I wish I went to the movies more often. I enjoy myself 99% of the time (yes, that 1% is because of my Elizabethtown experience. Company can make or break the movie-watching/movie-going experience–I’ve been lucky enough to have good company for all the movies I’ve seen in the past 2 years) Not long ago I blogged on this very topic of movie watching. One of the movies that made my list of “Interested in Seeing” was August Rush.
Why did this movie appeal to me? Well, first, I am a sucker for anything with Keri Russell, aka Felicity! I love her. Let’s not delve into that right now. (she’s lovely and expressive and delicate and forceful–all of which made her perfect for the role of Lyla Novacek.) Second, I loved the mystical, magical element of music being a tie that binds. Music bonds us with strangers, parents, lovers; it is the voice of our soul. It is the joy in our hearts and the tears in our eyes; it is more than a physical expression–it is spiritual. It is everything around us, and everything in us.
I saw August Rush on Wednesday night. Did it live up to my expectations? Indeed it did.
Freddie Highmore is a Valentine’s Day baby cast in a magical role as the title character, August Rush (real name Evan Taylor.) You may know him from Finding Neverland (which I’ve never seen) or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (which I actually have seen!) [I do hold a special place in my heart for February babies--because I am one! (*coughsendallcardsandmoneyandgiftsandflowersandwellwishesonFebruary 21stcough*)]
Robin Williams made me uncomfortable, as per usual, but I think that was the intent of the character. Instability and passion were his defining character traits as “The Wizard.” Passion is at times wonderful, and at times horrible. Passion is angry, violent, ferocious, tortured, but it is also glorious, hopeful, jubilant, anxious, soulful, heartfelt, and spiritual. Passion transforms people. Thus was the story of “The Wizard.” I was reading reviews on IMDB and found one that compared The Wizard to Fagin in Oliver. Hmm, interesting. I wish I had thought of the comparison to Oliver. The Wizard is our antagonist–and a good one he was because you couldn’t hate him entirely.
Let’s backtrack a bit to the part where I was hooked. It was right about the moment that I heard Moondance. Several Van Morrison songs and I was pointing at the screen saying “ahh!” For those who don’t know, I love Van Morrison. There are certain songs and artists who have the ability to scratch my heart–some deeper than others; Van Morrison is one of them. And I’m not talking about “Brown-Eyed Girl” here. That’s one of my least favorite Van songs. Anyhow, I love Moondance not just because of the lyrics (though, trust me, I fantasize about those lyrics) but for the rhythm.
Music becomes tangible though its effect. To say I envy those who are blessed with strong, clear melodic singing voices isn’t entirely accurate. To me it’s about the feeling of physical gratification they must experience while singing. To be able to give such voice to emotion amazes me. I fumble around with words but I’m not sure the gratification is equal. Maybe I’m wrong, but the closest I will probably ever come is running.
I got chills when Evan aka August wandered into the church during choir rehearsal. The gift of music is so powerful in this scene. It truly has the ability to bond. Little Hope was just another example of the power of music. For her, it was storytelling and outpouring. The fact that her name is Hope should not be lost on anyone watching the movie. She is a symbol in this movie. As August ran from the law, and from The Wizard, he found light and hope. We find people when we need them. I truly believe this.
The memory of sitting in an ensemble was ever present while watching (can I really just say “watching?” it was more than watching.) I used to just mock play much of the time and absorb the sounds and vibrations around me. I was privileged to be part of a fantastic music program, surrounded by talented musicians. I was never good a sharing my musical talent with others. I admire those who are compelled to share. August Rush is the epitome of that need to share. The mystical, magical element of the movie is force that dictates sharing–the force that pulls and draws and nets 3 people tightly together, catching others in its way.
I pondered the ending to this movie–but only the length of the credits. Adding anything would have taken away from the power of the resolution. It was best to end this movie on a high note.
Who knows what sort of faces I was making while I was watching, but I don’t care. Hopefully, they were true to what I was feeling and thinking. This was but a small piece.
