saw a brilliant movie last night

Last night I managed to catch Once at Lefont Tara, and I can't recommend it highly enough. Mullen, Lumpy, and Fincham, you guys in particular--and anyone else who has music hardwired into his anatomy--absolutely MUST see this film.

I don't want to say too much about it, as it's difficult to categorize. The story of an Irish street musician who meets his muse in a Czech immigrant girl, Once is a musical that doesn't rely on a single Hollywood musical cliche. It's a melancholy love story that likewise avoids every love story cliche (take your wives and girlfriends and show them by comparison the irredeemable lameness of the typical chick flick). It's spare, understated, and haunting. I can't get it out of my head.

And sweet Jesus, the music! I was home a total of five minutes before I went on Amazon and ordered the soundtrack. (Those of you more in-the-know when it comes to music may be familiar with the male lead, Glen Hansard, frontman for the best-Irish-band-I'd-never-heard-of, The Frames.)

I don't know how long the movie has been in Atlanta (release date was way back in May but must have been limited) or how long it's likely to be around, so catch it quickly.