SONGCATCHER

SYNOPSIS:
In 1907, Dr Lily Penleric (Janet McTeer) has been passed over again for full Professorship despite her achievements in the field of musicology. Upset at her rejection she travels to the Appalachians where her sister, Elna (Jane Adams), teaches at a struggling school. While there, Lily stumbles across a significant musical discovery - Irish-Scots ballads that have been passed intact from generation to generation. After overcoming sceptical locals Lily begins recording their songs on wax cylinders while also becoming involved in the mountain people's struggles to preserve their homes and traditions in the face of industrialisation. She also becomes involved with musician Tom Bledsoe (Aidan Quinn) who initially accuses Lily of exploiting his people.

"Music has always been a powerful communicator, describing emotions as universal as love and grief, or telling everyday stories that reflect culture and lifestyle. At first glance, Songcatcher may just seem to be a picturesque film - enjoyable yes - with questionable consequence. But if you look closer, you will discover a far deeper significance. Picturesque indeed it is. In fact the cinematography of the rarely seen majestic mountains of Madison County is quite breathtaking. This rustic, rural part of America and one of the contemporary homes of traditional Appalachian culture has a personality of its own, and the mood captured by the isolation and simplicity of the characters plays an important role. Maggie Greenwald has created a gentle, intelligent film that belies a rich undercurrent of time and place, while stimulating our musical sensitivities. Greenwald collaborates with her husband (acclaimed composer David Mansfield), and music is indeed a key character, showcasing some of the early origins of what evolved into the blues and American country music. In this respect it reminded me a little of the purity exemplified by the voice in the documentary about throat singing, Genghis Blues. Songcatcher begins as a journey to collect songs, using the ultimate instrument – the voice. And beautiful voices we hear – rich, natural voices unencumbered by the spoils of society and the restraints of self-consciousness. There's no orchestra swelling as the actors burst into song – here the music is spontaneous, often a cappella or accompanied by banjo or piano. Janet McTeer is perfectly cast as the repressed, spinsterly songcatcher disillusioned with life both professionally and personally. She displays the perfect balance of the obsessed musicologist, while revealing her vulnerable feminine side. Aidan Quinn is warmly open as the outspoken mountain man who catches Lily's heart instead of her song, with Emmy Rossum and Pat Carroll wonderful scene stealers. The songs themselves as they are performed – simply and with a naturalness of delivery – evoke some of the film's best moments. Catch a breath of fresh air – Songcatcher is a cinematic symphony."
Louise Keller