It is my guess that Writer\Director\Producer Martin McDonough and his brother James have built a small theatre and film studio in a secret location known only to a few persons. Those persons are Award Winning professionals. In their spare time they work together in this secret location to hone their skills. It is just a guess and no more.
Martin McDonough’s The Banshees of Inisherin is a dark comedic film. And just like In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri it is a hard yet irresistible watch. As with all of his films McDonough uses virtually the same group of people with which to collaborate. They are drawn from a very small Rolodex of names.
For viewers it will be a pretty simple choice. There are two camps – with a large population of viewers – as it pertains to Martin McDonough. You either like McDonough’s approach to filmmaking and storytelling or you do not. There is no grey area – it is a Yes or it is a No.
For the Yes group, The Banshees of Inisherin is another impossible to resist work of art. It is dark, sad, funny and ultimately heart breaking. People and things you do not wish to perish will and will not survive the 104 minute run time. But then, you already know that. The music from Carter Burwell is engrossing. But then, you already know that. The cinematography of Ben Davis is mesmerizing. But then, you already know that. The acting from the McDonough Reparatory Players is nothing short of superb. But then, you already know that.
From 30,000 feet it appears McDonough has yet fail to accomplish the goal of presenting Dark Comedy at its finest. Again, it comes down to if you like this genre and style or not.
*** Jeff’s Thoughts and Other Worthless Trivia ***
In July of 2013 Linda and I conducted one of our rare combo – trip\photoshoots: A visit to the Low Countries. We do not do it often, but the choice has proven to be rewarding on both fronts – each and every time.
When in Bruges we stayed in the hotel and (hypothetically) The Room which serves as the setting for a good portion of the film’s scenes. Obviously the room in the movie was filmed in a production studio. However, when Colin Ferrell jumps out of the hotel room onto a barge – it is demonstrably clear it is from the window of our room.
Jumping Off Point in Bruges.© Copyright Jeffrey H. Lubeck – MESH Art LLC – all rights reserved.
Late afternoon light at a desk in Bruges © Copyright Jeffrey H. Lubeck – MESH Art LLC – all rights reserved.
Vermeer’s View. Looking on the canal next to Vermeer’s Studio and Art Guild on a quiet morning in Delft, the Netherlands. © Copyright Jeffrey H. Lubeck – MESH Art LLC – all rights reserved.
Johannes Vermeer is my favorite Painter of Fine Art.
