Independent film has the unique capacity to impress in ways that big budget blockbusters can never manage. With Transformers or Live Free or Die Hard we knew what we were getting the second we saw posters mounted in that halogen lit lobby reeking of popcorn. But I'll bet you didn't see posters for Once. Because of that, I'd feel pretty comfortable saying you have no idea what to expect from this movie. (The second bet is only available if you answered ‘no' to having seen posters for Once.) Yes, I'm cheap. Run with it.
The description "an Irish musical" that all the critics have thrown at this movie are true and yet subsequently misleading. With that image I went in expecting the best damned choreographed drinking song dance numbers the world had ever seen. Of course, (and admittedly, with a bit of sadness in my heart) that wasn't the case. It appears "musical" has become a term for which I no longer know the meaning. But I'm glad. Once's musical numbers weren't brightly colored dance sequences with overly happy animals or even beer and steins. Once's music features heart ripping ballads by leading actor Glen Hansard as the nameless and hopeful "Guy". Glen Hansard's musical sound is best compared to that of Chris Martin with a screaming emo edge. When joined by the lovely Marketa Irglova (whose name has accent marks in so many places...I just didn't bother) the music of Once gains so much more power and emotional edge that you want Guy to succeed.
Succeed in what? In obtaining a demo tape to take to London where, hopefully, musical fame and glory await. His chance meeting with Marketa's "Girl" lead to an expected though tightly leashed romance with so much awkward Euro-charm that you'll be frustrated for "Guy" as he chases a romantic quarry that's eluded him before he ever knew he was chasing it. "Girl" not all uncommon situation of having immigrated to Ireland from eastern Europe - where her husband still lives. As the two bond, in an entirely emotional though platonic fashion, their music gains a strength that leads the two to believe they should record that aforementioned demo tape for "Guy"s eventual trip to London.
While the plot is easily one of the simplest you'll see in the Cineplex this summer or fall, it's also one of the best. The characters undergo so much exploration - their relationships aren't discarded as simple two-dimensional layers to serve as window dressing for a special effects pissing contest - the personae of "Guy" and "Girl" are a terrific backdrop for the power of music to bring two people together despite drastically different lives. As the two realize all the ways in which their lives differ, they realize that in fact they're living the same wretched lovelorn existence at different points in their in a wide spectrum.
Glen Hansard's ability to act is surpassed only by his singing and guitar talent. I guess that makes sense as he's the lead singer for the Frames. While I tire of the never ending stream of musicians who've taken to the silver screen, the unexpected talent of Mr. Hansard feels like a breath of fresh air compared to his stale and failing musical compatriots of the same ilk.
When we first hear Marketa's voice during Guy's song "Falling Slowly", we at first feel a bit skeptical that they'd fall together so easily in one song, but then we're overcome by the mellow force of such a perfect vocal duo. Marketa's acting never came into question throughout the duration of Once. She was believable and I was entirely satisfied with her performance. She and Hansard are a terrific duo onscreen and in song.
I guess I ought to thank the man responsible for directing this movie of musical bliss: John Carney. At only 85 minutes, Once isn't going to be remembered for dragging on for two and a half hours, but it delivers a sweet and solid punch for every minute. A feat not often experienced in movies today.
Once is an independent film triumph. Truly beautiful for audio, visual, and directing. The sad part is: it'll probably fly underneath your movie radar unless you actively seek it out...and that's exactly what you should do.
"Once" opens May 18, 2007 and is rated R. Drama, Musical. Written by John Carney. Starring Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova.
