Review of Once (2007) by Theta S — 29 Jul 2011

An unnamed busker (Glen Hansard) on the streets of Dublin is approached by an unnamed flower (Marketa Irglova) who is captivated by his music.

What follows is the story of a relationship built up between the pair borne out of their shared passion for music, their swiftly formed friendship and the bonds of unrequited love.

A close friend suggested that I watched this film, and I'm glad that she suggested it.

Once can be seen as either a visual version of the "concept album" or a musical.

Hansard and Irglova are engaging leads, all the more suprising as neither were professional actors. The fact that the pair were musical collaborators prior to Once lends weight to the naturalistic on-screen chemistry.

The selection of tracks used to support the film is nothing short of beautiful complimenting Hansard's raw vocals and Irglova's willowy voice. They also chart the pain that the characters are suffering - "Guy" following the break up with his ex-girlfriend and "Girl" in the wake of her estrangement from her husband.

The "romantic" element of the film is played out equally as beautifully and it's refreshing to see the lead characters have an innocent relationship which is unrequited, as opposed to the normal formula of the couple falling into bed with each other.

The cinematography and direction is nothing flashy and the almost documentary feel suits the storyline and the music.

If you're looking for a musical with a rough around the edges quality which deals with the everyday emotions that everyone faces from time to time, give this film a go.