Gogol Bordello's Eugene Hutz Praises Madonna

07/11/07 5:30pm

While it may have seemed an odd pairing when Gogol Bordello joined Madonna for her performance of "La Isla Bonita" during the Live Earth concert at London, England's Wembley Stadium on Saturday, the aging material girl and the gypsy punk band have a professional connection.

Gogol Bordello perform in the 45-minute Filth & Wisdom, the first film directed by Madonna, and its soundtrack uses three of the group's songs. She's apparently been a fan for a few years.

The movie stars Richard E. Grant (Withnail And I, Gosford Park), Stephen Graham (Snatch, Gangs Of New York) and Gogol Bordello frontman Eugene Hutz, whose A.K. character was based closely on his personality. The singer/songwriter enjoyed working with the rookie director.

"You can always measure a director by how specific he is or she is, and she was very specific," Hutz told Billboard.com. "She had very energetic visions but, at the same time, there was a lot of room for me to do my own thing."

Hutz contributed dialogue to the script. He also had to dress in drag for the role, but insisted upon keeping his moustache.

While music remains Hutz's top priority, he also co-starred with Elijah Wood in 2005's Everything Is Illuminated. He believes the part helped introduce people to his band and, conversely, that the group's fans found out about the movie because he was in it.

Gogol Bordello's Super Taranta! album was released on Tuesday, while Filth & Wisdom is expected to premiere at next year's Sundance Film Festival.