Now I fully admit it took me way too long to see the film _Once_. Think partly because I knew the subject matter would make it a hard one for me to see. Heartbreaking as it was - easily one of the best films I've ever witnessed. (& I've seen quite a few films in my 32 years). So, my man, Mike the Knife wasn't pulling a yarn when he wrote: _"This cinematic treat from Ireland is a simple story told with grace and heart; a bittersweet slice of Bohemian life; and a glimpse at the wondrous alchemy of music-making – complete with a handful of swoon-worthy original songs played with skill and deep feeling."_
I have a few favorite songs from Once, though all the songs are absolute musical platinum in my opinion. _Falling Slowly_ is one of them. This song is on three albums, "The Swell Season" with Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova, "The Cost" with Glen's band The Frames & on the Soundtrack for "Once". I've known this song for about a year now - it's easily a favorite of mine. All versions are amazing - though I think the The Frames rendition is a slightly less pleasing one if only for the fact that the song is suited for the intimacy of The Swell Season & the Once Soundtrack more so than that of The Frames album, The Cost.
Another is _If You Want Me_. This is one that has Marketa Irglova singing lead & it's a song as hauntingly beautiful as any I've ever heard. I've seen her perform this song twice - but until I got the soundtrack for the film, I didn't have any way to hear it other than rewinding in my brain to the two dates where I saw it live.
It's covers Sunday - so I will go with a Van Morrison song as sung by Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova (guy & girl respectively) from the film Once. The song is one of my parent's songs, one that I've always associated with them, one I adore. I will also leave you with a treat for your ears & a breaker for your hearts.
Glen Hansard - no big secret I am in total awe of this man's many talents. A talent for a good story, a talent to write my favorite songs, a talent in singing those songs with such emotion and candor that I feel as if I am watching something/hearing something almost too intimate. I would also have to say that he is so beautifully matched by Marketa Irglova in the songwriting & performing categories - don't know about her storytelling skills as both times I've seen her live - she's been quite shy. Both times, Glen had to practically beg her to perform her song "If You Want Me". If her songwriting skills are any indication - she has a gift for a good yarn as wonderous as my Uncle Jimma's - by that, I mean - she's fecking brilliant.
Here are the twosome performing the Van Morrison cover "Into the Mystic & Marketa's song, "If You Want Me".
Tell me that guitar isn't the most beautiful instrument you've ever seen - or at the very least isn't the most well loved. I won't believe you !
My Trusted MOGs
The movie was playing here at my local art movie house & I meant to go see it & now it's gone damnit! Love the soundtrack, it's really amazing!
My Trusted MOGs
Like Augusts, I gotta get my ass out to see this. Seems like a really great movie and great music to boot. Am I going to need a box of tissue to watch this? ;-)
My Trusted MOGs
yes, probably. Although it is emotional, it does so without being gut wrenching and tear jerking. Honestly, I walked out feeling very good, and very optimistic about things.
And, LMI, don't miss it. Monday night is a good time to see a movie (as in TOMORROW!)
My Trusted MOGs
August: it will translate well to DVD - but I too am sorry you missed it - KNOW you will love it !!!
LadyMI: I would recommend some waterproof mascara & a full packet of tissues... Then again, I cry during Hallmark Card commercials - so I am not the best judge :) Just saw the last minute of Sophie's Choice - Stingo walking across the Brooklyn Bridge - then Sophie's face - tears start flowing instantly. I've seen that film countless times - read the novel - never ceases to make me cry.
My Trusted MOGs
True, true, all true, Lizzie. (And thanks for the props - and the clips, which were new to me.) Not to overstate the case, I have to say that it's as moving a film as I've seen in recent memory. Of course, that's in addition to the dreamy, exquisite music, which is quite emotionally charged as well. I've seen "Once" twice already (heh), and it was as good the second time as the first - and I'd see it again in a heartbeat.
My Trusted MOGs
Mike: My Mum told me she just read that the two of them actually have fallen in love. Through writing songs together, then making the movie & finally touring for the movie - it just happened. Not surprising at all - their chemistry can't be denied. Ahhhh love - ain't it grand :)
My Trusted MOGs
Cool!
My Trusted MOGs
Well, I maybe might have to see this one Lizzie, seems to be all the rage these days. Gotta ask, what kind of refreshments would best go with this film. I have always been a nacho kind of guy, sometimes I feel the perfect movie needs the perfect snack to go with it..............oh yeah and a date would help as well
My Trusted MOGs
Kev-mo: get your ass to Philly - & you'll have one ;) Just a drive away from Minnesota ;) Snacks - well I have to admit - this was a movie where a snack was the furthest thing from my mind - but I also just had breakfast at the Continental so... wasn't hungry. Hmmmmm, if I had to go with a snack - it would be nachos or pretzel bites, again though - they had neither at the theatre where I saw Once - they had cappuccinos, gourmet muffins & cookies & chocolate covered almonds. (Ritz's are by in large very... ritzy) so you won't find the regular fare. Even the popcorn is.... well, edible ;) Don't worry kiddo - if you get your ass here - I'll spring for the tickets & the snacks ;)
My Trusted MOGs
He's going on my list. The Frames right? I'm loving his voice.
My Trusted MOGs
OH YEAH ASH !!!! YOU will LOVE him or as our Dale would say:
LURVE HIM !!!!!!
My Trusted MOGs
haha...I've actually had the word "lurve" pop out of my mouth from reading it so many times.
My Trusted MOGs
Ash: here are two more just for you !!!!
Revelate - a brilliant song of The Frames - bit harder think you'll love as well
My Trusted MOGs
Oh yes. Yummy.
My Trusted MOGs
Yes, I know I'll love it, that's why I'm mad I missed it. Even though it may translate well to dvd, there's nothin' quite like the huge screen effect! But that's the problem w/living in a smaller city, art movies don't play here long. Actually there wasn't even an art film house in this city until '00 or '01 so I'm just happy we have one now!
Liked that Frames clip, very coo(I watched even though it was just for Ash, don't tell hehel)!
My Trusted MOGs
I am dying to see this film. I don't know why I haven't managed to see it yet.
My Trusted MOGs
I am waiting EVER so patiently for my chance to see this. You're damn right, they are a fine coupla musicians, let alone...lovers? I was wondering about that myself - basically, how could they not? Gotta be careful - or not? (were either of them in other relationships?) - about what you wish for. Especially when music is involved!
Oh, brave Odysseus, can't say you weren't warned.
I love the Van cover. One of my favorites too! Siiiiiigh.
My Trusted MOGs
So all the hype IS true..............will have to see this!
My Trusted MOGs
Kristiana: Neither were in relationships - Glen is notorious for being "out of love" hence most of the songs by The Frames & by The Swell Season are sad/angry/frustrated in nature & deal with breakups -
Fake is a great representation of that...
& another of my many favorites... Fitzcarraldo
The only thing that worries me a bit - there is almost a 20 year age difference - sure love knows no age - but she's 19 and had to return to Prague to finish her HIGH SCHOOL exams - he's 37. That is quite a gap.
They have something gigundo in common (adoration of music) that I hope for myself - so really - I personally don't care what age he is - so long as it's Glen Hansard (oh wait... dang the love of my life is already spoken for ;) ) I'll be happy !!!
My Trusted MOGs
brainofj: Yes - You MUST believe the hype - it's a dream movie for anyone with a pulse & especially resonant with any music junkie capable of love... I can't imagine someone not liking this film, &for the most part, I think people walk out LOVING it !!!
My Trusted MOGs
Wow, didn't know about the age gap...well, I tend to agree with the "love has no age" thing, but I do know that when I was that age and dating a guy just 3 years older than myself I was quite..."molded" by him, if you know what I mean. Not even saying it was intentional on either of our parts.
Good luck to them! (my Odysseus comment seems maybe even more apropos?!)
My Trusted MOGs
absolutement my sweet...
My Trusted MOGs
lizzie - forgot to tell you that the Once got great reviews. Would love to see it
My Trusted MOGs
It got a great review from ebert & roebert...
My Trusted MOGs
PO & RGM: It got great reviews EVERYWHERE - US Weekly, RS, Spin, Paste, People... you name the publication - I can safely say it got a glowing review ;) But I can't say that surprised me :)
Po: you really should try to get to a showing of it... maybe I could watch the bubbies & you & K could rock a movie date ? But you gots to hurry, don't think it will be in Philly much longer - is it playing at the Ritz near you ?
My Trusted MOGs
Oooh, thanks for this - I've been a big (if intermittently attentive) fan of The Frames since way back, and had "Revelate" as a staple on pretty much any "melancholy heartbreak" mix tape I made in the 90s.
And I thought "Dance The Devil..." was probably one of the best albums by any Irish band ever, but then for some reason, I just stopped paying attention to stuff they've put out since then.
Then, a few months ago I got my hands on "The Swell Season" and remembered again how much I loved his voice and his music, and realised what a great talent Marketa was too...and then, possibly for similar reasons of potential "heartbreak / nostalgia / melancholy" as yourself, I found myself unable to listen to it very often.
But your post has made me decide to see the movie finally, dammit...so that's on my to-do list very soon...I hope I don't regret it...but thanks. :P
My Trusted MOGs
I think you will feel many things - regret won't be one of them :)
Glad to bring you back to the lads ;)
My Trusted MOGs
I can't believe I haven't seen this movie! I saw The Frames at Coachella and they were one of the highlights for me...they played a song or two from the soundtrack...just amazing...so so good! Thanks for the friendly reminder to see this...i will probably have to wait til I get out west though
My Trusted MOGs
Blair: cuz it's you - I will let it slide ;) You will love the movie !!! Do you have any of their albums ??? There isn't a bad one in the bunch - but I do have my favorites and ones for certain moods... let me know if you want some of my suggested selections :)