Movies 2008 #19 Once

Once Do people set out to make “charming” films? If they do, they could use Once as a template. Telling the story of an Irish street musician and a Czech immigrant who meet on the streets of Dublin, Once is thoroughly enjoyable film that exudes charm from its every pore. The charm is generated by sweetly romantic tale, the naturalistic performances by the ensemble cast and the music. The most important is probably the music. It’s mostly a musical, and the music drives it through its too-short 86 minute running time.

Beyond its charms it’s also an interesting film technically. Shot with natural light and in a personal manner it manages to inject a touch of realism without seeming contrived. I sometimes get frustrated by this new “reality” style because so little of what it portrays actually resemlbes reality. Here, since the performances are so honest and the story so simple, yet touching; the injection of the viewer, through the natural light and low-fi camera work actually brings us closer to the characters.

The film also avoids the perils of the “music video” moment. There are several full length songs in the film and none of them feel out of place- like they were dropped in fully formed from Mtv. A real accomplishment because I normally roll my eyes at similar sequences in lesser films. Here the musical interludes are as natural as rain and almost always drive the story forward in interesting ways.

Here’s an excellent example:

All in all this is a fine film and one that is definitely recommended. Me? I’m buying the soundtrack.