Intermission
 Jun 25th, 2004
Advantages:
funny
Disadvantages:
not too commercial
Recommendable:
Yes
Detailed rating:
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Characters / Performances
Special Effects
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  barefoot777
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Member since:23.12.2003
Reviews:81
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Review rated by 16 Ciao members on average: very helpful 
“Intermission” directed by John Crowley
“Intermission” is a film that seems to be happening without a single genuine dramatic, narrative or comedy moment, during entire film and although there was some shocking moments, nothing was really very surprising, not after “Trainspotting”. The only genuine thing is Irish accent, as for being qualified as Irish. And speaking of shocking, some of the things done and said in the film were truly shaking up. That’s why I assume, the film was nominated with many prestigious awards. Yes, but if you ask me now what was the film all about, I wouldn’t know to explain. Except that it’s about bad & criminal minds in Dublin. From those who stopped watching television and are not a festival audience, you simply can't really say on which film “InterMission” reminds you of. But there’s one thing pretty certain; there must be a lot of TV serials & movies similar to “Intermission” made by now. The humor is definitely very low, done maybe on propose to enforce the shock. “Intermission’ is set in Southern Ireland, not among Hollywood stars and big budgets, but in a nice little village, with working class people that we can all relate to. It's billed as a dark comedy and have comedy moments, but is generally a good old-fashioned story.
*** Cillian
Murphy [from “28 Days Later”] stars as confused “hero” John, supermarket stock boy, recently split from his girlfriend, Deirdre (Kelly Macdonald). Deirdre rebounds to Sam (Michael McElhatton), a middle-aged bank manager who leaves his wife because of her. Meanwhile, Lehiff (Colin Farrell) a mean and violent lowlife scum, interacts with Jerry (Colm Meaney), a mean police man whom sees himself as the kick ass avenger of Dublin’ streets. John's friend Jerry (David Wilmot), desperately is looking for love; Deirdre's sister Sally (Shirley Henderson), backs up from the world after her break-up; Sam's wife Noeleen (Deirdre O'Kane) is discovering her sexuality after her husband's betrayal; and Mick (Brian F. O'Byrne), ex bus driver is looking for some quick cash. Pretty realistically quirky characters.
*** “Intermission” is film about petty criminal minds and their broken hearts in a working class of Irish environment. The film is funny, punctuated with sudden and surprising acts of violence & equally sudden and surprising moments of affecting insight. Not sure all this done on proposes.
I’ve read somewhere that this film was a first time effort for director and the screenwriter, they both had extensive experience in the theatre. Maybe this is the reason why the film reminds some much on a very long theatre play. I don't know much about filmmaker's accomplishments in the theatre, but we’re talking about accomplishments that certainly didn't survive the transition into a commercial filmmaking. And there’s nothing to distinguish the film from just being a solid, competent character actor play. I believe that this film is, pretty much “the Irishman” film.
So if you're a “die hard” Irish fan, loving everything Irish, then you'll probably enjoy this art non-commercial biscuit film. Characters get in and out of each other’s lives in ways that might be funny, sometimes frightening. Director John Crowley and screenwriter Mark O'Rowe have done this film in a snappy style and genuine emotion that never meant to relies on cheap sentiment, how much to enrich the reality. All this done in order to display a good art film, not a movie hit that is going to collect a lots of money. Because hay this sort of film never does. Screenwriter’s dialogue is funny and actually has a few things to say about the nature of relationships, with or without criminal implications. But there’re so many things happening in “Intermission”. Film is having the ambition to gain an impressive debut. Lots of hard work I think this is. I reckon that film crew was looking forward to end shooting. The concepts spark a chain reaction of events, involving unrelated characters. “Intermission” has its moments, thanks to such a well-done wordplay.
*** It isn’t often to see film that starts with a huge movie star flirting with a girl and then punching her in the face so he can rob her. But that’s the main tone for John Crowley’s directorial debut “Intermission”, which will take you involved with a dozen Irish characters and their various tales. A lot of fun. However, Farrell is not the only star of this movie and the twisted plots allow every actor to shine within their own tale and this is main characteristic of the film. The film helped enormously good cast. The sub-plots stalk from background, illustrating the relationships between the protagonists. This film has elements of suspense, romance and a good black comedy as well as superb acting. C. Murphy is so totally natural as hostile John, a young man nervous on the subject of commitment is. Others in the cast are fitting perfect to the story. The movie's biggest star is of course, Colin Farrell [“Phone Boot”]. Farrell doesn't have too much to do in this film; yet, he puts in an impressive performance, though unpleasant one. It seems that Farrell may not be a one-role actor after all. What is missing from the film, oddly enough, is a sense of place. Maybe this was done on propose, for the film to remain as raw “Trainspotting”. With the difference that Irish English is spoken here. But is this Dublin in “Intermission”?
***
The film is directed well and manages to show both the beauty and rough of southern Ireland. Costumes are common everyday wear. The soundtrack features great artists such as U2, Turin Brakes and the Fun Loving Criminals. “Intermission” is a pretty curious film with a little bit of “Pulp Fiction”, “Trainspotting” and a little bit of “Love, Actually”. And maybe, a little bit something you've never seen before. Maybe that’s why the film was nominated and is worth checking out. This is a pretty interesting movie and if you've seen and enjoyed "Sexy Beast", you'll love this. It is 18 certificates, mainly for the bad language, sex scene and violence. Avariable on DVDs of course.
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26.06.2004 12:52
I'm not sure I would enjoy this - a very descriptive review. Maureen
25.06.2004 20:12
this sounds good, and if its got Colin Farrell in it, I don't need to be told twice. Lynne x
25.06.2004 20:11
Great review :)