BS: Anyone seen 'Songcatcher'?

Subject: RE: BS: Anyone seen 'Songcatcher'?
From: catspaw49
Date: 28 May 01 - 08:28 PM

There are at least 3 previous threads on this movie, noe very long, but there is some additional info.

Peg, I understand Aidan Quinn got decent reviews for this one as did Muse Watson who played Parley Gentry. He had just come to Berea College as a drama major when I was leaving. Good actor then but has never made it big.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Anyone seen 'Songcatcher'?
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 28 May 01 - 08:08 PM

Oops, that release date (NY and LA) is June 15.

Subject: RE: BS: Anyone seen 'Songcatcher'?
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 28 May 01 - 07:53 PM

I finally got around to reading last week's Sunday New York Times which lists a July release date for Songcatcher. There's lengthy (publicity) info about it and its soundtrack here, of which this is the opening text:

"Set off on an exhilarating adventure across a part of America still rarely seen, deep into the raw and rambling, high-mountain roots of rock, bluegrass, folk and country music. This is the terrain of SONGCATCHER, a different kind of movie about music: part love story, part archive of America's most secret musical legacies. Academy Award-nominee and Tony Award and Golden Globe-winner JANET MCTEER stars as turn-of-the-century musicologist Dr. Lily Penleric, an unlikely heroine whose earthy, unstoppable drive leads her to musical, personal and romantic discoveries as she uncovers remarkable songs, dances and beats of the heart in the Appalachian mountains.

Apparently the screenwriter was inspired by Olive Dame Campbell (founder of the John C. Campbell Folk School - see this thread - but the writer felt it might be nice to correct history and get her credit for her work (without having to rely on Cecil Sharp) and also give her a recording machine.

Sheila Kay Adams and Hazel Dickens were consultants for the music (and Dickens is on the soundtrack).

Looks ambitious, though maybe not up to its potential. A review is here. Can't hurt in to spreading the good word, though...

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: BS: Anyone seen 'Songcatcher'?
From: Peg
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 08:58 PM

I saw it and reviewed it for the Boston Phoenix.

I liked it a lot; however I thought the soundtrack, rather than relying quite so much on a composed "score" should have actually utilized the traditional music the film was about! There IS a lot of singing in the film, but not enough in my opinion.

Good acting, good film overall. One plot twist (unorthodox love afair that shocks the community) that seems a bit gratuitous but not a big flaw, really. I do recommend it highly to anyone interested in traditional music, particularly its Appalachian origins!

Subject: BS: Anyone seen 'Songcatcher'?
From: JennieG
Date: 10 Mar 01 - 07:46 PM

The movie "Songcatcher" has recently been released here - I am thinking of seeing it (when I have time!) Any 'Catters seen it already? Opinions?