So you loved the movie Once. I did as well. I have compiled a bunch of information about the movie, the actors, the music and some lingering questions I had into this clearinghouse.
What are the two main characters' names?
They didn't have names. I'm not kidding. When the credits roll, the two main characters list 'Guy' and 'Girl' next to their names. IMDB also lists them this way and that is also how other critics refer to them in their reviews. It's a small detail but it helps sustain the simplicity of the story.
Where have I seen the Guy before? What was he in before 'Once'?
The 1991 movie The Commitments. Synopsis: A wry bunch of struggling musicians form "World's Hardest Working Band," The Commitments, and bring soul music to the people of Dublin, Ireland.
What more can you tell me about the Guy?
His name is Glen Hansard and he is a members of the popular Irish band The Frames. Other than his appearance in The Commitments, he is not an actor by trade but a musician. While most Americans would not recognize him for his music, The Frames are very popular in Ireland.
What can you tell me about the Girl?
Her name is Marketa Irglova and she is 19 years old (she was 17 while they were filming). She grew up in the Czech Republic. She is a gifted musician in her own right. She and Glen Hansard put out an album in 2006 called 'The Swell Season' which features many of the same songs found on the 'Once' soundtrack.
How long have they known each other?
They met in 2001 when The Frames traveled to a music festival in the Czech Republic. Marketa's parents threw a party for the visiting musicians. Hansard kept in touch and continued to visit and they began to write songs together. In 2005, she went to Ireland where they collaborated in writing the songs that would become their release, "The Swell Season." [See article in Premier]
Who wrote the songs in the movie?
Both Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová wrote the songs. Whether the movie inspired the music or the other way around is difficult to tell. As Flashes of Panic parenthetically wrote: "some of the songs are longtime Frames songs, some are from Hansard and Iglova’s collaboration, “The Swell Season,” and some may have been written for the movie—but it’s not clear which are which."
Do they perform together?
Yes. They are doing some performance dates together in July and August. Check the Once - The Movie myspace page for exact dates and details.
Where can I find lyrics to the songs in Once?
All the songs' lyrics can be found on my blog:
http://blog.mccannta.com/mccannta/2007/06/lyrics-for-song.html.
The chemistry between the two stars looked real. Are Glen Hansard and Markta Irglova dating?
Yes. ''I had been falling in love with her for a long time, but I kept telling myself she's just a kid,'' says Hansard, 37, who has known his 19-year-old costar for the past six years. (The two are now dating.) ''There was definitely the feeling we were documenting something precious and private.''
Where can I find guitar chords for these songs?
I have had a tough time finding chords for these songs. When I find them, I will post links for them here.
[**SPOILER**] In the scene by the sea, what did she say in Czech in reply to him asking if she still loves her husband?
I have heard that she replies in Czech "It is you that I love." How sweet is that?
[**SPOILER**]
Who bought the piano for the Girl at the end of the movie?
Initially, I didn't give it much thought. I assumed that the Guy bought it from the music store. I'm still fairly sure that is what happened but I come across some posts where it has been suggested that her husband may have bought the piano for her. The piano was definitely used and was not the quality of other pianos in the music store. Maybe the husband realized how much her music meant to her and bought it as a token of his support and affection. Nothing is for sure, but it is an alternative that has some merit. Do you have a theory? Share it as a comment on this post...
Do you think the Guy will get back together with his old girlfriend?
I don't know but what do you think? Leave a comment on this post and share your thoughts about what you think will happen
How much did this movie cost to make?
$175,000 (US). It is likely the marketing costs will be 20-times the production cost!. The movie has already grossed 15 times it's production cost as word of mouth is spreading.
Why was the movie rated 'R' is America?
Language. How fucking stupid is that?
Was Glen Hansard the first choice as the movie's lead?
No. Writer/Director John Carney initially had Irish actor Cillian Murphy (Batman Begins, Red Eye) in mind as the lead. When he dropped out, Carney then turned to his old friend and former Frames bandmate (Carney played bass for The Frames for years), Glen Hansard. Hansard was already working on the music, with Markéta Irglová, and fell into the roll naturally.
Is the 'car test' the recording engineer mentioned (listening to a final mix on a car stereo to compare with the studio monitors) a common practice among engineers?
Absolutely. Studio monitors are very distinctive and they can sometimes mask certain aspects of a mix. Listening to another pair of speakers that you are familiar with is a very important part of the mix process.
Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova Interview on YouTube:
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Once Trailer
Did you notice that...
- When she curses, she used the F-word almost exclusively, even when another curse word would have been more appropriate. I think this is an example of great writing. The Girl is an immigrant from Czechoslovakia and far from mastery in English, cursing or otherwise. The F-word is great because grammatically, it works in almost every situation.
- The Girl's ridiculous outfits and men's blazers she wore? In the end, they did nothing to change how captivatingly attractive she was, if anything, it added to it.
- The Girl is wearing super-large, fluffy slippers as she goes to buy batteries late and night and then walks home singing while wearing headphones.
