August Rush

Freddie Highmore as Evan Taylor/August Rush (photo source: imdb.com)

There aren't many movies I choose to go back to. But if a film has captured some part of my heart or imagination, or sparked some artistic inspiration in me, I will eventually revisit it. Even then, my list of go-to "feel good" movies are short, and they are usually in the comedy realm (who has time to revisit emotionally-laden dramas or suspense films over and again? Well, I don't!) My short list includes: About a Boy, Slumdog Millionaire, Bend it Like Beckham. And I may only rewatch these every few years.

Which is why it's not surprising that it's taken me over 10 years to rewatch August Rush. I saw it when it first released in 2006, and then Ted claims we have watched it sometime during the course of our relationship, so my total view count is now at "3.") 

I knew that I liked something about this movie. Was it mainly the music? The love story? Or was there something remarkable about the acting? It was hard for me to remember. And there was a good chance my sensibilities as recent college graduate may not be in sync with my now, almost-40 year old self.

While rewatching August Rush this past week, the opening scenes gave me the impression that the movie did not age well with me. If the love story was to be the glue that held this film together, it felt hollow.  The acting was fine, but not remarkable (however, the more I consider Freddie Highmore's performance, the more it impresses me. And one can't knock Robin Williams, ever).

But as the plot picked up pace, and the movie came to its crescendo and triumphant ending, I was engaged in familiar ways with the story as a whole. How did this happen?

I reflected afterward that this movie has a unique element that carries it to such a rewarding end - the music. The music really tells the story in August Rush. It takes center stage, far and above the cast of supporting actors. The pleasing soundtrack carries us from August's foster care facility, to the streets of New York, and into his parents' loving presence. 

The music tells the story, and August is the conductor. From the opening scene, he is conducting the music he "hears" in an wind-whipped, open field; and he continues doing so, bringing about all the main action of the film. He "conducts" his ultimate reunion with his parents, and their reunion with each other.

Like the different players in an orchestra, there are no stand-out players in this film (apart from August, our lead). Yet when they play together, they do create the symphony, or in this case, August's final rhapsody that he unveils in Central Park.

My husband pointed out some other, notable aspects of the film. The title is very Dickensian (think Oliver Twist), as is our protagonist. August is a down-and-out "orphan," lost on the streets of a big city.  He navigates urban blight; suffers exploitation at the hands of his "Fagin;" and is victim to a broken child welfare system.

August and his captor, "Wizard" (photo source: imdb.com)

Don't some of the best works of art carry echoes of larger, more profound works of art? Ones that have, like Dickens' works, "stood the test of time" and speak to higher truths and our deepest cares as humans. I am not putting this film up there with the "best works of art," but this film is memorable for me, almost in spite of itself (the gushing sentimentality would cause endless eye-rolling for some!) 

God is even woven into this story. We meet the minister and his angelic, youthful parishioner toward the end of the film. When August is in his most critical moment, back in "Fagin's" clutches and yet so close to his appointment with destiny, the minister hints to God being the chief Conductor who will help August navigate away from harm and find his way. The minister asks the little girl "did you pray for him?" She nods. He replies, "Ok. Then I'm sure he will be fine." August's Father (in Heaven) is ultimately the one orchestrating August's return "home."

I may wait another 15 years before watching this one. But the music, the main storyteller of this film, will stay with me for awhile.