Largo October 25, 2008

Since owner Mark Flanagan first opened Largo's doors over a decade ago, this intimate LA venue has established a strong community of musicians, comedians and followers who relish its policy of putting the emphasis firmly on the artists who perform there. With composer/multi-instrumentalist Jon Brion's inspired Friday night residency and a roster of regular players including Grant Lee Phillips, Aimee Mann, Greg Proops, Patton Oswalt and John C. Reilly, little wonder that the club has recently made the shift to a bigger space. Before the move, Flanagan and co-director Andrew van Baal spent two years filming at the original Fairfax site, and their beautifully crafted documentary gives a remarkably authentic feel of the Largo experience.

Performances really do range from the sublime (Fiona Apple, Colin Hay, Andrew Bird) to the hilariously ridiculous (Flight of the Conchords), and the film's technical virtuousity more than does them justice. Shooting in gorgeous black and white, for much of the time van Baal has the confidence to let the camera sit and observe, with just a few highly effective poetic, lyrical interventions. Impeccably edited, and with the requisite attention given to sound, this is a fond and fitting tribute to this legendary and much loved venue.

Official Website: http://www.bfi.org.uk/lff/largo