Begin Again

Description

It’s not exactly meet cute when ex-record company executive Dan (Mark Ruffalo) spies singer-songwriter Greta (Keira Knightley) in a Manhattan nightclub. He is in a bad place in his life, his career and marriage in shambles, and so is she, her heart broken by her rock star boyfriend Dave (Maroon 5 front man Adam Levine). Reluctantly participating in this open mike night at the urging of musician pal Steve (James Corden) and playing solo with just her acoustic guitar, Greta is a tentative performer, but Dan senses her potential. The initial contrast between the pair is striking. Greta is immensely talented (backed up by Knightley’s tuneful performance in her first musical screen role), but has little ambition. Dan, on the other hand, desperate for one more hit record and validation in the eyes of his estranged wife Miriam (Catherine Keener) and daughter Violet (Hailee Steinfeld), has enough drive for the both of them. Soon he’s convinced Greta to embark on a project to record a demo live on the streets of New York, transforming her sensitive songs into a city symphony and creating sparks between them. Ultimately, the drama is less about their relationship or Greta’s prospects for stardom and more about the shambling midlife crisis that is Dan. Ruffalo’s committed performance as the not always likable, but ultimately sympathetic, impresario rediscovering his passion and reclaiming his soul is what ultimately makes this tale of redemption soar as writer/director John Carney (Once, SFIFF 2007) scores another winner in his return to the romantic musical. –Pam Grady

Trailer

//player.vimeo.com/video/91000013?autoplay=1

Film Details