"Everything was fine yesterday" in The Banshees of Inisherin. This black tragicomedy film written and directed by Martin McDonagh. Set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland, the film follows lifelong friends Pádraic and Colm, who find themselves at an impasse when Colm unexpectedly puts an end to their friendship. A stunned Pádraic, aided by his sister Siobhán and troubled young islander Dominic, endeavours to repair the relationship, refusing to take no for an answer. But Pádraic's repeated efforts only strengthen his former friend’s resolve and when Colm delivers a desperate ultimatum, events swiftly escalate, with shocking consequences.
In February 2020, it was announced that McDonagh had set his next directorial effort up with Searchlight Pictures, and it would see him reunite with his
In Bruges stars Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell. The film, original title
The Banshees of Inisheer, was intended to be the third installment in a series of McDonagh's stage plays, dubbed the
Aran Islands Trilogy, which included
The Cripple of Inishmaan and
The Lieutenant of Inishmore. By late August 2021, Kerry Condon, and Barry Keoghan rounded out the film's cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced and wrapped in late October. Filming took place in Inishmore, Aran Islands, County Galway and Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland.
The film stars Farrell, Gleeson, Condon, and Keoghan. Gleeson is a delight and Farrell gives his best performance in ages, capturing both the unrepentant philistine and endearing vulnerability in Pádraic Súilleabháin.
The film is a darkly humorous one that should be seen not just for the way it subverts genre norms, but also for how it sculpts and redefines them into something better. The film is about meaningful conversations, idleness, boredom, remorse, hard laughs, stark violence, and grotesque humor—I loved it. It’s got dialogue that can cut glass, performances akin to tight-rope displays, and constantly shifting alliances that keep us guessing. McDonagh's affinity with meandering, melodically rhythmic dialogue and volcanic eruptions of profanity serves him well in this witty, wordy film. While a plot does kick in, the film is at its most fun when these two are just milling about, delivering McDonagh’s exquisite dialogue. The film is one of those "hidden gems" you don’t necessarily hear much about but, once you’ve seen it, you can’t forget it. Smart, thoughtful and multi-layered, the film is a wild vacation that any broad-minded cineaste should book themselves in for. A wonderful film that has so much going on underneath all the intelligent dark humor and hitmen premise. The cast, especially Farrell and Gleeson, are fantastic. You get the sense, now and then, that McDonagh is taking a little too much relish in his character's political incorrectness, but the writing is so scabrously funny that you'll laugh despite your best intentions. The writing is crisp and witty and full of interesting philosophical layers that gives the movie its surprising punch. McDonagh straddles that line between giving the movie just enough dramatic integrity, while also drawing attention to its postmodern machinations.
Simon says The Banshees of Inisherin receives:
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment