We’re continuing to wait patiently for Paul Thomas Anderson‘s new, untitled movie in which Daniel Day-Lewis makes suits or whatever, but until then the director has threaded together a treat. Earlier this year he teamed up with the excellent Haim, directing their video for “Right Now,” and putting together a full short film, “Valentine.” The short screened briefly in 35mm at select cinemas during the summer, but now it’s here for all to see and it’s pure magic.
The concept is simple, yet genius: Anderson just films the band running through three songs live, in the studio. And it’s a perfect, 14-minute reminder of how mind-bogglingly talented these musicians are, writing terrifically great songs, and able to pull them off without backing tracks or a gaggle of producers riding the faders from some hidden room. In a pop era where songs seem to be saddled by endless credits of songwriters and producers, it’s a reminder of how great, clean, sharp songs can be.