Music in the
cinema often seems to have more impact due to its superior surround speakers
and emotional context, so it is
inevitable that several of my favourites come from, or are included in movies ("Tiny
Dancer"). The best example is "Once",
a delightful understated 2007 musical
and potentially romantic relationship between an Irish busker and a Czech
immigrant.
Its theme
song is effectively "Falling Slowly", written and performed by the
two stars - Markéta Irglová and Glen
Hansard (he had already starred in "The Commitments"). Writer / director John Carney wrote the story
around their specifically composed songs, so it was initially recorded by his
group the Frames, while the low-budget movie took shape.
"Falling
Slowly" is a fragile and yearning love song, but I am intrigued by the
lyrics and meaning. A common assumption
is love at first sight ( I don't know you / But I want you") between a couple
vulnerable from previous affairs ("you have suffered enough"), and
encouraging them to try again ("We've still got time").
But the four
minutes could also encapsulate a whole relationship, from meeting, love, troubles
and the final break-up ("I played the cards too late / Now you're gone").
Hansard humorously has described it as sighting a beautiful girl across a
crowded room , then realising it is your partner.
Regardless,
it is such a poignant tale, with its quiet start as Hansard is just accompanied by his delicate acoustic guitar, before Irglová
joins on piano and vocals at the crescendo chorus. Their vocals hitting the
high notes, contrasting and merging, reminding of another Irish pairing - Damien Rice and Lisa
Hannigan.
The "Once"
film was a surprise hit, especially in the USA, and "Falling Slowly" beat
off the might of Disney to claim the best song Oscar, and even spawned a stage
musical.
Hansard and Irglová had a real-life
musical and romantic relationship, recording as Swell Season, but sadly
short-lived. However nothing can dim the
allure of "Falling Slowly", a beautiful and tender ballad.
Hear Now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8mtXwtapX4
is the official video, but I always love this version from the Sundance
festival - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YAKOnt68D8
Hear Next -
The "Once" soundtrack is highly recommended.
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