Once (2006)
Written and directed by John Carney.
Synopsis
What happens when you are devastated by love and retreat into a protective shell, refusing to allow anyone to get close to you again? Once explores that question from the position of two people suffering from the same affliction. A guy and a girl, both feeling the pain of failed relationships, find each other and experience the awkwardness that comes from not wanting to take the risk of getting hurt again. What both so badly desires for themselves is right in front of them, the only question is will they drop their defenses and trust the other person?
The guy (Glen Hansard) is a vacuum repairman by necessity and a busker by choice. He stands on his street corner by day and plays the familiar songs that get passersby to fill his guitar case with coins. At night he sings for himself, belting out his own angst filled songs, written about his failed love. The girl (Marketa Irglova) is a Czech immigrant who works odd jobs and sells flowers to survive. A broken vacuum and a common love for music bring these two souls together and they begrudeoningly begin a painful relationship.
These two people want nothing more than the pain of their failed relationships to go away. His pain comes from not having the confidence to go to London with his girlfriend and pursue his dream of being a songwriter. Her pain comes from her failed marriage and seeing her daughter grow up without a father. Both find an escape in their music, his on a beat up Takamine dreadnaught, and hers on a music store piano. Together they make wonderful music, and express their feelings for each other in their songs, creating the soundtrack for their unacknowledged love. Through the encouragement of the girl the guy records his songs and finds the confidence he had been lacking. Through the presence of the guy the girl finds the strength to try and love again.
Sheb’s Take
What an interesting little movie. Gritty and emotional is the best way to describe the musical drama. It’s not hard to believe that this was shot on a shoestring budget (less than $150,000). The photography and cinematography are little rough, but I think that adds to the raw nature of this film. There are many shaky hand-held shots and a couple where the focus is off plane, but it gives this film a documentary-like feel at times. It was as if it was shot in video from afar, capturing a natural interaction between two strangers on the street.
Writer/director Carney penned this script with his friends in mind and actually used them, two relatively unknowns, as the stars of the movie. The female lead, Markéta Irglová, made her debut in this film. The male lead, Glen Hansard, wasn’t much more experienced, but still gave off a familiar vibe. After thinking hard for quite sometime it finally hit me where I had seen him before. Hansard was the tall, skinny, red haired guitar player in The Commitments. Kind of amazing that it took over a decade for him to find his way in front of the camera again. What is actually astounding is the performance that these two actors put in, making the viewer share in the emotional tug-of-war going on for each of them. It’s hard to believe that two such inexperienced actors could carry a whole film and execute it this well, and execute well they did.
From the beginning of the movie you felt for the two lead actors. You felt the chemistry develop and their hearts swell. You also felt the conflict that was raging in their heads. The beautiful music they made underscored their stand-offish nature toward each other, communicating how they really felt and left you hoping that only good things would happen to them. I guess this is why I didn’t like the ending. I normally hate movies that leave you wanting. Even with this minor disappointment I have to say how much I enjoyed the movie. This simple story grabbed my imagination and emotions, refusing to let go until the very end. The performances were outstanding and the overall product a keeper.
Abby’s Take
I have to admit that despite rave reviews for the film by critics and audience members alike, I was still hesitant to see the film. I wondered what this “modern-day musical romance” would be like. Mama Mia? Or perhaps Grease? I was pleasantly surprised that the film was not one I would classify as a “musical” in the strictest sense but is rather a story about musicians with a heavy emphasis on the music of their own making. (Think That Thing You Do or The Commitments.) And the thing I enjoyed most about the film was the original music. Glen Hansard (Guy) and Markéta Irglová (Girl) are talented singers, song writers and musicians who really shined in this film. The two leads also displayed wonderful onscreen chemistry considering Once is only Hansard’s second feature film role and Irglová first feature film role. The only issue I have with this charming movie, and the reason I could not give the film a higher score, was the unsatisfying conclusion.
Consensus (8/10)
We both liked the movie and found the actors to be very likeable. The one major downer was the ending, but that is the writer and director’s decision in delivering his vision, so no complaints. Because of the universal themes explored, this is a movie that all ages will enjoy. In the long run, the technical flaws can be overlooked and the story and performances have the biggest impact on our rating.
Hormone Rating
How many guys don’t dream of being a musician? That alone makes this a movie that guys can sit through. Since the primary theme is dealing with pain caused by love this appeals to the women in the crowd as well. The sentimentality does stack up quickly, but I think it is executed in such a way where the “guys” in the room with not feel uncomfortable or yearn for a football game. This is a really good date movie and will leave everyone feeling well balanced after viewing, although being in touch with your feminine side will increase your enjoyment .
