"(Rhythm) is there in the cycles of the seasons, in the migrations of the birds and animals, in the fruiting and withering of plants, and in the birth, maturation and death of ourselves," -Mickey Hart (Grateful Dead)
What is it about music that resonates so much with people? Is it chemical? A part of the brain that responds to the frequencies and rhythm of certain sounds played in a progression? Or, is it just the fact that it makes one "feel" something? Music, like any other form of art brings out a "feeling" in the one experiencing it. Those feelings will be different for everyone and some will be permanently effected by them. Music can do many things. It can heal, damage, make you dance, give you a headache and even make you "high". According to many music therapists, it can also help recall memories. "The Music Never Stopped" explores this phenomenon beautifully and is a testament to our souls connection with our music. Set in the 80's with flashbacks to the 60's and 70's "The Music Never Stopped" has some of the best music from the bands of that era. The film runs the gamete of emotions and has some powerful performances from the actors and classic bands such as The Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles.
Gabriel, a 30 something man with a brain tumor is unable to form new memories. He can remember his life growing up, playing music and following his favorite bands around the country, but he can't remember what his nurse just said to him 5 minutes ago. Lou Tayler Pucci plays the down to earth "hippie" Gabriel graciously and I was very impressed with his performance. He was subtle but beautifully represented those of us obsessed with music and it's meanings. I felt a real connection with Gabriel and his relationship with his father Henry, played impeccably by J.K. Simmons. They have such an interesting and ever-changing dynamic, it was a pleasure to watch it all unfold. Henry is devastated by the diagnosis Gabriel has received and feels helpless. That is until he see's Gabriel's eyes light up at the sound of a familiar piece of music. He realizes that through music he can connect once again with his son and hopefully repair their broken relationship.
Based on the case study "The Last Hippie" by Dr. Oliver Sacks, "The Music Never Stopped" is a wonderful story and I highly recommend it. It pulls on the heart strings of young and old alike bringing them together with the power of great music. With a PG rating, "The Music Never Stopped" doesn't feel like an after school special on father and son relationships. It's obvious that the lesson goes much deeper than that. The film is about connecting to each other through music and taking the time to understand each other through that medium. The father/son dynamic is the ideal setting to get this point across and there are some very dramatic scenes that may bring a tear to your eye. It sure did for me.
