When the Cheshire emerges...

Begin Again (M)

THE MAGIC formula to writing a good song is non-existent. It is a myth perpetuated by the likes of Stock, Aitken and Waterman and the Beatles, making us believe the magic can be procured by anyone. But it's not so; anyone lucky enough to possess that talent has creative strengths unique in this world.

As great as songwriting can be, no one can escape the dominant influences of love and heartbreak. Those emotions in many ways can define a person, or at least their story - something Gretta (Keira Knightley) knows all too well. She gives up on New York City after singer boyfriend Dave (Adam Levine) strays as his star begins to rise.

Her saviour comes in the form of a hotshot-turned-hobo, record label owner Dan (Mark Ruffalo). He's lived the high life, creating success from nothing, and then seen everything go downhill both professionally and personally. He is distant from daughter Violet (Hailee Steinfeld) and still in love with his ex-wife Miriam (Catherine Keener).

Gretta and Dan's collaboration is the stuff dreams are made of. A little girl lost is discovered and has the chance of making it big. But the twist in this tale is Gretta's steadfast approach to the industry. She's not interested in a deal for herself, and initially rejects Dan's ideas for spreading her music to the masses. She's a songwriter, not a singer.

Knightley makes her musical debut to good accord, singing a number of songs with an air of delicacy. The songs, written by a specialist team, touch on love and heartbreak with genuine feeling and give the film a pleasant soundtrack. Levine gets his turn in the spotlight also, but it's Knightley who shines.

Adam Carney has revisited a past idea with this story, after directing and writing Irish love musical Once back in 2006. A Hollywood spin on it by way of zooming in on that heartbreak works as the catalyst for Gretta's decision to stick around. The songs reflect that, and are tied in well with the story to bring relevance.

The story pays homage to the so-called mess of a place that is New York City, as so many others do. Recording Gretta's songs take on added meaning when done in locations across the city, taking in the locals, the busker vibe in tribute to others trying to make it big, and the diversity it has to offer.

Knightley and Ruffalo are an unlikely pair, but work well together on screen as a pair trying to reignite the spark in life by starting over. Moving forward and leaving their past behind brings them more challenges than expected, but common ground helps them get there. Levine is a good guy to hate, Dave having the qualities of an unlikeable idiot both during and after his relationship with Gretta.

The film does not overextend itself in trying to evoke emotion, giving us enough with the simplicity of Gretta and Dan's stories. With likeable characters and great soundtrack, Carney gives us a story that suggests the process of revisiting the good things in life can be an invigorating experience if you let it.

Rating: 3.5/5

To be published in the Darwin Sun on Wednesday 20/8/2014.
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