The Guitar is a film that explores the 'what-ifs' of mortality from the perspective a young woman.  Having discovered that a developed tumor in her throat ended up being cancerous and therefore deadly, she embarks on a journey that changes her life path dramatically.  From a perspective that we all eventually face, more so the older we get rather than the 'live forever' thoughtlessness of the young, this film evokes a strong sense of liveliness.  We come to realize that there is more to the gift of life than we normally take stock of.  We ignore this largely because of responsibilities that we assume along life's pathways and a misguided need to become financially well-off without realizing the meaning of being 'well-off.'  While money and financial independence is always nice, it is not the key to life's rich offerings.  The Guitar approaches this from a sad but lifting tale of embracing life without constraints.

The hybrid soundtrack/score found in the released album of the film is a gracious selection of recorded songs including the excellent rendition of David Bowie's “John, I'm Only Dancing” by The Everyothers, who also contributes another track, an equally good “Dive With You.”  The Everyothers benefit here by the flashlight being shined upon their obvious talent (make a note: check out The Everyothers).  Additionally, the opening song, “Glancing Lovers,” performed by Jonny Savarino, is a warm instrumental 'movie ballad' that works well here.

The album is stacked by six songs before moving into the 31 score pieces that make up the score of the film.  The original score is written and produced by David Mansfield, who has previously scored films like The Apostle, Heaven's Gate, Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, Year of the Dragon, and others.  Mansfield's credentials reveal that he has played in Bruce Hornsby and The Range as well as playing for Bob Dylan's band for a period. 

Mansfield's music for The Guitar is magical not only for its ethereal moments within the film but also for its playability away from the film.  It is a bit disjointed and abrupt but the beauty of the music forgives this zig-zagging.  Musically, the score for The Guitar reaches into the atmosphere providing a thoughtful approach to the allegorical content of the film.  It assists the question, “Where do we go from here?”  At times, the music is quite electric but it never steals the spirit of the film as the movie plays out.

The film is one to see for those that can derive the commentary that the film imparts to its audience.  The music is a genuine bonus that enhances the film further.