John Carney, the writer and director of the independent smash Once, has returned with another film about the intersection of love and music. In Begin Again, Gretta (
Keira Knightley) and David (
Adam Levine) are a singing and songwriting duo who are partners in life as well as music. The couple moves to New York City in search of their big break, but when David scores a deal as a solo artist, he leaves her behind. Heartbroken, Gretta is considering giving up on music when she meets Dan (Mark Ruffalo), a music industry executive who has fallen into disgrace. Dan believes in Gretta and her talent, and is determined to make her a star. For Begin Again, Carney filled the supporting cast with real-life music figures, including
Adam Levine,
Cee Lo Green, and
Mos Def, and leading lady
Knightley does her own singing in the movie. The film's soundtrack album contains 12 original songs written by a handful of noted pop tunesmiths, including
Gregg Alexander,
Nick Lashley,
Danielle Brisebois, and Rob Nowells, with performances by
Knightley,
Levine,
Green, and Cessyl Orchestra. [Born Again was also released with four bonus tracks.] ~ Mark Deming