"Begin Again" is from the director and writer John Carney who brought us the lovely musical "Once" (I'm sure you all know the song Falling Slowly, and if you don't make sure you know it, and watch the film), starring Academy Award nominees Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo as 2 people who meet at an unexpectedly sour crossroads in their lives, but help, and inspire one another to get back on the right track through creating an album no one believed they could make on their own. Carney obviously has a passion for music, and this film is his love letter to the medium; The film is a testament to the power of music, and how much of a labor of love it is, but ultimately how much of an impact it has on our lives.
Dan (Ruffalo) is the head of a record label who has fallen on hard times; his wife (Catherine Keener) has made him move out so she could pursue another love affair, while his daughter (Hailee Steinfeld) is trying to get him to see she not only wants him in her life, but needs him. Dan's wallowing in self pity, however, keeps him blind to his responsibilities, and he instead depends on alcohol, all while getting fired by his fellow partner at the label he helped create. He's ready to give up, but changes after stumbling into a bar and hearing Greta (Knightley) singing a song about being roughly in the same place as Dan is. He spends the rest of the night trying to woo her into being signed by his label, promising her that he can make all her musical dreams come true.
But Greta isn't interested in becoming the huge success Dan has her pegged out to be. In fact, her relationship with music has turned sour after being cheated on and dumped by ex boyfriend Dave Kohl (Maroon 5's Adam Levine). Dave and Greta were once songwriting partners, but once Dave made it big, he tossed Greta aside, leaving her passionless, and ready to pack up and move back to the UK.
The film's first act is devoted entirely into telling us how Dan and Greta ended up having that fateful encounter in the bar, and once Greta gives it some thought, the rest of the film shows us the collaboration between both Greta and Dave as they set out to make the music that Greta herself wants to make, not the sell-out pop crap her ex boyfriend is churning out, nor the music Dan's record label executive partner urges her to make. The two set out to record the songs with a rag tag back up band, in random spots in New York City, outside, not in a studio.
The result handsomely frames the city in a way that it hasn't been shown on screen in some time, with Ruffalo and Knightley's unexpected chemistry giving the film a surprising air of honesty, depth and beauty. The film itself goes down as smooth and easy as a drop of honey in your nightly cup of tea; it's warm, sweet and an enjoyable experience. I haven't left the theater feeling that optimistic and happy in such a long time. And as happy of an experience as the film is, it leaves room for darker dramatic elements. Though Ruffalo plays Dan with an air of a Captain Jack Sparrow foolishness, he's dedicated to giving Dan a sense of authenticity; we've all known someone like this, someone who has lost sight of what truly matters.
Meanwhile, Knightley gives her best performance since her Oscar nominated turn as Elizabeth Bennett in "Pride & Prejudice". I've never seen her feel so comfortable onscreen, so winningly bright and beautiful, not to mention her voice is simply lovely; Greta is a great characterization and a testament to Knightley's own versatility. Since her Oscar nomination, many of her performances have felt contrived, and too rehearsed, perhaps because she felt like there was something to prove. With this film, however, Knightley more than delivers upon the charismatic promise she showed us with Lizzie Bennett; I'm really excited for her next move.
All and all, Begin Again is a winning achievement, guaranteed to make you feel as uplifted and optimistic as the film's protagonists by the end of it all. It's a lovely snapshot of everyone's favorite city, a love letter to music and the music making process, but perfectly encompasses the idea of the "feel good" summer film. Run, don't walk, to see this one.
Grade: A
Oscar Chances: In a perfect world, Keira Knightley would be a lock for a Best Actress nomination (she may have to settle with a Golden Globe Comedy or Musical nod), but that category already seems so locked up... and even if it wasn't, there are too many names in bigger movies ahead of her. Ruffalo is solid as always, but he's got a long season ahead of him with "Foxcatcher" coming up. The film's best shot at recognition is in the Original Song category, and honestly, any of the songs would be worthy of a nomination. "Lost Stars" may be the one with the best shot, but there's also "Like A Fool" and "A Step You Can't Take Back". Check out the soundtrack along with the film, it's just as winningly great.
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