So often in cinema, the disabled are shown to be helpless and almost always without any flaws or vices, they fight the good fight and try and live a life of quiet dignity. This is flawed thinking. People, no matter what the ability of their body, want to live life to the fullest, to enjoy it regardless of the consequences. Christy Brown no different and this film attempts to portray it all.
Daniel Day-Lewis gives a career best performance as Christy, showing his frustration and inability to come to terms with his disability. Possessed of a deep intellect but without a body to convey it, Christy struggled his whole life and that in and of itself would be an interesting tale but what makes this film different is we see his human side, his love of a drink, how he could be obnoxious if he didn't get what he wanted. Day-Lewis portrays all of this incredibly. A special mention must also go to the young actor who plays Christy as a child, Hugh O'Conor.
It is easy to forget that Jim Sheridan was a rookie director when he made this, having worked in theatre previously. His direction shows a lightness of touch that hints of great things to come and the script perfectly encapsulates the inner city Dublin that Christy grew up in, with a language and rhythm all of its own. An outstanding film, with a remarkable performance from Day-Lewis, it is at times deeply affecting and hard going but so very worth it.
No comments:
Post a Comment