune, or will their ballad end in misery?

Written and directed by Aki Kaurismäki- and based on a story by Sakke Järvenpää, Kaurismäki and Mato Valtonen- 'Leningrad Cowboys Go America' is a musical-comedy-cum-road-movie as surreal as it is uproarious. Original and heart-warming, the film paints a whimsical portrait of life on the road as a stranger in a strange land as enthralling as Werner Herzog's 'Stroszek,' albeit less profound and more comedic. Kaurismäki's characters- especially the band manager Vladimir- are idiosyncratic fellows fond of beer and song, both of which they partake in frequently. Watching them on their odyssey is endlessly enjoyable, unexpected and entertaining.

One of the most striking features of Kaurismäki's film is the use of music as a form of expression and communication. The Cowboys play a variety of songs, from traditional Russian folk tunes to rock classics, adapting their style and instruments to suit the different audiences and venues they encounter. The music not only showcases their versatile talent, but also reveals their emotions, aspirations and struggles. When they play 'Born to Be Wild' at a biker bar, for instance, they are expressing their rebellious spirit and desire for freedom. Counter that with their playing 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door' at a funeral, which conveys their grief and hope for redemption. The music also serves as a bridge between cultures, as the band and the Americans they encounter bond over their shared appreciation of music, despite language and cultural differences.

Throughout 'Leningrad Cowboys Go America', composer Mauri Sumén's score works brilliantly, heightening the mood and atmosphere of each scene- whether comedic, dramatic or sentimental- whilst bolstering the ironic contrast between the band's musical style and the American landscape and culture they encounter. Just as eccentric as the Cowboys' appearance, Sumén's work is consummate and right in keeping with the film's quirky tone.

As is Timo Salminen's cinematography, which captures the band's journey with a simple, minimalist style, making great use of static shots, natural lighting and muted colours. A frequent collaborator of Kaurismäki's, Salminen also creates a visual contrast between the band's eccentric appearance and the ordinary surroundings they encounter, as well as one between the vast, barren landscapes of Siberia and America with the cramped interiors of the musical venues and vehicles. Striking and memorable, 'Leningrad Cowboys Go America' contains visuals that continuously impress.

As do the performances from the cast. Matti Pellonpää does particularly fine work as Vladimir the band manager, showcasing much depth of character and emotional perspicuity; making him feel real and multifaceted. Kari Väänänen also impresses as Igor and will surely have you laughing anytime he's on screen. As for the band themselves, whether performing musically or not, they're each and all odd and excellent. Furthermore, the cameo appearances by Richard Boes, Jim Jarmusch and Nicky Tesco are each commendable in their own way- with Tesco's being especially notable.

A strange, surreal musical comedy, Aki Kaurismäki's 'Leningrad Cowboys Go America' is a whole lot of fun from start to finish. Featuring great music and a strong narrative criss-crossing America- as well as stunning cinematography from Timo Salminen- the film plays a little like a funny, musical 'The Straight Story,' or indeed 'Stroszek'. Well-acted and deftly directed, 'Leningrad Cowboys Go America' is a ballad you'll want to hear again.

This is the funniest rock `n roll polka road movie ever made! Although based around an actual band of Finnish descent (who still get airplay on MTV Europe), it sees our heroes come from the Tundra Wasteland to America, seeking fame and fortune. Not having much luck in their homeland with their unique style of folk pop, the band are advised to conquer the US ("go to America" says the guy, "they buy any old s**t there"), being exploited constantly by their greedy manager Vladimir. They "learn" rock `n roll, drink beer, go to jail, beg on the streets and play seedy pubs. Not exactly the American dream. And the most eyecatching piece, has to be those massive quiffs and even bigger winklepicker shoes!

The dialogue is funny, but its not this that makes you laugh. Just one look at the band will have you rolling. And if you can`t speak Finnish, don`t worry. The director cleverly overcomes this, by getting the band to learn English on the plane to America! And if you`re not tapping along to their rendition of "Born To Be Wild" at the end of the movie, you`ll be humming that "polka" music for a long time to come.