CONTENTS
6 - 20 January
Cover story: Natalie Portman, face of 2005 We all know the cliche about 20/20 vision. Last January we put Scarlett Johansson on our cover, already knowing that her performance in Lost in Translation would win the hearts of everyone in the universe. This year, we’ve plumped (or should that be skinnied?) for Natalie Portman who, like Johansson, is a brilliant actress as well as a screen beauty. But unlike Lost in Translation, Portman’s new film Closer is no masterpiece. We reckon Portman will be the face of 2005 simply because she has a very, very bright future. And surely time will prove us right. See page 25.
' Also in this issue
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To celebrate the conclusion of our 50 Best Scottish Bands of All Time project. we're giving away a CD featuring the finest line-up we've ever mustered. including top tracks by Belle & Sebastian. Travis. Franz Ferdinand. the Jesus and Mary Chain. Mogwai and five more. See page 2 for full details.
16 The Killers More or less every year. the NME Awards Tour catapults one band into superstardom. and three others into eternal obscurity. Last year's winner was Franz Ferdinand: this year it's a closer call. Check out our dossier before you place your bets.
20 Chris Morris How can anyone love a man whose new TV programme rips the piss out of someone named N Barley? Well. Brian Donaldson seems to think that's comedy genius.
22 Dear Frankie It's been a long time coming. but hooray! Scottish cinema has another hit on its hands. What. exactly. does Dear Frankie do right? And will it be the start of great new things?
R d Vote for your favourite Scottish band and win tickets ea to the announcement party : 4 Win two bottles of Blandy's Alvada for Letter of the Fortnight
V 52 Win Motorcycle Diaries on DVD 100 Get 15% off HUG products
Agenda
4 LETTERS
6 15 DAYS TO LIVE 9 NEWS
10 RADAR
12 RAGE
14 THE LEECH
What'sOn
31 AROUND TOWN 34 BOOKS
37 CLUBS
46 COMEDY
48 FILM 52 DVD
64 GAY 65 KIDS
66 MUSIC 70 RECORDS
84 THEATRE 88 TV 89 VISUAL ART
Life&Style 95 GO THERE THIS FORTNIGHT 97 EAT & DRINK 99 SHOPPING
101 PLAY
102 COURSES & TUITION 103 CLASSIFIED
Rear View
112 ANSWER MACHINE: SUE TOWNSEND