Look Out Itchy, He's Irish!

A little Irish Pop Culture Discussion.

I mentioned in my Profile and Blog Title that I have some interest in all things Irish, mostly on the politics, history, and sporting side (all from a Canadian perspective I might add). But I think I'd like to start a little lighter by chatting about Movies and TV.

I'm not sure what got me thinking about it, likely I was watching one of the thousands of Simpsons Episodes on in Syndication last night (Snake Whacking Day episode, an episode dripping with St. Patrick references along with the Day's original purpose, to drive the Irish out of Springfield - "But it was all in good fun"), but wow, there are tons of Irish references. So I did a lot of work, Google, and found this awesome list: http://www.snpp.com/guides/irish.refs.html
It has been around for a long time, but I am glad to see they are still updating it. Every Irish reference in the series history. Crazy. But, I have to admit, I remembered just about every one when I read the list (although some they are stretching - Fionn McCool?? Don't give them too much credit). Although it struck me when reading the list that some might find the show actually anti-Irish - but context is everything, and the usual "To get rid of the Irish" references are usually more of a reflection on the idiot town folks than anything. And really, who doesn't want a fun Heaven as the one portrayed in the Liam Neeson episode? Anyway, I don't have much more to say about it other than check the list out, have a laugh, and keep the gays and Italians out of your very own St. Patrick's Day parade.



So another thing I was thinking about last night, again, not sure what brought it on, was Irish movies, or movies about Irish folks, issues, etc. Not exactly a ton of great ones. I know I know, there a lot of good Irish Actors, filmmakers, and such, but once Hollywood gets its hands on a story, yikes, the stereotypes come out as faster than you can say Timmy O'Toole. And I have to admit, I have not seen a lot of older movies that sometimes appear of those lists that come out around March 17th. But here, to start discussion - and honestly off the top of my head in no order - are "Irish" related movies that I can think of, and a brief discussion on each one:

The Quiet Man
Might as well start with the Duke! The newer DVD version of this is very good - the print looks much better. But the content has not aged really well - I squirmed with the misogyny of it all, and Bhoy oh bhoy, the Irish Stereotypes abound! But there's just something about The Duke, who seems a foot and a half taller than just about everyone in the movie (save for his sparring partner at the end, in one of the best punch ups I have ever seen on film) walking into a pub as the returned Yank, asking "Give me one of those black beers you drink here" (not an exact quote - again, off the top of my head people, cut me some slack!) that is very charming. I watched this with my Dad a couple of years ago with a few cans of Guinness and really enjoyed it. And I ran across a little plaque a few years ago when I was in and around Dingle in Ireland where they filmed it. Nice.

Michael Collins
I loved it when it first came out and still really enjoy it. It does not quite stand up on repeated viewings in some parts - Julia Roberts (shudder), Aidan Quinn - who I thought had an Irish accent in real life but seems to be doing his best impression of a fake one in this movie, the Hollywoodization of the politics behind the Easter Uprising and subsequent Civil War (hardly any mention of the North at all), but man, Liam Neeson is a powerhouse in this film. What an outstanding performance. And Alan Rickman is tremendous as well. And the sheer scope of the movie and cinematography is stunning. A good movie and recommended - the end scene and music get me every time.


The Wind That Shakes The Barley
You likely have not seen this one. It had its North American Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September after winner the Palme D'Or at Cannes in the Spring. It is due for release in a few months I believe. Easily the best and most honest Irish movie I have ever seen. Frank, honest discussions of the politics behind the Civil War from the common man perspective. It is raw, real, and thought provoking. I had never seen a Ken Loach film before, but the long takes and honest line deliveries - flubs, stutters and all - convey a sense of real and raw emotion I have never witnessed before on the screen. The only thing that lets it down are the cartoon British charactures in the film. Not an easy viewing but go see it when it comes out. And let me know what you think.

In the Name of the Father
In the Spirit of wrapping this up quicker and because I am not googling anything in my reviews here, I will not say too much about this one. I have not seen it in 10 years but I remember really enjoying it - the performances by Daniel Day Lewis and Pete Postlethwaite in particular. And actor Gabriel Byrne is a producer, neat. One I've been meaning to re-watch.

Omagh
Produced by Paul Greengrass (Bloody Sunday, United 93, Bourne Supremacy), this is really well done. So tense - the opening 15 minutes are so hard to sit through. Honest (the lead guy who maybe I'll link to when I am done writing, can't remember his name) is really really good and carries the film. It gets a little lost near the end when it runs out of steam, but wow, good honest viewing.

Bloody Sunday
From Greengrass and so good you will not believe it is not a documentary. Go watch this film now. Watch the extras. NOW.

The Crying Game
People forget the Stephen Rea IRA angle of this film, I have no idea why? From Irish Filmmaker Neil Jordan, who also did Michael Collins. I thought it was good, but not worth the hype and accolades it received. And I am not going to link to it, you know all about it already.

Patriot Games
Did someone say Hollywood? Completely trivializing the conflict in the North to suit a Tom Clancy mano et mano revenge fantasy with Harrison Ford - who I used to love watching by the way, this movie is still a solid action thriller if you forget the laughable politics (I don't want to sound too harsh and scolding all the time here). Look for a nice turn by Sean Bean as the Irish Terrorist and an early Sam Jackson appearance. I still watch this one when I can.

Intermission
A fun but gritty Irish Pulp fiction with a great turn by Colin Farrel and a hilarious turn by Colm Meaney. Very highly recommended.

The Boys from County Clare
Bernard Hill (the King in Lord of the Rings) and Colm Meaney and a Corr in a typical but charming Irish picture about battling brothers and a big music competition. Worth watching for the scenery and music alone. Fluff, but enjoyable.

The Devil's Own
Typing about Harrison Ford in Patriot Games made me think about his other "Irish" movie. This was savaged when it came out, as it had production delays, clashing stars (Ford's role was originally scheduled for Robert Duvall and it was simply a small supporting role - watch the plot creak as they try and make Ford's character bigger), and a truly dreadful score from James Horner (copying everything he did in Patriot Games, which he then ripped off in Braveheart, and then Titanic). And the 'Irish" sets with terrorist Brad Pitt are hilarious - but again, it is a guilty pleasure which I don't mind. I liked the warmth at the beginning when Ford welcomes Pitt in his home (with Guinness! before it was trendy!) and the story is fluffy enough (so you're going to get guns back to Ireland on your little boat Brad? Really?). Ok.

There' s more - I remembering much more now, but that's enough for now. What have I left out? What are your thoughts on the movies that I have a discussed? What is your favourite Simpson Irish Reference? Leave a comment and let me know!

Thanks for slogging through this. That's a good lad.

Je5