My Left Foot (DVD)

...film with a smile on my face, and only a small part with tears in my eyes. It is based on a true story (in fact, it is based on Christy Brown's own memoirs) and, like anyone's life story, there are times when it is a little dull, but these moments are really very few and far between, mainly documenting his struggle with alcohol and his frustrations at the lack of a love life. Ultimately though, this is the story of Christy's success, against all ...
...before his death in 1981 and not just because he had cerebral palsy.

The story is told via a series of flash-backs as a newcomer arrives in Christy Brown's life. As she reads the story of his life (which Christy Brown wrote - or at least dictated - himself), key points in Christy's life are shown to the audience. This is quite an effective way of telling the story because I was intrigued about the newcomer and what role she was going ... more

Christy Brown had a difficult childhood. One of thirteen children (out of the twenty two born to his mother who survived), he was born with cerebral palsy and deemed an idiot by his father and neighbours. Thankfully, his mother and siblings recognise that there is much more going on in Christy's head than immediately meets the eye. When he finally manages to express his feelings through words and pictures, it is his left foot that does the talking for him. Then his situation comes to the attention of a doctor, who helps him to improve his speech and control his limbs. But will he ever be able to lead a 'normal' life and marry?

Made back in 1989, this film made a splash at the time for dealing frankly with an issue that many people chose to brush under the carpet and for providing the film-viewing public with some outstanding performances to boot. As Christy Brown, Daniel Day-Lewis is superb, as is Hugh O'Conor who plays Christy as a child. This is not an attractive performance - cerebral palsy causes the sufferer to twist and grimace uncontrollably - and the only limb that Christy has some control over is his left foot, hence the title of the film. Day-Lewis really took this on board making it sometimes hard to look at him. Nevertheless, it is a highly skillful performance and one that I have watched time after time, always marvelling at his brilliance.

As well as the mannerisms, Day-Lewis also took the time to perfect the voice. It is initially very hard to understand, but improves during the course of the film as he undergoes therapy. Day-Lewis apparently spent long periods of time with cerebral palsy sufferers in order to get under the skin of the role and I think he was very successful at it. He deservedly won an Oscar for this performance.

Another Oscar went to Brenda Fricker for her role as Christy's mother. Fricker didn't have to deal with portraying an illness like Day-Lewis, but she nevertheless thoroughly deserved her Oscar. Mrs Brown is determined to make Christy's life as comfortable as possible, despite the misgivings of her husband, and she doesn't care what she has to do to achieve it. This is all whilst having a child, dead or alive, every year or so. Fricker is completely convincing in the role and gives a performance that is every little bit as inspirational as that of her on-screen son.

Two other actors deserve a mention. Ray McAnally is great as Mr Brown, a man who expects to rule the roost and wants his wife to follow his lead at all times. He cares for Christy, and indeed the rest of the family, but refuses to show his feelings, preferring to keep his distance. McAnally unfortunately died not long after the film was released, but deserves to be remembered for his fine, if controlled performance here. Then there is Fiona Shaw, who plays Dr Eileen Cole. She is good in the role, although I have to admit I spent much of the time trying to remember where I'd seen her before - finally realising she plays Aunt Petunia in the Harry Potter films and had a cameo role as a mad Englishwoman in Three Men and a Little Lady.

This is a story about one man's struggle against a disability; but it is not all doom and gloom. The Brown family may be poor, but they still manage to have time for a laugh, and this really comes through in the film; to the extent that I spent a good chunk of the film with a smile on my face, and only a small part with tears in my eyes. It is based on a true story (in fact, it is based on Christy Brown's own memoirs) and, like anyone's life story, there are times when it is a little dull, but these moments are really very few and far between, mainly documenting his struggle with alcohol and his frustrations at the lack of a love life. Ultimately though, this is the story of Christy's success, against all odds - he was an accomplished poet, writer and painter before his death in 1981 and not just because he had cerebral palsy.

The story is told via a series of flash-backs as a newcomer arrives in Christy Brown's life. As she reads the story of his life (which Christy Brown wrote - or at least dictated - himself), key points in Christy's life are shown to the audience. This is quite an effective way of telling the story because I was intrigued about the newcomer and what role she was going to play in Christy's life. When the ending comes, it was perhaps a little too polished, with all the ends tidied up, but that is a small flaw in what is otherwise a really good film.

I like films that educate and inspire the audience and this film definitely does that. I have seen it countless times and each time see something new in it. It perhaps isn't a film to watch when you want something really light-hearted and brainless, but nor is it anything like as depressing as you might expect. And it is a film that can be enjoyed by both sexes. It might be nearly twenty years old now, but this is still a film worth watching. Highly recommended.

The DVD is available from play.com for £9.95.

Classification: 15 (there is a fair amount of swearing)

Running time: 103 minutes 

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