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Twin Town High (vol. 8) |
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Once
Monday 11 June @ 12:07:44 |
  by Erik McClanahan
I hate musicals. I’ve never understood the rationale to have film characters suddenly burst into song and dance like they’ve been rehearsing for months. My disgust with the genre does not come from an inability to suspend disbelief in cinematic terms either, as I am a huge horror, fantasy and science-fiction fan. Hollywood of late has been attempting a resurgence of the somewhat faded musical genre with some interesting results—Baz Lurhmann’s “Moulin Rouge!” and Rob Marshall’s Oscar-winning “Chicago” attempted something new rather successfully, though I still wasn’t convinced.
Having said that, it’s amazing how much I enjoyed the new musical “Once.” The Uptown Theatre marquee proclaims it as an Irish indie pop musical. This certainly suffices as a brief synopsis, but it also fails to mention the brilliant innovation and rethinking of the musical genre throughout the brisk 85-minute running time of the feature.
Writer-director John Carney (whose notable previous efforts include a television show called “Bachelor’s Walk” and two films—“Zonad” and “On The Edge”—in which he worked with talented actor Cillian Murphy of “28 Days Later” and “Batman Begins”) concocts a partially autobiographical story, a sort-of Irish version of Richard Linklater’s “Before Sunrise” and “Before Sunset” with fantastic songs playing throughout in completely realistic ways.
Much of the charm of “Once” lies in its simplicity, unfolding with a straightforward narrative that rewards an appreciative audience with portrayals of the more subtle human tendencies and emotions. The film opens by introducing us to the Guy (played by Glen Hansard, vocalist and guitarist for Irish rock group The Frames, of which Carney was a former member) as he runs down a would-be thief trying to make off with his pay from playing songs on the city streets all day. From there, the credits begin over Hansard’s inspired and emotional rendition of an original song. Hearing and liking the tune is the Girl (the main characters are never given names), played by Czech singer-songwriter Marketa Irglova. The two discuss the song, and begin a friendship/romance that unfolds through revealing musical set pieces and restrained dialogue.
The best part of the film is that it has none of the sheen or polish of a musical; the characters’ songs reveal a lot about their personalities and past heartbreaks, but never feel out of place or unusual. Most of the singing scenes actually take place in a studio or music shop where the leads realize they fit together sonically, and create songs for a possible recording. This gives the film a refreshing realistic feel.
Carney and cinematographer Tim Fleming’s use of digital, handheld camerawork gives the film a raw, but effective look. The look of the film is quite similar to Kelly Reichardt’s 2006 “Old Joy,” with the bustling streets of Dublin filling up the screen instead of the lush, green forests of Oregon. The most effective scenes occur when Carney lets his musician actors do their thing in front of the camera, perfectly capturing the feeling of a harmonious musical pairing.
This is small, independent filmmaking at its best. Taking apart and rearranging familiar genres has always been the best thing about the “indie” movement of the last 20 years, and Carney successfully treads new ground, and dismantles the musical genre on a shoestring budget ($150,000).
“Once” is well-crafted, and Carney’s acute understanding of his characters makes for an enjoyable cinematic experience, one that requires a love of small character studies and realistic romance. If that is something you enjoy as a filmgoer, I highly recommend the film—by the end you may want to continue hanging out with these characters, even after the tragic, but beautiful, conclusion.
“Once” is playing at the Uptown Theatre until Friday, June 15. It will move on to either the Lagoon or Edina Cinema from there. For show times and information call 612.825.6006, or go to www.landmarktheatres.com.
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