Archive for January, 2012

Once — February 11, 2012

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

Once

SNOW ALERT!

It looks like we’re getting few inches of the white stuff today. While it’s finally starting to look like winter in New England, we won’t let that deter us from holding the screening as scheduled. Please use your best judgement and get here safely.

In recognition of Valentine’s Day, we’re opening our doors early at 6:45 to allow time for a little pre-movie indulgence. Decadent chocolate desserts will be served while live acoustic music fills the theater.

Once

Saturday, February 11

7:30pm

Donald L. Oat Theater

Suggested Donation: $7.00

An unnamed, thirty-something Dublin busker (listed in the credits as “ The Guy”, played by Glen Hansard) sings and plays guitar on Grafton Street, a Dublin shopping district, struggling with the trials of performing on the streets. Lured by his music, an unnamed young Czech immigrant flower seller (listed in the credits as “The Girl”, played by Markéta Irglová) approaches him and, despite his annoyance, persists in questioning him about his songs. Delighted to learn that he also repairs vacuum cleaners in his father’s shop, she insists that he fix her broken cleaner.

Learning that she is also a musician, he asks to hear her play. A kindling musical and potentially romantic connection is born.  He teaches her his song “Falling Slowly” which won an Oscar for best song. Their fresh and honest story develops into what some call the best musical of this generation.

Once was written and directed by John Carney and shot for only $160,000. All the music was composed and performed by Glen Hansard, of popular Irish folk rock band The Frames, and Markéta Irglová.

Join us for a musical love story and come early to enjoy some decadent chocolate desserts and acoustic music.

Once Tidbits
• 2007 Independent Spirit Award for best foreign film.

• 2007 Academy Award for Best Original Song  – “Falling Slowly” from the Once soundtrack.
• “Falling Slowly” has been performed twice on American Idol.

• Film made over 36 film critics top 10 lists in 2008.

• Shot for $160,000.

• Shot with a skeleton crew on a 17-day shoot, the filmmakers saved money by using natural light and shooting at friends’ houses.

• Neither lead is a professional actor.

• Glen Hansard (The Guy) also appeared in a supporting role as guitarist Outspan Foster in the 1991 ensemble film The Commitments.

• The title refers to the many very talented artists that the director knew who put off their career by saying “once” they get this and that sorted out, but never succeed because they’ve put it off too long. This describes the lead character, The Guy.