The Future is Unwritten-DVD Documentary

Julien Temple, one of the early documentarians of the London punk scene and director of the 2000 Sex Pistols film The Filth and the Fury, turns his attention now to that other seminal British band: The Clash--or more accurately, to the band's co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist and lead singer, Joe Strummer. The Future is Unwritten is more than just a biography of Strummer; it is a tribute and exploration of a musician, artist and devoted humanist. Though Temple respects and admires Strummer (his influence is exalted by close friends, peers and fans like Bono and John Cusack), he doesn't romanticize this larger-than-life personality and presents Strummer honestly and not always in flattering light, though the director's fondness for his subject is constant. Most movingly, Strummer himself provides the narration via reassembled excerpts from a variety of interviews and the BBC radio show he hosted during the nineties. In the wrong hands, this could be contrived, but in this masterful documentary it serves as a testament to not just Joe Strummer the myth, but Joe Strummer the man, telling us his story in vivid detail. The Future is Unwritten is a moving and personal portrait of a musician who helped shaped not just punk, but modern music as a whole. --Kira Canny
Customer Review: Amazing movie about a rock legend
There have been several movies made about Joe Strummer but Julien Temple's is unique in its personal touch. Temple was a friend of Strummer's for many years and so had insight into the man behind the music that many people did not have. The movie consists of Joe's life story as told by many friends, acquaintances, fellow artists and others who knew him or were influenced by him over the years. Amazing music, very well put-together, and just a great story about a man who was a huge influence on rock & roll and politics during his time on this earth. Joe was taken from the world too early when he died unexpectedly in December 2002 and after watching this movie one can only wonder what more he would have accomplished. The opening scene of Joe singing "White Riot" a capella in the studio is complemented by the closing scene of Joe and Mick Jones reuniting on stage 20+ years later to perform the same song...even though they were old (and Mick a little bald!) they still ROCKED. If you like the Clash, you must see this movie!!

When learning piano one of the most difficult skills to master is making your hands work independently. Still this is a fundamental part of the pianists technique so we have to learn to master independence of hands at an early stage.

Some brains just seem to be wired up for learning to work their hands independently from the start. There are many youngsters who find it very easy and many intelligent adults who struggle and despair that they will never master the skill.

There is no need for anyone to despair with piano lessons 'though. Just follow the advice below and you will find it easier to learn to play piano well. Sometimes you may feel you are getting nowhere but, although improvement may be slow it will still be there if you persevere.

Consider these three steps to success.

First of all be sure that the music you are studying is easy enough for you. Don't try to gallop ahead. You'll only get frustrated with the challenge. Adults often try to tackle piano music which is technically way beyond them whereas long term success comes quicker by mastering very simple steps along the way.

With the piano keyboard your brain has to contend with many unfamiliar commands and learn new motor skills. When you think of the story of the hare and the tortoise you can realize that with playing the piano, slow and steady to the finishing line really is the best policy.

Second, practice each hand slowly and by itself until you can play almost perfectly. You should be so confident that someone walking into the room would not distract you from your piano playing.

A powerful practice technique is to learn to play the left hand accompaniment whilst singing the melody of the right hand. This helps to train your hands to be independent of your conscious thoughts as well as helping you to hear how right and left hands fit together before you can actually play both.

Lastly, be sure to take everything slowly at first. When practicing independent hands take a very slow tempo at first. When you put hands together take it at just half the speed you have managed with hands separate. If you make mistakes in notes or timing by playing too quickly then you are reinforcing bad technique. Go as slowly as you need to make it sound right.

Follow this simple advice and you will quickly find you can learn piano well. For some it will happen easily and quickly. For others you may have to persevere but by taking your piano notes steadily without being impatient you will surely succeed in the end.

Rachel Branston has created the ideal beginners course to learn to play piano at home. This multi-media package takes you from playing your first notes through to becoming an accomplished musician. Follow Rachel's advice to play piano at http://www.playyourpiano.com/learn_piano/seven_tips_to_learn_piano_notes/

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