“I don’t know you but I want you.”
From Street Busker to Global Sensation: The Making of Once
John Carney's micro-budget musical Once (2007) emerged from Dublin's streets with a mere €112,000 budget to become an international phenomenon. Starring musicians Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, this intimate story of two struggling artists creating music together captured hearts worldwide and launched Carney's signature style of grounded musical storytelling. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we kick off the John Carney's Streetwise Musicals series with a conversation about Once.
The Magic of Musical Creation
Pete and Andy explore how Once captures the authentic experience of musicians collaborating, particularly highlighting the pivotal scene in Walton's Music Shop where Guy and Girl first perform together. They discuss how Carney's background as a musician himself informed the natural, documentary-style approach to filming musical performances.
Performance vs. Acting
The hosts delve into the unique challenges and benefits of casting musicians rather than actors, examining how Hansard and Irglová's real musical chemistry translated to screen chemistry. They particularly note how their inexperience as actors actually enhanced the film's authenticity.
Key Discussion Points:
The conversation explores how the film's technical limitations—including its use of standard video cameras and minimal equipment—contributed to its intimate feel. They discuss how Carney's direction allowed for natural moments to unfold, particularly in street performances where real pedestrians became unwitting extras.
Musical Impact and Legacy
Pete and Andy examine how Once influenced subsequent music-driven films and launched successful careers for both its leads and director. They discuss the film's eventual adaptation into a Tony-winning Broadway musical and its enduring impact on how movies portray the process of creating music.
We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
🎬 Watch & Discover
From Street Busker to Global Sensation: The Making of Once
John Carney's micro-budget musical Once (2007) emerged from Dublin's streets with a mere €112,000 budget to become an international phenomenon. Starring musicians Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, this intimate story of two struggling artists creating music together captured hearts worldwide and launched Carney's signature style of grounded musical storytelling. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we kick off the John Carney's Streetwise Musicals series with a conversation about Once.
The Magic of Musical Creation
Pete and Andy explore how Once captures the authentic experience of musicians collaborating, particularly highlighting the pivotal scene in Walton's Music Shop where Guy and Girl first perform together. They discuss how Carney's background as a musician himself informed the natural, documentary-style approach to filming musical performances.
Performance vs. Acting
The hosts delve into the unique challenges and benefits of casting musicians rather than actors, examining how Hansard and Irglová's real musical chemistry translated to screen chemistry. They particularly note how their inexperience as actors actually enhanced the film's authenticity.
Key Discussion Points:
- The significance of Guy's battle-worn Takamine guitar and its role in character development
- How the film handles the complex relationship between Guy and Girl without falling into typical romantic tropes
- The impact of shooting guerrilla-style on Dublin's streets
- The film's remarkable journey from Sundance to Oscar success
- The creative decision to leave the main characters unnamed
The conversation explores how the film's technical limitations—including its use of standard video cameras and minimal equipment—contributed to its intimate feel. They discuss how Carney's direction allowed for natural moments to unfold, particularly in street performances where real pedestrians became unwitting extras.
Musical Impact and Legacy
Pete and Andy examine how Once influenced subsequent music-driven films and launched successful careers for both its leads and director. They discuss the film's eventual adaptation into a Tony-winning Broadway musical and its enduring impact on how movies portray the process of creating music.
We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
🎬 Watch & Discover
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