Inspired by ONCE: fresh storytelling and excellent music
I heard so much positive word-of-mouth about Irish indie film ONCE that I had to go find it and watch it. Just finished the movie and have to say it is one of the most inspiring pieces of filmmaking I have seen in a long time.
Here's the synopsis of the film from Fox Searchlight official site:"A modern day musical set on the streets of Dublin. Featuring Glen Hansard from the Irish band "The Frames," the film tells the story of a street musician and a Czech immigrant during an eventful week as they write, rehearse and record songs that reveal their unique love story." The movie is not a musical in the vein of Grease or Moulin Rouge. It is more a musical drama. The film tells of the romance between two unlikely characters and uses music to color and move the plot. Movies with good music like SCHOOL OF ROCK, BACK TO THE FUTURE, SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, CAPE NO. 7, and now ONCE really appeal to me. Once is shot almost in a documentary style using non-professional actors. Often the cameras follow the actors and the music pieces are sung by the leads in entirety. At times, the movie feels like several music videos strung together with interstitials. One of the most impressive elements of the film is that it was shot in Dublin on a $150,000 budget. It is driven by story and music and it really works. Often entire scenes are shot with natural available lighting (both daytime and nighttime). This style of photography actually helps the story as these two characters are not materially rich. The music is simple and catchy and reminiscent of works by Damien Rice. Catch a preview of the theme song and scenes from the movie here:
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