Review of In the Name of the Father (1993) by Rory P — 24 Mar 2009

While some could argue that it makes the odd concession in its representation of the troubles for a foreign audience, no one can deny that this is an evocative and exciting piece of work, with a moving (at times electrifying) dynamic between father and son at its heart.

A cynical little man on my left shoulder tells me it is a bit Hollywoodised, a saintly little man on my right says Mr. Sheridan should be commended for the balancing act he has pulled off here. The director has put together an engaging feature that deals with an important issue in a manner that appeals to the intelligence of both mainstream and indie audiences. All this and without politicising the subject matter. Well, for the most part anyway.

It doesn't offend British sensibilities (bar the most blindly conservative) and I can imagine Irish Republicans walking away from this thinking it does a fine job portraying the IRA, represented for the most part by Don Bakers terrorist. He is shown as the calm and dedicated mercenary type, who blows up Guilford Pub, threatens a prisoner with the death of his family, and sets a Prison officer on fire with hard nosed efficiency. Only because he's 'carryin out orders,' you understand. Hmm, theres enough wiggle room here to see him as either a monster or a resolute fighter for his cause.

It's from here that one could interpret the film as tipping more towards republican favour, because of the added impetus of the subject matter, a justifably passionate criticism of a British institution. But such bias feels unintentional. The film does its level best to remain neutral politically, it seems.

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What truly impresses is the progression of Gerry and Giuseppe Conlon's relationship as they share a prison cell. It is funny that what feels like the most poignant/human aspect of the story, is in fact the main fictional element (they were never held in the same prison.) Dramatic license never felt so real, or so prosperous.

Daniel Day Lewis is... well you can guess, he's brilliant as usual.

This is actually my favorite of his performances. He's just totally natural here, supplying an energetic impression of troubled youth, dialogue sputtering from his lips as if they were always his.

He is shockingly convincing as a teenager even though he was in his 30s when he took on the role.

Postlethwaite is also pitch perfect, injecting a character who is initially percieved to be somewhat pathetic (worn down by the world around him) with a quiet strength and dignity.

The writing of their scenes together is excellent. The acting in their scenes together is excellent.

Putting aside the queasy sense that this is a Bono and Sinead o'connor endorsed version of 'reality,' the whole thing is truly quite remarkable in its ability to absorb the viewer, pushing all the right buttons.

Well worth a look.