August Rush is a unique musical experience
August Rush is not your typical movie. It is based on sounds instead of visual imagery, but with no choreographed numbers it is not a musical. Rather, the film makes a parallel connection between sounds people encounter every day and the relationships we share with each other.
August Rush is the story of eleven-year-old Evan (A Good Year’s Freddie Highmore), who desperately wishes to meet his parents, a talented cellist (Waitress’ Keri Russell) and an Irish rock singer (Mission: Impossible III’s Jonathan Rhys Meyers). Evan believes that his parents will find him if he learns how to make music, so he goes to New York to follow the sound. There he encounters a congenial social worker (Pride’s Terrence Howard) and a threatening musician (License to Wed’s Robin Williams) in the mold of Oliver Twist’s Fagin, who runs an underground circuit for homeless children.
While August Rush features a cellist, a boy band and a young prodigy, the film’s heart is rhythmic sound, music of any form, whether in the quiet, rustling grasses of a country field or the busy streets of New York City. This distinctive take on perception and music makes August Rush stand out. The vibrant music is a metaphor for Evan’s desire to be with his parents, and the rhythm of the city streets and the calm countryside contrast the different lifestyles.
The unique theme is even better served by the excellent acting. Highmore convincingly plays the adorable musical prodigy with a wistfully detached attitude, while Russell is ideal for the sweet and innocent young mother ripped away from her child. Rhys Meyers completes this family portrait by adding rugged rebelliousness to its otherwise flawless charm. Audiences actually grow to fear and hate the red-toupeed Williams, along with his multiple piercings, rhinestone-encrusted vest, and constant manipulation of the homeless children under his care. His role is a bit bewildering, but Williams does a great job.
The film also gives a broad view of urban America. Set in New York City, Chicago and San Francisco, August Rush also touches on the different ethnic and economic backgrounds of Irish-Americans, the New York homeless and privileged musicians. The film even delves into the subsets of the music industry, with the Philharmonic Orchestra, students at Julliard and hard rock bands.
The only chink in this movie’s armor is its length. While it has amazing music and stimulating visuals, the small amount of dialogue makes August Rush seem rather long, its two-hour duration feeling more like three. Anticipation is built up dreamily throughout the entirety of the film, only to end quickly without a satisfying resolution.
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