Review of The Butcher Boy (1998) by Tibor B — 10 Oct 2011
Neil Jordan almost perfectly balances a schizophrenic tone here in this adaptation of McCabe's novel about two young Dublin boys in the 60s who are torn apart from a close, imaginative friendship. Frequently whimsical in tone, with a heavily subjective viewpoint from young Francie's perspective it at first captures the joyful, carefree pleasure of young friendship.
Viewing objectively we can see what a disturbed and distressing domestic situation young Francie has which makes his descent into increasingly destructive all the more painful to watch - the greatness of the film is contrasting Owens' terrific, charmingly cocky portrayal of a likeable young lad with the negative influences his twisted surroundings have on him and his destructive and violent coping mechanisms.
The blackly comic tone is also a masterstroke, as it makes the dark elements of the story all the more effective.
This review of The Butcher Boy (1998) was written by Tibor B on 10 Oct 2011.
The Butcher Boy has generally received positive reviews.
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