Once, written and directed by John Carney, starring Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova.

The Film

Once is billed as a modern-day musical. But forget about big casts and dance numbers. It’s “musical” in a literal sense: simple, singer-songwriter offerings tell a slice-of-life story about two musicians. Writer/director John Carney approached guitarist friend Glen Hansard about the project, and asked if he could use the songs that Hansard wrote. Hansard ended up playing the male lead, and suggested a musician friend with no acting experience, Marketa Irglova, for the female lead. The unusual way this film came together adds to its homemade, you-are-there vibe.

The story takes place in present-day Dublin. Hansard plays Guy, who, like his female counterpart, is never named. An Irish vacuum repairman and street musician, he meets Girl (Irglova) while strumming an edgy song one night. She’s a recent immigrant from Eastern Europe, whose piano playing is limited to an hour a day at a music store. Discussions about his busker tips and her broken vacuum lead to a friendship. After pushing him for information on his lost lover, she goads him to reunite with her, and helps him record his music as a romantic offering. But who is the muse: the old girlfriend, or her?

Once explores a theme that movies seem to be obsessed with: Does every meaningful connection between a woman and a man need to be romantic? The unassuming pair bring something new to the table with their answer. The pacing of the film is easy, and Carney doesn’t give us any huge surprises. Yet it’s still a pleasure to watch. Having majored in music in college, I was impressed by the lyrical and melodic quality of the songs. They really tell the story, as much as the plot and visuals. The amateur actors, their natural musical gifts, and the low-budget urban set have led some fans to assume Once is a true story.

Once is a comforting movie, like an evening by the fire with a cup of tea. It won’t make you laugh or cry, but it will leave you with a quiet appreciation for the moments and relationships that make our journeys worthwhile.

The DVD

Video:

The full-screen picture is clear, but not sharp. It comes across as lifelike and adds to the natural, real-life ambience of the film. Lighting, both indoor and outdoor, is very natural.

Sound:

Sound is a weakness in this DVD. In some of the interior scenes, background noises feature too prominently and detract from what’s happening. A bigger budget might have provided better equipment or more editing hours. However, the dialogue is clear and natural, and the music comes through beautifully. Since music is the centerpiece of the film, Carney put the money in where it counted.

Extras:

This DVD does not offer as many extras as some, but what they offer is very fitting for this style of filmmaking. Subtitles are in English, Spanish, and French. Dolby Surround Sound is offered in English and Spanish. There’s a Commentary and a Music Commentary, both with the writer/director and the two stars. I highly recommend watching the two behind-the-scenes shorts: “Making a Modern Musical” explains the concept behind the movie and the casting process (or, lack thereof). “More Guy, More Girl” features the stars and director discussing the plot themes that surfaced during filming. Some of what they share is so evident, you could figure out for yourself, but it’s still nice to hear it from the horse’s mouth.

FILM GRADE: A-

DISC AND PACKAGING: A

OVERALL GRADE: A-

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