Review: Once
I finally had the pleasure this week of seeing Sundance darling Once and am happy to report that it delivers. Billed as an “Irish musical” (that description isn’t entirley accurate) and starring The Frames‘ Glen Hansard, the simple story revolves around a busker and a Czech pianist during a week of writing, rehearsing and recording an album. In other words, it’s a more genuine take on what Music and Lyrics attempted earlier this year (although, I’m still digging the “PoP! Goes My Heart” video…) With a story that seemed so casual and unassuming, I was surprised by how this small-scaled film delivers such incredible, swelling moments. Stripped of any flash or pomp, the audience is left with a film that feels very authentic. The performances, the production, and, yes, the songs are all solid. I don’t want to give this film anymore ballyhoo and ruin your experience if you haven’t already seen it. However, if you need more convincing, please check out this track and the trailer.
MP3: Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova - “Falling Slowly”
- Glen Hansard Covers R.E.M.’s “Hairshirt”
- Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova Take Best Original Song Oscar
- Transformers Advance Review
I went into this movie because there was nothing else showing. I had absolutely no expectations — I was floored by the brilliance of this flick. You don’t watch it . . . you listen to it. It’s painted with a plain jane undertone and then knocks you on your ass with a climactic lyric or a subtle camera shot (see final pan from the window).
I bought the soundtrack immediately after the movie.
- - Ryan Farha
[...] in his relationship with a beautiful singer/songwriter. It kind of sounds like an inverse Once and the soundtrack sounds equally promising. Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Jesse Harris wrote [...]