Sing a Song of Love

Rating: 7/10 (27 July 2014)

This film is recommended.
Its title is doesn't say much, almost seeming like a sweet afterthought but a necessary means of identification without any real meaning. That too sums up the movie, Begin Again. This low- budget independent film charts the meeting of two mismatched lovers who never appear to be soul-mates. It's as if their only connection is the song, which also is the only driving force in this semi-love story.
Dan (Mark Ruffalo) is a washed-up music producer whose life has seen better times. He is estranged from his wife and teenage daughter. Gretta (Keira Knightley) is a soulful songwriter, newly heart-broken by her recent break-up with her successful musician boyfriend. Dan and Gretta meet and join forces to record a live musical album. They begin to bond and sort out their personal demons.
Begin Again tries to avoid predictability at all cost, but its non-predictability becomes its main calling card. The film has a nice soundtrack, filled with lovely original music. (Especially memorable is its theme song, Lost Stars.) Were that its screenplay had the same insight and passion. The script by the director, Jim Carney (Once), lightly touches on some character development but rarely delves deeply with their self-destructive behavior or dramatic situations: Dan drinks heavily and behaves erratically, but has that special gift of spotting new talent. Gretta lacks confidence and doubts herself as a performer, never wanting to "sell-out". As written, both characters remain sketchy and come to terms with their issues matter-of-factly.
Begin Again relies heavily on the actors to supply the missing ingredients. Fortunately, Carney has cast his film with top talent. There is an underlying chemistry with Knightly and Ruffalo. The actors bring the needed believability to their roles. It is in the film's quieter moments that their relationship shines, words not said, the actors' pauses and subtle stares, their boding during the film's improvisational musical scenes. This is where the film connects with the audience. (Ms. Knightley does some fine vocalizing too.) Strong support is also given by James Corden, Hailee Steinfeld, Cathleen Keener, and Adam Levine.
Can a Song Save Your Life? was the original title of the film. Perhaps a more apt name could have been Can a Song Save Your Movie? The answer is yes, especially with its two charismatic leads serenading moviegoers. Begin Again is worth a listen. GRADE: B
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