Once

popmuze · Jun 20, 2007

This is a movie all musicians have to see.

It's probably the most honest movie about the creative process and the joy of writing and singing songs with another person ever made.

Great music and great acting too. A kinda sad story, though.

III · Jun 20, 2007

I haven't heard of Once but I'll keep my eyes open for it. It's not a chick flick like Words and Music is it? My favorite movie about music has got to be The Commitments. Fantastic music and a very realistic look at the constant disasters and struggles that go into putting on a great 45 minute set of music. (Spinal Tap notwithstanding, of course.)

popmuze · Jun 20, 2007

I had the Words & Music fear myself. But fear not.

What this movie really deals with is the time in a musician's life way before the first record deal, when the discovery of music and of the voice within yourself just begins to bloom and how it can reach another soul.

This is the kind of stuff that gets lost once fame and money and business get into the mix.

But, like the Commitments, the main musicians are Irish too. Lead actor and songwriter is in an Irish band called the Frames. I hadn't heard of them before this, but now I'm looking for their album.

benbradley · Jun 20, 2007

Not being much of a movie person, I haven't even seen "Standing In The Shadows Of Motown" and I've wanted to see it since I first heard about it.

I read Melissa Etheridge's bio "The Truth Is..." where she writes of growing up, going to Berklee, all her sexual experiences, bla bla bla, but the hottest scene in the book has to be when she's in the back of a cab in Europe and she first hears her song on the radio.

Shady Lane · Jun 27, 2007

I jumped when I saw this thread title. Once is hands-down one of the best movies I've ever seen. And I'm not even a musician.

popmuze · Jun 27, 2007

Imagine what you'd think if you were a musician.
For me the movie is all about the creative process.
Like, once I was a big fan of Laura Nyro.
I obviously didn't get to write with her, but once I met a girl who sounded like Laura Nyro and we wrote nine songs together.
None of them got famous, but at least I still have the tape and whenever I listen to it I get to feel like I'd found my Laura Nyro.

Mud Dauber · Aug 4, 2007

Yay! I finally saw this last night. Definitely one of the most understated, yet emotionally fulfilling films about the creative process. To have that artistic connection with someone... I mean, could you imagine? There's no question I'll be buying the soundtrack. I think Marketa Irglova's voice is beautiful. And I can't get over how much Glen Hansard sounds like Cat Stevens at times. But when the two of them sing and harmonize together, it's eerily mezmerizing. And I mean that in the very best way. :LilLove:

ottorino · Oct 6, 2007

Just saw it last weekend; what a perfect film. And so true to the process of songwriting and recording. Everyone who has ever strummed a guitar will love this lovely Irish film.

SarahinOhio · Oct 7, 2007

I adored this movie.

When they do the piano duet in the music store, I pretty much swooned. What makes this movie so ingenuous is that it could have taken the easy/romantic way out, but instead focused on their passion for music, and the creative process. That's the love story in this film, and it is a poignant, authentic treat.

Ziljon · Oct 7, 2007

Those recording sessions were so real! And I liked that most songs were played out in their entirety, as opposed to the hollywood practice of just playing one verse and chorus and then cutting away.

I loved that guy's beat up guitar.

Shadow_Ferret · Oct 10, 2007

Is it good music or is it like adult contemporary/easy listening?

I've never watched a movie ABOUT music. I just find them boring. The closest I've come was "This is SPinal Tap" and "All You Need Is Cash" the documentary about The Rutles.

Mud Dauber · Oct 10, 2007

Shadow_Ferret said:
Is it good music or is it like adult contemporary/easy listening?

I've never watched a movie ABOUT music. I just find them boring. The closest I've come was "This is SPinal Tap" and "All You Need Is Cash" the documentary about The Rutles.

You decide

If you don't have any interest in seeing the creative process of a musician, then it probably isn't for you. It's not an in-your-face type of movie, but IMHO it illustrates the musical connection between two people beautifully.

Shadow_Ferret · Oct 10, 2007

I'll have to decide tonight. I can't youtube at work.

popmuze · Oct 10, 2007

I would take the reviews and the effect of this movie on its audience for my book any day.

As far as the music, I would say it's Irish folk/rock combined with Yugoslavian harmony--or wherever the girl comes from.

It's definitely about a creative love affair.

popmuze · Nov 17, 2007

Mud Dauber said:
Marketa Irglova's voice is beautiful. And I can't get over how much Glen Hansard sounds like Cat Stevens at times. But when the two of them sing and harmonize together, it's eerily mezmerizing. And I mean that in the very best way.

Turns out the two of them "Once" did an album together, and now they're touring!

By the way, anyone else hear the rumor that there's Oscar buzz on this film?

Toothpaste · Nov 17, 2007

I love this movie even if I am not the biggest music fan (I mean I like music, but I don't know it as well as I know, for example, films). I saw a preview screening of it here in Toronto, and the director and main actor were there. They answered some questions and then the actor/musician guy played some songs. He took some requests and the people in the crowd really wanted him to sing the first song he duets with the girl (the one in the piano store), but she wasn't there, so he asked if anyone in the audience knew her part. Three girls did, so they joined him at the front. And they did a really great job.

Such a cool experience. Such a good movie. Lovely.

Serena Casey · Nov 17, 2007

It's not a chick flick like Words and Music is it?

Now, what's wrong with a little Music and Lyrics? {starts dancing and singing} I said I wasn't gonna lose my head, but then *PoP!* goes my heart...

(III, hands off my lunch tray!)

Once looks like a good movie. The guy does sound like Cat Stevens, wow.

popmuze · Mar 1, 2008

Just wanted to bring up the one and only highlight from the Oscar telecast here, when "Falling Slowly" from Once took the prize and they brought back Marketa Irglova when she didn't get a chance to give her acceptance speech. What an incredible moment. What an incredible story. What an incredible song.

maestrowork · Mar 1, 2008

I loved Once. And I thought that Oscar moment was very memorable. I loved it that they brought her back on stage -- it's incredible. The whole thing is amazing, goes to show if you follow your dream with your heart and soul, you'll get somewhere. That movie is all heart and soul.

Once

popmuze

Last of a Dying Breed

III

rockin the suburbs

popmuze

Last of a Dying Breed

benbradley

It's a doggy dog world

Shady Lane

my name is hannah

popmuze

Last of a Dying Breed

Mud Dauber

writing on the wall

ottorino

SarahinOhio

In My Blue Period

Ziljon

Tortilla di Patate

Shadow_Ferret

Court Jester

Mud Dauber

writing on the wall

Shadow_Ferret

Court Jester

popmuze

Last of a Dying Breed

popmuze

Last of a Dying Breed

Toothpaste

THE RECKLESS RESCUE is out now!

Serena Casey

User Titles Rock

popmuze

Last of a Dying Breed

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray