Director: John Carney
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightley and Hailee Steinfeld
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors in Hollywood that achieved fame several years ago are as celebrated as Mark Ruffalo. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Ruffalo has become an icon. Whether it’s detectives inspecting murders, political leaders or members of superhero teams, Ruffalo has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Ruffalo’s strength as an actor has always been his commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare actors that has always had a talent for stealing the show in small supporting roles with limited screen-time. Even when he isn’t the main focus of a movie, Ruffalo has commonly left a strong impression. Although he is best known for his iconic role as the Hulk in the MCU, Ruffalo has claimed that he can make entertaining movies in nearly every genre. Throughout his enduring career, Ruffalo has made many unforgettable movies that are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Ruffalo and admire all the movies he has made so his career. However, “Begin Again” is my favourite. Released in 2013, John Carney’s comedy offered strong portraits of musicians. Packed with powerful production-design, engaging story and bold acting, it’s one of the finest films ever made about musicians. At the centre of it all is an amazing performance by Mark Ruffalo, who embodies a musician that endures sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Begin Again” a true masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about musicians, it discusses strong themes everyone would relate to. A mesmerizing masterpiece about musicians, there are many strong reasons why “Begin Again” is worth watching.
“Begin Again” tells story of musicians that seek to begin again. Keira Knightley plays Gretta James, an aspiring songwriter with talent for composing music she has grown to treasure. Gretta has always had lifelong love for composing music that has shaped her persona. After her boyfriend ditches her, Gretta is left alone without finding any hope of a lover. However, Gretta’s life drastically changed when she gets noticed by a record label producer. Dan Mulligan (Mark Ruffalo) is a prestigious record label producer with whom Gretta forms a romantic relationship. As all odds are stacked against her favour, Gretta questions her devotion towards her profession. Faced with a dilemma, Gretta is forced to question whether it’s possible for her to become a successful musician in the modern era.
John Carney is fascinated with the lives of musicians. A strong Irish filmmaker, Carney has often made engaging movies about the lives of musicians facing disaster. His iconic movie “Once” offered a powerful portrait of musicians seeking experience. With “Begin Again”, however, Carney made his first ever romantic drama. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of musicians in a relationship but he succeeded immensely. Using captivating cinematography, Carney captured a woman embarking on a journey to find her musical identity. Evoking James Mangold’s “Walk the Line”, Carney expertly uses montages to capture musicians having romantic relationships facing a decline. For instance, montages elevate the performing scene. During this memorable scene, Gretta and Dan engage in their first performance in music. Using spellbinding montages, Carney conveys tension musicians are experiencing. Montages are difficult techniques. As David Fincher’s “Zodiac” demonstrated, montages enhance films about zodiac killers. However, it works tremendously. Using strong visuals, Carney captures tension that musicians are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Begin Again” that deserves recognition is the production. From a technical perspective, it is extremely well made. Carney expertly uses live singing to capture the hardships that musicians are facing. For instance, live singing enhances the musical performance scene. During this unforgettable scene, Gretta engages in her final music performance. Using captivating love-singing, Carney captures tensions that bold musicians are facing. Furthermore , the music is magnificent. It gives the movie an intense atmosphere capturingb his best career performances ther musicians often bear. Through gorgeous production, Carney creates a compelling portrait of musician.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Mark Ruffalo delivers one of his best career performances as Dan. Ruffalo first earned appreciation for playing detectives in crime dramas. With “Begin Again”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a musician having adversities, but he succeeded immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him bedore: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Ruffalo has often excelled at playing emotional heroes under pressure, and “Begin Again” showcased his greatest strength as an actor. It’s a strong performance from one of the most iconic actors today.
While the film is mainly a strong showcase for Ruffalo, the supporting cast is amazing. Keira Knightley is captivating, clarifying the passions of a musician facing adversities. Adam Levine is amazing, capturing tension of an ex lover that demands to be seen. Lastly, Haley Steinfeld merits appreciation. As a teenage girl, she is unforgettable.
Fans of Mark Ruffalo would definitely enjoy “Begin Again” and so would movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A magnificent musical masterpiece, it honours an actor that’s inspiring.
Nearly 15 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about musicians seeking to begin again, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that has managed to gain a tremendous following through his abilities to portray characters facing pain in movies that entertain.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 