Just came back from seeing this film, and found it a soul-shaking experience. No wonder audiences at Sundance gave it a standing ovation. Particularly outstanding are the music and the performances, with a standout performance by veteran character actress Pat Carroll. The story is engaging, about a musicologist (played masterfully by Janet McTeer, also outstanding in this year's Dogma 95 film, "The King is Alive") who discovers a connection between British folk songs and the music of the "mountain folk" in Appalachia. The plot has some "you can see it coming" moments, and a much-too-tidy last few minutes, but you readily forgive the film its few flaws because of its great strengths and good heart. If you were struck to the soul by the music of "O Brother Where Art Thou?" then here is more of the real thing. Emmy Rossum is outstanding in her first feature film role, and one can hardly take one's eyes off her face, or forget the sound of her singing voice cutting through the thick mountain air. Treat your eyes and ears to this film!
Review of Songcatcher
