Once Review
by Kris Ashton
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Filmmakers trying to resurrect musicals as popular
entertainment deserve respect. They are, after all, pushing the
proverbial manure uphill. In the 21st century, most people see music
and movies as separate art forms, and trying to unite them again is a
bit like bringing the positive poles of two magnets together.
It can be done – witness Moulin Rouge and Chicago – but not even doing it well is a guarantee of success (see Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny’s lacklustre box office take).
Once,
a darling of Sundance now getting limited distribution through Icon, is
not likely to spark a renewed interest in the genre. It’s the simple
story of two down-in-the-mouth musicians who revive their spirits
through a shared passion.
An Irish busker and vacuum cleaner
mechanic (The Frames musician Glen Hansard) is trying to cope with his
lover’s infidelity. A Czech immigrant (Markéta Irglová) is a dab hand
at the piano, but is estranged from her husband and bringing up her
daughter in her mum’s tiny apartment. There’s an attraction between the
pair that manifests in lots of sexual tension and musical energy.
Together, they find inspiration and hope.
Once
is a genial story about two souls that connect through a common
interest. The characters are true-to-life (if a touch too quirky) and
the dialogue has an ease that makes for pleasurable viewing. Had it
been a plain old drama, Once would have been a notable achievement.
Trouble
is, writer/director John Carney wanted to make a musical – and music is
what lets the film down. The touching but soporific songs tend to
arrive at moments when the audience just wants to push on with the
narrative. They do not hold any visual splendour and they do not
further the plot. In other words, the movie’s stated raison d’ętre is
its weakest point.
Once’s
denouement is also a major disappointment. Not only is it contrived, it
makes a mockery of the relationship Carney has built up between his two
protagonists. He perhaps wished to steer away from a ‘Hollywood’
ending, but the one he provides is unsatisfactory.
Full marks to Carney for a commendable attempt at thinking outside the square, but Once feels like a drama with artificially inseminated songs rather than a bona fide musical. 3 out
of 5 Once
Australian
release: 30th August,
2007
Cast: Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova, Hugh Walsh, Gerry Hendrick, Alastair Foley
Director: John Carney
Website: Click
here.
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