The movie
Show notes
“And you have cursed me when there’s no one left to blame, and I have loved you just the same.” John Carney follows Once with a bigger, slicker New York music story in Begin Again —and Pete Wright and Andy Nelson can feel the tension. They talk about what changes when you swap Dublin’s scrappy intimacy for a polished production with Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightley at the center, and how the film keeps circling the question of “authenticity” in both music and life. Highlights include the standout “phantom instruments” sequence (a perfect snapshot of Dan’s gift for hearing potential), the movie’s push-pull between art and business (including the “buck a book” showdown), and the way the film’s structure quietly reveals whose story it really is. Plus: Catherine Keener’s impact in limited screen time, the film’s complicated relationship with New York “texture,” and why the soundtrack choice becomes one of Pete’s biggest quibbles. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins. 🎬 Watch & Discover 🎥 See Our Full Conversation on YouTube 🍿 Watch the Film: Apple TV | Amazon | Letterboxd 📽️ Original Theatrical Trailer Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts: Become a member for just $5/month or $55/year Join our Discord community of movie lovers The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts: Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and Movements The Film Board Movies We Like The Next Reel Film Podcast Sitting in the Dark Connect With Us: Main Site: Web Movie Platforms: Letterboxd | Flickchart Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | Pinterest Your Hosts: Andy | Pete Shop & Stream: Merch Store : Apparel, stickers, mugs & more Watch Page : Buy/rent films we've discussed Originals : Source material from our episodes Special offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible
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