"Once" - The Gem of the Year

All right, so… Technically, I should be working on the third draft of “Jasmine,” but I saw a great little film last night, it’s been on my mind all day, and I’m hoping that, if I write a few words about it here, then maybe I can return to “Jasmine” with a clear head. 

I don’t know how many of you have heard about John Carney’s recent film, “Once.”  Truthfully, I didn’t even know the film existed until I read somewhere last week that Steven Spielberg said that it had enough inspiration in it to last him a year.  Or something like that.  So, like many of you, I downloaded the trailer from Apple and checked it out.  To be honest, the trailer didn’t do that much for me at all.  Neither did Spielberg’s rave, per se.  Nor the Sundance accolades. 

However, while doing a little more research on the net, I found out that the film was shot on DV in Ireland in 17 days, featured non-actors, cost $150K, etc.  In short, it appeared to be the kind of small personal film that really gets my juices flowing. 

Then, I found out the film was playing at the Laemmle down the street.  For those of you who don’t know, Laemmle Theaters is a family-owned chain in L.A., which specializes in art house and foreign films.  The screens are pretty small at the Laemmle, but chances are that, if you’re watching a film on one of them, then it’s a film that somebody really gave a shit about. 

“Once” was playing at 9:45 p.m. on Sunday.  I was there. 

Now, I don’t want to over-hype the film or anything.  But, I went into the theater with low-to-medium expectations and, when I came out, I felt alive for the first time in a long time.  You know that magical feeling that films rarely provide?  This had it.  In spades.  The film was so simple, so personal, and so honest… It really is the gem of the year, as far as I'm concerned. 

In fact, when I came out of the theater, I was dying to talk to someone about the film, but couldn’t because none of my friends have seen it yet.  As a result, I went to bed, feeling both inspired and miserable at the same time.  Then, when I woke up this morning, the film was the first thing I thought about.  How often does that happen?  Not enough, that’s for sure. 

Anyway, it is my sincere hope that many of you will find a way to see “Once” in a theater because it truly is the kind of film that deserves our support. 

As I was mentioning to Kit, when you think of how many films of this size could be made for every one “Transformers,” it almost feels like a crime has been committed.  (Note: The ratio is exactly 1,000 to 1.  That's not a typo.  ONE THOUSAND.  I looked it up.)  I’m not knocking escapist fare; there are times when such movies sate me perfectly.  But, I’ll spring for a “Once” 99% of the time. 

Finally, if and/or when any of you do see the film, please leave me a comment here and share your thoughts with me.  I'd love to talk to you about it.  Enjoy.  -Dax 

P.S. After having watched the film and downloaded the soundtrack from iTunes, I'm now a big fan of the film's trailer and become an even bigger fan with every subsequent viewing.  Obviously, I've geeked out on this film in a big way.  Just me? 

P.P.S. As Pickles pointed out, it turns out that I'm actually not the first person on this site to rave about "Once."  Eugenia Yuan was raving about it in her blog almost a full month before me.  Furthermore, she bought the soundtrack, too!  So, I know that I'm not completely crazy.  Check out Eugenia's blog (http://www.alivenotdead.com/23478). 

P.P.P.S. I've posted the trailer.  Have a look at it below...

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqYzlEvoT9s