Liam Neeson, as Michael Collins, presents more than a
striking pose as one of the most memorable characters in
Irish history in Neil Jordan's film of the same name.
Captivating and moving, the film attempts to give some form
and understanding to the revolutionary days in the early
part of the twentieth century that still leave their mark
on the world today. Collins was a controversial figure
who, by the time of his early death at 23, had carved a
Michael Collins
© Warner Bros (Holland) BV
© 1996 Geffen Pictures (all rights reserved)
photo: Tom Collins
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niche for himself not only in schoolbooks (at least the
ones he has not been removed from), but in the minds and
hearts of many republicans. His dedication and devotion to
his cause backed up by a feisty and furious personality
have helped turn him into a romantic figure. He grew up
with war and aimed for peace, but was killed in the
attempt. Some goals take longer and are more difficult to
reach than some might think. Neil Jordan's determination
to bring this story to the screen has finally paid off
thirteen years after he wrote the first draft of the
script.
The Easter Uprising at the O'Connell Street Post Office
came to an end when Irish revolutionaries surrendered after
a six day stand-off. All of the leaders, with the
exception of American citizen Eamon De Valera (played in
the film by Alan Rickman), were executed and many
followers, including Collins (played in the film by Liam
Neeson) and his friend Harry Boland (played in the film by
Aidan Quinn), were imprisoned. They became, upon release,
the new leaders of the Irish Independence Movement.
Collins travelled the country and made speeches. He also
organized the Irish Volunteers, a secret force that
attacked the oppressive British army and police. He
masterminded prison escapes, created underground
intelligence networks, and organized the obtaining of
weapons until Irish began to once again take control of
their own country. The British black-and-tans were sent in
to retaliate. De Valera went to America to appeal for
support while Collins brought the British to the breaking
point at home in Ireland. Then came the treaty that
established the Irish Free State and the rest, as well, is
history. Collins wrote, at the time, "Let us not waste our
energies brooding over the more we might have got. Let us
look upon what we have got ... Let us realize that the free
Ireland obtained by the Treaty is the greatest common
measure of freedom obtainable now, and the most pregnant
for future development. The freedom we have got gives us
scope for all that we can achieve by the most strenuous
united effort of the present generation to rebuild Ireland.
Can we not all join together to save the Irish ideal --
freedom and unity -- and to make it a reality?"
This film is epic in its content and epic in its
presentation. No wonder, it does have to tell the story of
the "Big Fella". He was a controversial figure then and
remains one still. Director Jordan explains, "When you see
the 20-year war of attrition that happened in Northern
Ireland, you realize the power of the forces that were
arrayed against him. At school we were fed very simplistic
versions of these very painful and complex historical
events. People couldn't tell the story of these events for
a long time because they'd been psychologically maimed by
them". Neil Jordan grew up in Southern Ireland and Liam
Neeson grew up in Northern Ireland; together they've made a
remarkable film.
Superb points for director Jordan and producer Stephen
Woolley (once again a winning team) and for the
performances of Liam Neeson in the title role as well as
Alan Rickman as Dev. Special mention for Chris Menges, now
known as director himself, for returning to fulfill the
task of lighting cameraman on a project that he became
intrigued with many years ago. Menges has created a visual
gem.
Those who are interested in investigating more of the
history might be well advised to read Tim Pat-Coogan's book
Michael Collins.
© 1994-2006 The Green Hartnett
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