Jul 15
Coleridge Quote
“Water, water, every where,
And all the boards did shrink;
Water, water, every where
Nor any drop to drink.”
-Excerpt from “The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner”
by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Feb 24
Once
Sometimes a film is made without pretention and becomes an experience more than just an amusement. The independent Irish film Once (2006) is just such a film. Directed by John Carney and starring the musicians Glen Hansard (The Frames) and Markéta Irglová, this experience provides a look at an honest and authentic meeting of two kindred spirits. The Czech immigrant (Irglová) approaches the street musician (Hansard) and the two wind up “making beautiful music together” literally.
Not quite recovered from a broken heart, the talented-but-stagnant musician is inspired by the married-but-separated immigrant who just happens to be equally talented and stuck in limbo. They soon discover a mutual desire and capacity to compose, play, and sing, though neither has manifested their abilities in a material way. However, the determined Czech is the spark that ignites the ambition within the Irish busker.
They team up, secure a loan to rent a studio, and gather a band of street musicians to record a demo. The film takes us on the journey of making this demo, which parallels the growing attachment of the “guy” and “girl.” Yet, though it seems these two could happily create ad infinitum, they each have past relationships and responsibilities to contend with.
Once is a bittersweet musical film with a charm and power that is punctuated by its simplicity. It is as unassuming as its characters who simply enjoy the chance to express what they love without expecting accolades. It is a film with no frills and no fluff. Instead, it offers real people with real lives, while excellent emotionally-charged music underscores their deeper feelings. It’s definitely worth experiencing more than once.
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FYI:
If you visit the Fox Searchlight site, you can listen to the entire soundtrack of Once for free through a streaming flash player. Additionally, you can view the trailer and the entire scene featuring the song “Falling Slowly,” which is nominated for an Academy Award. Speaking of the Academy Awards, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová are slated to play “Falling Slowly” tonight during the show. (Addendum: “Falling Slowly” won the oscar! Well-deserved).
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More Information:
Feb 10
Pride, Prejudice, & No Regrets
Tonight, Masterpiece will begin the 1995 mini-series Pride and Prejudice in three-parts. It stars Jenifer Ehle (Elizabeth) and Colin Firth (Mr. Darcy) and was adapted by Andrew Davies. As I’ve seen it more than once, I know it is very well-done and worth watching.
Unfortunately, after Pride and Prejudice runs for three Sundays, it will be four weeks before The Complete Jane Austen resumes with Emma (March 23) and then Sense and Sensibility (March 30 & April 6). It must be time for a membership drive. One will have occasion to brush up on, or read for the first time, the remaining novels.
Last time on Masterpiece, Miss Austen Regrets was shown. Personally, I enjoyed it very much. As I am not an Austen scholar, I cannot speak to the authenticity of the film. I have read some of Austen’s letters and a great deal of what she wrote to her niece Fanny was used in the film, so it seemed to capture a good deal of Austen’s point-of-view.
Regardless, Olivia Williams was a handsome and intelligent Jane Austen. She captured Austen’s wit and sense of irony and made her accessible and likeable. As far as regret, she appeared to regret not having money and independence more than not having a husband. She seemed a woman before her time trying to make the best of relying on her brothers for material assistance. Her relationship with her sister and her sister Cassandra herself seemed to beg more questions than provide answers. However, it was an engaging and moving story, which one expects from Masterpiece.
Schedule Remaining (Click on the title to read more and to watch a preview):
- Feb. 10, 17, 24 - Pride and Prejudice (1995)
- March 23 - Emma (1996)
- March 30, April 6 - Sense and Sensibility (2008)
Note: These last three stories were all adapted by Davies.
PBS Q&A with Andrew Davies:
Davies talks about Austen’s novels and his adaptations of Emma, Pride and Prejudice, Northanger Abbey, and Sense and Sensibility.
