The Red Circle

By Jamie Dull

So, this morning I walked into my living room where my roommate was casually watching a reality show called Cheaters. Last night, I stumbled in to notice she was watching a show called Pawn Stars. Before this, she had been spending her time watching The Bachelor. In our current culture, where even The History Channel relies on reality television shows to bring in the dough, where does legitimate storytelling fall into place? Not to say that these shows do not offer a story that is entertaining enough to keep a crowd (obviously they are), but do we have to search for a diamond in the rough in order find brilliance?

In the summer of 2008, a friend of mine insisted that I watch the movie Once. She said that since I am a musician, I’ll relate to it, and more than likely enjoy it. I had never heard of the movie at the time, so my interest was piqued. And wow, was she right. I, however, didn’t necessarily relate to the movie strictly because of the music, or the fact that the main characters were musicians. I related to it because I fell in love with the story. Not only that, but it was told in such a way that I left feeling incredibly inspired. This movie contains something that seems to be lost in today’s entertainment business: relevancy.

Now, I’m sure you’re curious as to why I’m reviewing a movie that is nearing three years of age. But ask yourself this question: in your lifetime, what movies have moved you? Out of these movies, would you spend your time telling your friends and family that they should see them in order to relate to you on a higher level? If so, then you and I are going to get along for the next few minutes that you’re reading. If not, then meh. Go read something else (except the Twilight Saga). Even though this movie is not a 2009 blockbuster, it’s a staple within the independent film industry. Here’s a bit of background on it.

Once, released in 2007, is an Irish musical film written and directed by John Carney. It takes place in Dublin, Ireland and features singer-songwriter Glen Hansard (The Frames, The Swell Season), and piano player/ vocalist Markéta Irglová (The Swell Season) as the main cast. Prior to making the movie, neither had ever really stepped into the world of acting, which shows, but in a very prominent and positive way. The film was shot on a budget of €130,000 (US$160,000), and was a commercial success, having already grossed over $20 million in 2009 worldwide.

At the beginning when the two meet, the story focuses on building up their relationship on multiple platforms. We start to see a connection between our characters through a love for music, and a hauntingly similar past with previously failed relationships. They find themselves being floored by the others’ passion for performing and writing. Not to mention the chemistry that immediately sparks from the get-go. At this point we’re roughly fifteen minutes into the movie, and already the characters have locked in the viewers’ attention and respect.

Now, I’m not going go into much more detail than that, for I strongly, strongly recommend that you take it upon yourself to watch this film. I do, however, need to mention that aside from the wonderful story that builds upon emotion and intricacy, the attention to detail plays a very important role in this picture. One of the first scenes that shows the two (unnamed characters) connecting in a way that most of us wish we could, is a scene in a music store with our female character (credited as “Girl”) sitting behind a piano, and our male character (credited as “Guy”) sitting with his obviously beat up, often used Takamine acoustic guitar. To me, this is the most important scene in the movie, though you should be your own judge of this.

After listening to her play a dark piano piece that strikes our guy with awe, he begins to teach her one of his songs (“Falling Slowly”). She learns the tune very quickly, and they begin playing together. Here is where the attention to detail becomes so evident and critical. As he begins singing the first verse, she joins him with a harmony vocal that brings an unexpected, yet nervous and excited smile among his face (as she had never even heard this song prior to their meeting). As the song builds up, the intensity between the two also heightens. Once they reach the bridge of the song, you can see her glancing at his finger placement on his guitar to make sure that she’s transposing the parts properly. The reason these actions are so important is that they allow the viewer to feel more involved with the scene, which creates a relationship rarely touched upon in other movies. They clearly have a connection on a level that is so immense that the viewer is almost forced to fall in love with the story before it even reaches the climax. Little instances like this throughout the movie complete this sense of realism, without having to bombard the viewer with Pepsi Cola ads and Taco Bell ads. The movie shows a true connection between real people without having to be a “reality based production.” It’s real, but not reality.

So now, two years later, the film has already secured more awards than most Hollywood, big budget films, including a 2007 Academy Award for Best Original Song (“Falling Slowly”), a 2008 Independent Spirit Award, and even a Grammy nomination (for the soundtrack). Not to mention critical praise from Ebert & Roeper, and even Steven Spielberg, claiming “Once gave me enough inspiration to last the rest of the year.”

Now I only gave you insight to a small portion of the movie. There is so much more to see than just the incredible music store scene. Not only that, but there is so much more to hear than just “Falling Slowly.” The songwriting ability of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová proves that in a stale decade of stagnant music and untalented bands, originality can shine throughout. Yes, that’s right, our two main characters did in fact write the score to the movie (with the exception of the Van Morrison cover at the beginning – name drop anybody?). So my friend was right. I, as a musician, did in fact relate to this movie (I have a soft spot for the Thin Lizzy reference late in the film). I, however, did not relate to it solely on the fact that I am a musician. I also got along with this picture because it displayed a sense of realism and hope. Something that I rarely find today in both music and film. Now whether or not this may be the case for you, I recommend at least being open to it. You never know what you might find within yourself.

9 out of 10

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