"Once" Review

Once is probably the best way to describe how many times I'll ever watch this film.
The film is not bad. I actually enjoyed it. I don't regret watching it.
The only thing I regret is starting the film at 12:45am, and having to drink two Mt. Dews and do jumping jacks in the living to to keep myself awake long enough to finish the 85 minute film.

It's an art film. Plain and simple.
Here's the best thing about the film: In contrast to typical films, this one reminds us that sometimes a film is just a slice of life. It's a glimpse of characters, during a specific period of their lives, for a specific reason. And sometimes, it shows us that things don't always work out like we want them to, and eventually we have to go back to what originally worked for us. It shows us how people can impact our lives, in big ways in a short period of time.

The film is a musical. And not a musical like "Rent" where people are talking about their lives and their problems. No, in this film, the musical part of the film is the songs that the characters are writing and rehearsing. They don't just randomly break out into song in the middle of the street, while people walk by without paying attention. Instead, if they are sitting on the bus, and he's strumming his guitar and then starts singing - it makes sense. And when The Man raises his voice at a specific part, and the old lady looks at him - you realize that their actions are not limited to themselves, they are still interacting with the real world. I can only imagine that some people I know, who are true musicians, would probably find this film extremely enjoyable.

However, There is no dramatic story arch.
Honestly, I would consider this to be "This is Spinal Tap" WITHOUT the comedy and satire.
It would be like "Almost Famous" without the storyline, or maybe better "Music and Lyrics" without a storyline. There's no dramatic tension, there's no issues, there's no real problems.

The film follows a street musician, who one day talks to a woman in the street. They get to know each other, and she learns he fixes Hoovers. Ironically, she has one that is in need of repair. They go back and forth flirting with each other, however they each also seem to keep their distance from one another. As they get to know each other, The Man puts some of his music onto CDs for The Woman. Shortly after watching her play the piano, he asks her to write some lyrics for some of his music.

The rest of the film follows them as they write music, acquire additional musician's help, and get studio time to record his songs, before he plans to leave to go to London. Throughout this time, we learn a lot about each of their personal lives, and some of the mental struggles they are currently going through. As they are developing their music, they inadvertently help each figure out where they need to go with their lives.

One of the best scenes in the film comes when The Man sits in the dining room with his father, and plays him a tape of one of his songs. His father's reaction, and what he says, is so awesome. It's probably my favorite scene in the film.

It's not the best film I've seen, but for what it was it was enjoyable. I would advise people to be prepared for what they are getting into. Those you loathe Hollywood Cinema, and long for more artistic films, I believe they will enjoy this film. Anyone who is seriously interested in being a musician, and enjoys the process one goes through to record some songs - they should really enjoy this film too. It's a nice look at a week, in the lives of two people who love creating music.