THE Banshees of Inisherin is generating plenty of buzz after earning nine Oscar nominations, and has just started screening locally. Our resident film buffs Tom Parry and Stefan Bradley went to check it out.
TP: This film comes from Martin McDonagh, whose name people might recognise from movies such as In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. How familiar were you with Marty’s filmography heading into his latest picture, Stefan?
SB: I hadn’t seen any of his films prior to this one, so the answer to that question is ‘not at all’.
TP: So you walked into this movie completely blind, not knowing what to expect?
SB: Basically, yes. I read the two-line synopsis for Banshees while I was sitting in the theatre, and that was all I knew of it. What about yourself?
TP: I’ve seen Psychopaths and Three Billboards, so I sort of knew what to expect – a film that’s dark, twisted and creepy, but with an underlying sweetness. And that’s exactly what I got.
SB: That’s how I’d describe it. The plot takes place on the fictitious island of Inisherin, just off the coast of Ireland, and follows two lifelong pals as they struggle with the breakdown of their friendship.
TP: Colm (Brendan Gleeson), a musician has told his neighbour, Pádraic (Colin Farrell), a farmer, that he doesn’t want anything to do with him anymore, and threatens drastic actions if Pádraic doesn’t comply. The movie has one of those screenplays that leaves you pondering and reflecting long after you see it, trying to unravel what it was trying to say, reading into every little detail. I would say as well that every aspect of the movie is exquisite, particularly the acting – four of the actors in this film have garnered Academy Award nominations, and Colin Farrell is considered to be a particularly strong contender in the Best Lead Actor category.
SB: Farrell plays the main character, Pádraic. He was excellent, and did something very difficult, which was walk that fine line where the audience would have sympathy for this guy, but also find him really annoying, or frustrating, or frightening. His performance has all those layers wrapped into one, while also conveying his loneliness, his pride and his ego. Basically, all his best and worst characteristics are revealed across two hours.
TP: More to the point, Banshees finds the perfect balance between feelings of sympathy and spite. You see some of the characters’ actions and remarks and think to yourself, ‘What awful people!’ But on the other hand, you can see where they’re coming from, and understand their points of view. I really love how complex and multifaceted the characters are, which is a constant feature of Marty’s screenplays.
SB: You could argue that the island of Inisherin is an extension of the characters’ emotions, or even a character in itself: bleak, isolated, near listless. There’s almost a horror vibe to proceedings, too – just imagine the terror you would feel knowing somebody is willing to go to extremes if you so much as say a single word to them.
TP: We should add, the film conveys all of this with a sense of humour, albeit of the very dry kind.
SB: Yes. One question I have for you: did you find the screenplay to be predictable?
TP: It definitely wasn’t. There were scenes where I sensed the story was going in a particular direction, only for proceedings to take a surprise turn. It fools the viewer, in a way.
SB: I couldn’t predict where it was going either. This is a great movie that I’ll reflect on for some time. I would recommend that our readers see it, so long as they understand what it is – it’s not an action-packed popcorn blockbuster, like we usually review, but a film that requires patience. I was wondering at the beginning how things were going to pay off, and thankfully they do.
TP: While it is slow at times, there’s so much to appreciate about Banshees – not just the performances and the screenplay, but also the incredible soundtrack and the beautiful cinematography. It’s definitely a movie you should consider seeing.
The Banshees of Inisherin is rated M for mature themes, coarse language, injury detail and brief nudity, and is currently screening at Sale Cinema.
