Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

Culture

Matt Bochenski hears that Adele’s all grown up, reads about the human condition and watches Danny Boyle’s true-life nail-biter

MUSIC Adele

21

Proving that TV talent shows and viral sensations are no substitute for natural ability, the British singer-songwriter Adele unveils her eagerly awaited second studio album.

Departing from the sultry blues-infused texture of her platinum-certified debut (2008’s 19), 21 is a heartfelt collection imbued with rich jazz tones and strong lyrical nuances. Revenge single ‘Rolling in the Deep’ is a bittersweet taste of contemporary gospel that is at once uplifting and moving, while the beautiful piano ballad ‘Someone Like You’ elegantly complements her dynamic vocal range.

21 is a poignant coming-of-age record that marks Adele as one of the most gifted artists of her generation. It’s hard to believe that she’s still just 22, as the depth and maturity of this record puts her leagues ahead of her contemporaries. 2011 looks set to be Adele’s year.

BOOK Human Planet

By Dale Templar and Brian Leith

A companion book to the landmark BBC series, Human Kind is an eye-opening exploration of our world from a never-before-seen point of view. Evocative of David Attenborough’s Planet Earth, it reveals how human beings have come to inhabit so much of the Earth, and the sacrifices that nature has been forced into as a result of the population boom over the past few centuries. Journeying from desert to ocean, from cityscapes to rainforest and arctic tundra, this is the story of life as we have made it – told through encounters with the treehouse-dwelling Korowai tribe of West Papua, Bajau sea gypsies and various other indigenous peoples, each playing a crucial role in both our understanding and development as a species.

This gorgeous hardback edition of the book features stunning photography and detailed first-hand accounts from the series’ producers Dale Templar and Brian Leith.

FILM 127 Hours

Director Danny Boyle Starring James Franco, Kate Mara, Amber Tamblyn

After taking the film world by storm with the multi-Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire in 2008, many people expected Danny Boyle to go Hollywood. Instead, the British director has returned to the big screen with an emphatic reinstatement of his indie-leaning filmmaking ethos that’s sure to both thrill audiences and scoop awards.

127 Hours is inspired by the extraordinary true story of American adrenaline junkie Aron Ralston (played by James Franco) who, in 2003, was forced to cut off his own arm after becoming trapped by a loose boulder in Utah’s vast canyon country. It sees Boyle utilise his idiosyncratic style with relish, creating an exhilarating atmosphere without sacrificing a shred of authenticity. Imperative to this is Franco, who gives a career-best performance in his most demanding role to date.

With the hours turning to days and his water supply depleting, Ralston begins to contemplate his own mortality, recording his thoughts and confessions on an HD camcorder that becomes both his lifeline and epitaph. These moments of desperation and self-reflection allow 127 Hours to eloquently explore existentialism and morality, before Boyle and Franco shift gear and deliver a finale that will leave you breathless.

COMING SOON

New movie The King’s Speech looks at a little-known chapter in British history, relating how King George VI overcame a stammer to unite the nation at a time of war (from 7 January)
George Michael’s remastered Faith album is released on 31 January (www.georgemichael.com)
The book Public Enemies promises a fascinating, explosive collection of exchanges between French intellectuals Michel Houellebecq and Bernard-Henri Lévy

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