Acoustic

Author(s): Evan (N/A)
Acoustic

Director: John Carney
Written By: Matt Greenhalgh

Cast
Anthony Raneri – himself
Patrick Wilson - Jack O’Shea
James Franco – John “Beatz” Holohan
Alaistair Foley - Nick Ghanbarian
Maggie Gyllenhaal – Samantha

Tagline: “An angel got his wings and we'll hold our heads up, Knowing that he’s fine.”

Synopsis: Bayside was on tour. Their second album had just been incredibly well received, and all four of the band members felt hope for the first time in what felt like forever. Could anything possibly go wrong? On October 31st, 2005 Bayside’s van hit a patch of ice and flipped over. Anthony tried to open his eyes, but he couldn’t. All he saw was shattered glass spread out across the moonlit road. He then passed out to the sound of a single drum, rolling. When he opened his eyes he was in a hospital. A women came in. He didn’t recognize her. She sat down and took his bandaged hand. She told him that John had died, and that Nick had severely injured his back. She may have said she was sorry but Anthony didn’t hear. The next few days went by as if somebody was holding down the fast forward button. Before he knew it, Anthony was standing in front of a crowd of reporters. He spoke what he felt:

“The worst day of my life is over. It lasted 72 hours, but it's over. I know now that everyday for the rest of my life will be a piece of cake to wake up to, I'm just glad that I get to wake up to them. This week and the rest of my life are not going to be a mourning of a lost life, but a celebration of a wonderful one. He will live forever in all of our hearts and in the music he created so passionately.”

Anthony announced that him and Jack would continue their planned tour, for their fans, but would be playing an all-acoustic set. Both of them only sang and played guitars. On November 16th Anthony and Jack flew down to St.Petersberg Florida, to join up with their tour. They played every night as they traveled west, coping with their grief, and feeding off the support of their fans.

Nick lay in his bed at the hospital and thought about that fateful night. His girlfriend Samantha came to visit him every day and often brought letters from Anthony and Jack, who were on the road, touring. They spoke about how much life the fans had, and about all the love they showed. Nick felt happy for the first time in weeks, and this made Samantha feel a little more hope in his survival. Samantha had almost been in the accident, but had stayed behind in LA for a job interview. She could hardly believe she was still alive, that she had escaped death or injury so easily. She didn’t think it was right. Why did she deserve to live and John didn’t?

Anthony began to write songs about John, and about life, and how life could suddenly be taken away from the most deserving of people. Anthony and John were best friends. He still had waves of sadness when he realized he would never physically see him again. All any of them ever wanted to do was play music and make their band into something that people would know and love. That hasn't changed and they won’t let it. You can’t change a thing with empty hearts. And Beatz wouldn't have had it any other way.

What the Press Would Say:

In his second feature, John Carney, the director of “Once”, dives right into the world of grief in this beautiful musical about the tragic Bayside van accident of 2005. With members of the actual band playing themselves, and James Franco respectfully fitting the mold for the terribly lost John Holohan, “Acoustic” has changed into something far more than a movie about loss. It has changed into a movie about life. Anthony Raneri plays the bands lead singer and rhythm guitarist. In his first film, and at his first bat at acting, Mr.Raneri knocks it out of the park. Because of the pain he went through, nobody could play the role the way he could. Showing raw emotion and true willpower, Mr. Raneri gives “Acoustic” a powerful emotional center. The screenplay by Matt Greenhalgh is brilliant in every way. It gives each character multiple feelings so that even minor characters are more than filler. Maggie Gyllenhaal also gives a great performance as the truly faithful girlfriend of Nick. She pulls at you heartstrings while she is onscreen, making music with her acting that is just as touching as the beautiful songs that exist throughout the film. Shot using a mix of camcorder and professional grade cameras, this film looks as spectacular as it sounds and feels. Shades of blues mixing in with the hopeful golds and yellows of the United States’ southwest fit the film perfectly. James Franco is also inspirational in his rather small role of the lost drummer, John. Patrick Wilson, who has singing experience, as he was nominated for a Tony award for Oklahoma, gives a spectacular performance. Playing one of the two main characters, Mr. Wilson gives a surprisingly withdrawn performance as the quiet, and less outwardly emotional companion. This film is a rare gem that is beautiful in its grit, showing life on the road… the road of life, that is.

FYC
Best Picture
Best Director – John Carney
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Actor - Anthony Raneri
Best Supporting Actress – Maggie Gyllenhaal
Best Supporting Actor – Patrick Wilson
Best Supporting Actor – James Franco
Best Supporting Actor – Alaistair Foley