After much unintentional procrastination, I finally got a chance to sit down and watch Gus Van Sant‘s Last Days. Last Days is a film that re-lives the “last days” of famed Nirvana singer Kurt Cobain, by using the real moments building up to Cobain’s apparent suicide and recreating them through fictional characters. I am both a huge fan of Van Sant and Cobain, so it should come as no surprise that I immensely appreciated the film, despite it highlighting a legendary musician’s demise. Casting the role of Cobain for many fans, would be like casting the role of Jesus for many Christians. However, Van Sant couldn’t have made a better choice. Take a look for yourself.
Michael Pitt (Murder By Numbers, Hedwig) not only managed to match the appearance of Kurt Cobain, but nearly manages to become him through his movements and posture. Although the movie was sensational, Michael Pitt as a musician (toyed with as Tommy Gnosis in Hedwig) is what really made me ponder. Soon after the movie ended, I was curious to know if the sound clips of Pitt singing (previewd in the linked trailer) were actually his own or some other dubbed musician. Well…as if the appearance of Pitt looking like Cobain wasn’t enough, he also sings like him remarkably well. After some further researching I came to learn Pitt has his own band, named Pagoda.
Michael Pitt – Death to Birth
Michael Pitt – Hey Joe
Pagoda – Fetus
Although I would recommend and prefer Pitt to remain in the movie making business, it’s comforting to know he is very capable of making decent music as a B-Side attraction to his A-List film career.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
his performance of death to birth in the film was the highlight for me. that and the venus in furs scene
Have a good time
I like that film… N’ I like Gus Van Sant too…He did eveything that he could in this film I think… N’ Michael plays wonderfull kurt cobain… I am a big fan of kurt too n’ I thnik that if you want to like tha film you must know the kurt itself: his nature, appearance n’ everythnig… that’s all:)