5 on Friday - Set 5

For my fifth set, I've collected several songs featured in films by one of my favorite directors - Timur Bekmambetov of Kazakhstan, formerly one of the Soviet republics.



If you've seen the Angelina Jolie - James McAvoy action film Wanted, then you've seen a Bekmambetov film.

"Timur Bekmambetov established himself as a master of dense narrative. His films often surprise the viewers with eerie details, hectic pace and unusual twists and turns, and remain a challenge even for experienced audiences." - Steve Shelokhonov

Bekmambetov somehow managed not only to become a filmmaker who pushes the envelope by any country's standard, but he emerged onto the film scene at a time when the collapse of the Soviet Union meant there was no longer a distribution infrastructure for Russian films (a new one is still rising from the ashes.) He comes from the first generation of artists out of Russia who can choose to work in Hollywood without having to defect in order to do so.

"We understood from the very beginning," he says, "that Russia needs big, ambitious and brave film-making. Before us, there was only art-house - great, talented movies for European festivals - and very bad, very cheap and creatively weak commercial movies."

For today's 5 on Friday, here are songs which capture the Bekmambetov soundtrack style: kick-ass rock, often showcasing Russian rock bands. For the sequel to a beloved Russian New Year's film, he put a new twist on the cherished memory of the original.

To play along, visit Travis at Trav's Thoughts.


1 - Every Day is Exactly the Same - Nine Inch Nails - Wanted soundtrack, 2008

I believe I can see the future
'Cause I repeat the same routine
I think I used to have a purpose
Then again
That might have been a dream

- Trent Reznor




2 - Shatter - Feeder - Night Watch soundtrack, 2006

Coming around my senses torn
It's no illusion
It's here everyday
I bleed
As long as you see it
As long as you know
As long as you fake it
Nobody knows

Break down again
I'm suffering
My head's out of sync
And I can't hide the pain

- Feeder




3 - Voronka - Slot - Night Watch soundtrack, 2006

No matter how determined I was, I couldn't find any translated lyrics for this one.




4 - Another Snowstorm (Opiat metel) - Alla Pugacheva and Kristina Orbakaite - Irony of Fate 2 soundtrack, 2007

This real-life mother and daughter duo gives voice to the complicated love lives of the mother and daughter characters in the film.

Translated lyrics:

Not closing the door behind you
I live for another year
And since then
The countdown of my unwitting losses
Has resurrected
Is waiting for someone

Again a snowstorm
And the past
Is getting anxious in the dark
Again a snowstorm
Where two eternities merge into one short day

Forgive me
Without knowing it

Don't suffer, standing there by a doorway
Our resurrected love
Will last for a lifetime

- Konstantin Meladze




5 - If You Don't Have an Aunt (Yesli u vas netu tyoti) - Konstantin Khabensky - Irony of Fate 2, 2007

Translated lyrics:

If you don't have a house
It cannot be destroyed by a fire
And your wife will not leave you for another
If you don't, if you don't, if you don't have a wife
If you don't have a wife

If you don't have a dog
It won't be poisoned by a neighbour
You will never get into a fight with your friend
If you don't, if you don't, if you don't have a friend
If you don't have a friend

The orchestra is playing bass
The trumpet player is blowing his brass
Think for yourself, decide for yourself: to have, or not to have

If you don't have an aunt
You won't lose her
And if you don't live
You won't die, you won't die

The orchestra is playing bass
The trumpet player is blowing his brass
Think for yourself, decide for yourself: to have, or not to have

- Alexander Aronov



Jamie says Since these were movies that I haven't seen it was nice to hear the music as it supported the films.

Travis says I like the way you play! I get to hear the music and see the video.

Jennifer Leeland says I LOVED "Wanted". Even though it didn't really have a happy ending. I still loved it.