Once

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.

Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová, Alaistair Foley

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’être 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.

Rating :
Reviewer : Kris Ashton