Interesting story of women teachers in mountain setting. Can people change environments and still succeed ? Songcatcher portrays the story of 3 women who try. The story centers around Janet McTeer(Professor Lily Penteric)who finds a treasure of songs, in rural mountain surroundings, and sets out to document them. Excellent performances by Janet McTeer and Aidan Quinn. Maggie Greenwald writes and directs in a slightly less than even-handed effort. The lesbian scenes are more distracting and not original.They do little more than provide filling , for a story that has the potential for having a deeper layered meaning.
Some stereotypes are avoidable, like hillbillies who use fire to purge their demons,like we destroy what we do not accept mentality. Pat Carroll (Viney Butler) is perfect as the mountain matriarch, whom the movie could have showcased, as she can carry the load of the world on her shoulders. All in all, even with the flaws, the music,(if you like country-hillbilly lyrics with a Scottish-Irish origin ), can catch your ear , and there is enough emotion between the two main characters to make a difference. All in all, a good movie experience, that appeals to an adult audience.
Some stereotypes are avoidable, like hillbillies who use fire to purge their demons,like we destroy what we do not accept mentality. Pat Carroll (Viney Butler) is perfect as the mountain matriarch, whom the movie could have showcased, as she can carry the load of the world on her shoulders. All in all, even with the flaws, the music,(if you like country-hillbilly lyrics with a Scottish-Irish origin ), can catch your ear , and there is enough emotion between the two main characters to make a difference. All in all, a good movie experience, that appeals to an adult audience.