Wed 26 Oct, 7.30pm
Introduced by Wendy Everett from the Department of Politics, Languages & International Studies, this hysterical double bill featured ‘fictional’ Siberian rock band Leningrad Cowboys.
Famous for their ludicrous hairstyles, extreme winkle-picker shoes and exuberant performances, the band was an invention of Finnish film director Aki Kaurismäki. They appeared first in Leningrad Cowboys Go America (1989); a hilarious road movie following the misadventures of the worst rock and roll band in the world trying their luck in America on the advice of their promoter stunned by their lack of talent.
After the first film, the band took on a life of its own, recording music, making videos and giving concerts. They appeared in two other Kaurismäki films, including Total Balalaika Show (1994); a classic piece of rock show cinema. The band perform with the 160-member Alexandrov Red Army Chorus and Dance ensemble in Helsinki, on the biggest stage ever seen in Finland.
Leningrad Cowboys Go America
Aki Kaurismäki – Finland 1989 – 76 mins – Colour – English with some subtitles – 15
Total Balalaika Show
Aki Kaurismäki – Finland 1994 – 57 mins – Colour – English Language – E