This Must Be the Place

An aging, downtrodden ex-rocker (Sean Penn sporting long hair, makeup, and a high-pitched, nasally voice) living peacefully in Dublin with his firefighting wife (Frances McDormand) learns his father is dying and returns home to the States to seek out and confront his Nazi persecutor. Bizarre doesn't begin to adequately describe Paolo Sorrentino's film, which pushes the envelope on several occasions, but finds its base on another incredible performance from Penn, one that I personally didn't think I would be able to take seriously at the start of the picture. Another highlight is David Byrne, whose title tune and other tracks populates the soundtrack, and who also makes a welcomed appearance playing himself.