Once

I know you all, reading this, are going to judge me. Don't worry, I judge myself.

Before we start my defense, allow me my opening statement, as in any good jury trial. Shall we, then?

Anyone who knows me even an iota knows how much I love U2. Well, know, then, that I have a large number of U2 concerts on video that I have compulsively obtained and hoarded, but which have remained unwatched. It is not easy for me to expose myself to something new without the benefit of giving it my full attention. And my full attention is rarely mine to give - I am rather well-known for being a multi-tasker.

That said, I rarely can devote the 1-1/2 to 2 hours to watch a new movie unless 1) I go to the theatre and have no choice but to pay attention; 2) someone else is watching it with me and I have no choice but to pay attention; 3) an outcome of some sort is expected of me from having watched the movie. Even if it's something that I am highly anticipating or that I desperately want to watch, as in the above-cited example.

Once has been on my to-do list for quite some time.

Well, yeah?? 1) Glen Hansard of The Frames. I'm on board! 2) Highly recommended by a number of people 3) Personally recommended - well, actually, that is not a strong enough word. I believe the edict from my brother was "Go. Watch it tonight. And buy the soundtrack." - by my brother. Fear not, dear brother, I bought the soundtrack as directed and of course, it is phenomenal as expected. 4) The gut feeling that it is just an amazing film. 5) A slew of fancy awards and whatnots. Not that I ever really let another's opinion sway me to or against something.

Finally, perhaps influenced by my complete inability to sleep like a normal person and therefore being awake really early after staying up really late, I decided enough was enough and it was time to watch Once.

I am so glad I did not watch this movie in the company of other human beings. Most people would not understand my inexplicable weeping every time a song played. I knew this would happen, but I didn't realize the extent of it all. There is so much power in the music of this film that it put whatever part of my brain that controls my emotions on "override" and just completely took over the place.

Thank God for the little bits of comedy in the movie. Without it, I fear the taxation of my being would have been too much.

This movie and the music that accompanies it is beyond brilliant. So gripping, so powerful, so poignant, so amazing.

I mean, I knew it would be amazing - I myself have recommended it without having watched it - but I had NO. CLUE.

I think I must watch it again tonight.