Memories & Dreams -- Memorable Movie Night Part 2: The Musical

Rating: 8/10 (10 July 2007)

This simple film won audience awards at both Sundance and Dublin Film Festival where the action of the film takes place. Action is a big word--besides a hilarious chase at the beginning of the movie, there is not much action--, yet this movie is sure to captivate engaged audience everywhere. The music is dominant and I did not adore or hate it. I found it good and to shine on occasion. The story is pretty straightforward, but this movie is all about the details, about finding beauty and truth in the ordinary. A bit like Americain Beauty (1999), but much more subtle, never overt.
John Carney writes and directs, and finds pleasure in the realism and flaws of his characters and story. A story that looks at the past and future with equal restrained, yet nostalgic gaze. A musical mixture of past memories, fantasies and desire for new memories. An acceptance of the world, an assured happiness in relatively uncomfortable social conditions. A human bond. A share experience.
The music has nothing earth-shattering, but the directing & editing do. The camera-work is shaky and disturbing at parts, but the whole approach to filming is welcomed and has some novelties in film. A song where the girl sings at night in the street brought me right there with her and her music. The clever montage of the guy's past lover was the best I've seen in any film yet. You did not feel you were watching some flashback-type plot device, but actually getting a glimpse at an intimate couple's life.
Above all, this film remains simple, but when I say simple, I also mean true to its vision, true to its characters & story, and true to the essential. This movie's main takeaway in my opinion is to remind ourselves of what is really essential in our lives. It encourages us to appreciate and cherish. Well John, I appreciate. Thank you.