Can A Song Save Your Life | Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightley | From the director of Once
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Can A Song Save Your Life | Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightley | From the director of Once
Quote:
Following forays into comedy and supernatural thriller, Irish writer-director John Carney has returned to the musical, the genre he reinvented with 2006's hugely acclaimed, Academy Award-winning Once. In Can a Song Save Your Life?, the bassist-turned- filmmaker reprises the formula that made Once a sensation, supplementing his principal cast (including Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo) with established recording artists (Yasiin Bey — otherwise known as Mos Def — CeeLo Green, and Maroon 5's Adam Levine), and seamlessly integrating a series of infectious ballads into the structure of a poignantly authentic romantic drama.
Knightley and Levine play Greta and Dave, college sweethearts and songwriting partners who decamp for New York after he lands a deal with a major label. But the trappings of his new-found fame soon tempt Dave to stray, and a reeling, lovelorn Greta resolves to return to her native Britain. Enter Dan (Ruffalo), a disgraced indie record-label exec with his own history of betrayal, who stumbles upon Greta as she's baring her soul on an East Village stage. Immediately recognizing the makings of a star, he pleads with her to delay her departure and insists that he produce her demo. From this chance encounter emerges an enchanting portrait of a mutually transformative collaboration, set to the soundtrack of a summer in the Big Apple.
As with Once, unassuming naturalism is Carney's guiding principle, and he affords his cast abundant room for improvisation. The results are marvellously disarming, with Knightley and Ruffalo sharing a compelling chemistry, and Hailee Steinfeld and Catherine Keener contributing nuanced turns as Dan's estranged daughter and wife. Meanwhile, Levine, making his big-screen debut, riffs cannily on his real-world popstar persona, playing the sort of conflicted character that channels Carney's gifts as a candid chronicler of capricious hearts.
The Cast:
Keira Knightley
Mark Ruffalo
Hailee Steinfeld
Adam Levine
Mos Def
Cee Lo Green
Catherine Keener
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Director Biography
John Carney
John Carney is a Dublin-born writer, director, and musician. He played bass with Irish rock band The Frames and directed several of the group's music videos. He is also the co-creator of the Irish television series Bachelors Walk. His feature films include Once (06), which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, Zonad (09), The Rafters (12), and Can a Song Save Your Life? (13).
Spoiler for Plot Summary:
Seduced by dreams of making it in the big city, Gretta (Knightley) and her long-time boyfriend (Levine) move to New York to pursue their passion for music. She’s heartbroken when he dumps her for the fame and fortune of a big solo contract, leaving her all on her own. Left to sleep on the couch of an old friend, Gretta reluctantly agrees to play an open mic night before departing the city for home. Her world takes a turn for the better when a down-on-his-luck record producer (Ruffalo) stumbles upon her singing and is immediately captivated by her raw talent and inspiring authenticity - they may be each other’s last chance to turn their lives around.
Recruiting street musicians, amateurs, and professionals borrowed from the posse of Troublegum (Green), a hip-hop artist he discovered years ago, Dan throws himself into producing for Gretta. Fueled by his enthusiasm, Gretta begins to develop confidence as a performer and songwriter. Dan hopes that his new direction will repair his marriage with his estranged wife Miriam (Keener) and reclaim the respect of his daughter Violet (Steinfeld). Somewhere between friendship and their love of music, the two strangers strike a chord that captures the hearts of everyone around them, proving that every great story has its own soundtrack.
