“And you have cursed me when there’s no one left to blame, and I have loved you just the same.”
From Busking to Big Budget: John Carney's Begin Again
Following the indie success of Once, writer-director John Carney moved from Dublin to New York City for his 2014 musical drama Begin Again. Starring Mark Ruffalo as struggling music producer Dan Mulligan and Keira Knightley as independent songwriter Gretta James, the film explores themes of artistic authenticity versus commercial success. With a substantially larger $8 million budget, Carney navigated the transition from guerrilla-style filmmaking to a more polished production while maintaining his focus on the intersection of music and human connection. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we continue the John Carney's Streetwise Musicals series with a conversation about Begin Again.
A Tale of Two Characters
Pete and Andy's discussion centers on the film's dual protagonists and their separate journeys. They note how Ruffalo's Dan feels more authentically developed than Knightley's Gretta, potentially reflecting Carney's reported friction with Knightley during production. The hosts explore how this tension between actor and director may have impacted the final film.
Musical Authenticity
The conversation frequently returns to questions of musical authenticity. The hosts examine how Carney balances professional actors against musical credibility, particularly highlighting the "phantom instruments" scene as a masterful visualization of creative potential. They discuss Knightley's singing capabilities and Dave Kohl's (Adam Levine) natural but limited performance range, noting how these choices affected the film's overall authenticity.
New York State of Mind
The transition from Dublin's intimate streets to New York's iconic locations marks a significant shift in Carney's filmmaking approach. The hosts discuss how the increased budget affected the production, from location choices to sound recording. They note the curious absence of promised street sounds in the final soundtrack, and how this relates to the film's larger themes about artistic compromise and commercial success.
Key Discussion Points
• The contrast between using professional actors versus musicians in lead roles
• Catherine Keener's powerful impact as Miriam Hart in limited screen time
• The dated portrayal of digital music distribution and artist independence
• The parallel romantic tensions with Once and their resolution
Final Thoughts
While both hosts find things to appreciate in Begin Again, they note how it represents a transitional point in Carney's evolution as a filmmaker. The increased resources brought both opportunities and challenges, resulting in a film that sometimes struggles to balance its commercial and artistic ambitions.
We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
🎬 Watch & Discover
Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:
The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:
Connect With Us:
Shop & Stream:
