Song One (2014)

A young woman strikes up a relationship with her ailing brother's favorite musician.

Director:

Kate Barker-Froyland

Writer:

Kate Barker-Froyland

Stars:

Anne Hathaway, Johnny Flynn, Mary Steenburgen

1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Anne Hathaway	...	Franny
Mary Steenburgen	...	Karen
Lola Kirke	...	Rema
Sarah Steele	...	iPod autograph girl
Johnny Flynn	...	James Forester
Li Jun Li	...	James Forester's Journalist
Ben Rosenfield	...	Henry
Gideon Glick	...	Everett
Kitty Crystal	...	James' Friend (as Crystal Lonneberg)
Grace Rex	...	Bride
Sharon Van Etten	...	Herself
Shawn Parsons	...	Roadie
Peter Francis James	...	Neurosurgeon
Al Thompson	...	Andy
Katrina E. Perkins	...	Hippie Woman (as Katrina Elizabeth Perkins)

Storyline

Estranged from her family, Franny returns home when an accident leaves her brother comatose. Retracing his life as an aspiring musician, she tracks down his favorite musician, James Forester. Against the backdrop of Brooklyn's music scene, Franny and James develop an unexpected relationship and face the realities of their lives.

---

Plot Keywords:

musician | recording | sibling | number in title | 

---

Taglines:

A Moment Can Change Everything

---

Genres:

Drama | Music

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for a scene of sexuality, and brief language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [Japan]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 January 2015 (Israel)

Also Known As:

A Canção de Uma Vida

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$20,200, 23 January 2015, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$31,250, 1 February 2015

Company Credits

Production Co:

Worldview Entertainment, Marc Platt Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

One of the entries in Henry's book details a band called Jane + the Austens. Anne Hathaway, who plays Henry's sister Franny, starred in the titular role of Jane Austen in "Becoming Jane".

---

Quotes

Franny: You know when you have a feeling that you don't want to fade away, but you don't really know how to keep it?

---

Soundtracks

Grand Bazaar
Written by Emir Isilay
Performed by Emir Isilay
Courtesy of One Over Three Music and Michael J. Mallen Songs

User Reviews

Neither Terrible, Nor Extra-Ordinary, Song One Struggles to Keep Its Tune On Key

Anybody with soft spot for music and sentimental lovestories will find 'Song One' difficult to resist. It follows Franny (Hathaway), her relationship with his estranged brother, and the unexpected romantic tale that blossomed between her and the musician James, Forester. No, this one's not new, we've seen countless others like this before, but in its own ways 'Song One' strikes a chord, strumming its own rhythm to make its charm carry a tune.

Yet the tune falls flat and runs off-key on moments when it's needed to speak volume for every scene's emotional sentiment. Albeit earnest and capable, the charm dispells, and what started as a haunting melody runs out of tone and tangibility. Whatever genuine sentiment 'Song One' holds in the beginning, or as a whole, the movie just falls behind extra-ordinary. You would admire Anne Hathaway as expected, but would look past her charm when drawn by the more evident flaws-- most noticeably her seemingly missing connection with Johnny Flynn, her character's love interest--pulling the tune off its proper rhythm.

'Song One', regardless of its emotional authenticity , stumbles upon its musical journey finding the right tune it could keep. It has beautiful beats and melodies to hum, but fails to turn them to something audible. It's neither terrible, nor excellent, just plain ordinary. 6/10