I think ultimately audience members like to see someone controlling the quality of a film. A lot of films you see are made by committees and studios and producers.
Americans like optimism, and 'Once' walks a tightrope: you feel uplifted at the end even if you're crying.
I like 'Guys and Dolls,' 'Singin' in the Rain' and 'A Star Is Born.' When it works, a musical is an amazing thing. But it rarely works.
