Every Oscar watcher knows how awards shows, including The Academy Awards, can drone on and on – award after award. The only break in the monotony is the performances of Best Original Song nominees. This year’s contenders include three from the Disney Cinderella-like musical ‘Enchanted,’ a song belted from the lungs of an 11-year-old from the movie ‘August Rush’ and the ultimate winner, the centerpiece performance from ‘Once.’
Originating from a movie shot with two Handicams in 17 days, ‘Falling Slowly’ was written by two independent musicians trying to make it in the business. The song, written from a perspective of hope, is one that won’t be forgotten long after the last note rings.
kmimamur@syr.edu
‘Falling Slowly’
‘Once’
Artist: Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
Music and lyrics by: Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
As the Academy puts it: This heartwarming duet, with its simple guitar chords and piano notes, flows effortlessly. The parts when both are singing send chills down your spine. Pain can be heard in every note of Hansard’s voice, and the song suits both the broken-hearted and those hopeful about the future. The simplicity of the acoustic guitar and piano is refreshing.
Oscar performance: Accompanied by a full orchestra, the stage looks like the scene from the film. Simply decorated with hanging guitars in the background, it’s just the two artists with their piano and guitar. The only difference between the stage and screen versions is the microphones. But this doesn’t detract from the performance, the harmony and the musical chemistry. It’s amazing, to say the least. Their little sinking ship found its way home
‘Happy Working Song’
‘Enchanted’
Artist: Amy Adams and various woodland creatures
Music by: Alan Menken and Lyrics by: Stephen Schwartz
As the Academy puts it: Disney has a record of winning Best Song Oscars, but this one should not be one of them. Dancing rats can only work in the award-winning ‘Ratatouille’ or ‘Cinderella.’ Granted, it is from a Disney movie, but still. There were plenty of great songs this year (‘Hairspray,’ maybe?). The fantastical background music fits the film, but doesn’t fit the Academy’s style. The song is about cleaning an apartment with mildew stains and a toilet that needs scrubbing. Nevertheless, Three 6 Mafia did win for a profanity-laden song titled ‘It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp.’ If the Oscars have proved anything in recent years, it’s to expect the unexpected.
Oscar performance: The first performance of the night consisted of just Adams standing on the stage, not moving and didn’t fit with the film. I missed the animated animals and that obnoxiously large ball gown. But she did sound less annoying than in the film version.
‘Raise It Up’
‘August Rush’
Artist: Jamia Simone Nash and gospel choir
Music and lyrics by: Jamal Joseph, Charles Mack and Tevin Thomas
As the Academy puts it: This little girl is amazing. The scene from the film eases into the song as the film’s star Freddie Highmore works his way into the church. But Nash and her immense talent soon upstage his cuteness. Amazing isn’t enough to describe it. After hearing the song once or twice, you can’t help but sing-along with the choir – no matter how off key. You feel like you’ve been taken to church, in the moving spiritual way.
Oscar performance: Backed by the IMPACT Repertory Theatre of Harlem choir, Nash shines. The full choir, dressed in white and black, actually plays second fiddle to her. The performance drifts off in the middle, but the set complete with pews gives the feeling of being in church. The end was powerful in its simplicity – everyone standing with outstretched arms.
‘So Close’
‘Enchanted’
Artist: Jon McLaughlin
Music by: Alan Menken and Lyrics by: Stephen Schwartz
As the Academy puts it: There is something about McLaughlin’s voice that makes me melt. After listening to every other song from the ‘Enchanted’ soundtrack, this was a welcome and much-needed change. It was the film’s only chance of winning best song, mostly because Amy Adams isn’t singing. At the highpoint in the film, the music falls into the background but is wonderful regardless.
Oscar performance: As if it was plucked straight from the movie screen, the performance is complete with princesses, princes and royals dancing. The only difference is the addition of McLaughlin acting like a lounge singer. He’s too good for that. At points, the dancing takes center stage rather than the song. He hit a few bad notes, but his polka-dotted suit was adorable.
‘That’s How You Know’
‘Enchanted’
Artist: Amy Adams, again
Music by: Alan Menken and Lyrics by: Stephen Schwartz
As the Academy puts it: Oh Patrick Dempsey. Yet another song from the movie ‘Enchanted,’ this one departs from the New York City fairytale world as Adams begins to sing the same line repeatedly. It’s titled ‘That’s How You Know’ mostly because those are the main words of the entire song. A melding of steel drum, an infectious beat and awkward spoken parts in the middle of the song just adds to Adams squeaky voice.
Oscar performance: For once, the Oscar performance actually improves the song with the addition of Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth. Acted like the scene from the movie in Central Park, the stage show was complete with each of the characters from the film. The cutest thing was the can-can line of elderly people.
Published on February 25, 2008 at 12:00 pm
