I start my movie review by mentioning the most prestigious nomination in Hollywood. A film nominated for 9 Oscars, that’s why it caught my attention. Before that, I had not heard anything about it and would probably watch it soon. At this moment, among all the contenders for the Oscar, I have already watched 4 films. Hope I will have time to watch, at least those that can win the “Best Picture” nomination. Among them is “The Banshees of Inisherin” (2022).
The first thing catches my eye is an unknown to me director (Martin McDonagh), who also is a screenwriter. Second, one of my favorite actors – Colin Farrell. Third, of course, is the huge number of Oscar nominations. Even before viewing, film is characterized by me as one that deserves attention and, at a minimum, should be watched.
The review will be formed two weeks before the Oscar ceremony, and it is no coincidence it will have the taste of predictions about one or another nomination. In time (after the ceremony and the announcement of the results), this sign will be a little distracting, but I don’t care. No one can stop me from playing a seer by a little on my site.
An island in Ireland, 1923, a small settlement, single houses, everyone knows each other.
The immense space gives the film a powerful contrasting potential. Against background, every event is formed with exceptional clarity and expressiveness. Nature acts as a silent observer and at the same time an example how you can be silent and give joy, warmth, be a source of inspiration and beauty. From this bright, but not obvious perspective, a solution to the conflict emerges, which also appears in the central part of the film (communication, relationships, interaction between people), namely, to give without thinking about benefit in return. But human nature does not expect silence, but a whirlwind of thoughts that allow it to doubt, to wander in search of an answer, to make mistakes, while deceptively staring at the environment with intelligence and importance.
Scenario
Dialogues are simple but refined. The entire script and film is built on dialogues. This is not a sharp and brutal Tarantino, but a very, very attractive style that causes not only curiosity, but also regular applause to genius.
From the first seconds to the end, film breathes with intrigue. Such tension and curiosity to watch further distinguishes a quality movie from crap. The created atmosphere of those times qualitatively offers itself through the narration, accents, stories of individual people, united by one common life on an island common to all, symbolizing the Earth: the same problems everywhere, the same simplicity, kindness, sincerity and beauty in helplessness ahead of time.
A tape about life
Like most powerful metaphorical films, “The Banshees of Inisherin” (2022) explores fundamental concepts that touch anyone: kindness, friendship, time, life, death, intelligence, loneliness, relationships, war, and more. Some of these words are revealed as much as possible, some are mentioned in a couple of lines.
I am not surprised by the “Best picture” nomination, because it has everything needed to win, everything is here to be delighted with this film.
Camera
It is incomprehensible to me “The Banshees of Inisherin” is not nominated in “Cinematography” nomination, because it is the compositional solutions and unique style that give the film a special taste, perfection and almost ideal.
The frame constantly wants to be stopped. This is not so much a film as a set of consecutive voiced photographs.
Perhaps the authors were not sure about the limitations of locations and color. I haven’t seen all the films in this Oscar nomination, so I can’t compare yet, but I really liked the cinematography.
Music
The music is monotonous and repetitive, but witty and quite catchy. I can hardly say this is a strong part of picture, considering one of nominations for the Oscar in 2023 is “Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures”. I do not see victory here. Much more chance in “Everything is always and at the same time” (2022) or in “All Quiet on the Western Front”. Yes, there is a powerful soundtrack, but it’s just there, that’s all.
Actors
There is nothing to say about Colin Farrell. He is consistently unsurpassed and definitely compelling. Whether he will win the Oscar, I will say in a separate article I will write after watching all the key films. But Farrell’s chances are quite high.
For the first time, I see two candidates in one nomination. To be honest, I absolutely do not believe in young Barry Keoghan victory, he was much less than his “competitor” Brendan Gleeson. In addition, the old man, in my opinion, deserves a statuette in addition to his high-quality performance in “The Banshees of Inisherin” for his rich and outstanding acting life.
It is interesting to watch the characters, each of them did their job skillfully.
Conclusions
Everyone should watch this picture.
This is the case when tape will be useful to anyone, it is universal, it will find shelter for every viewer. It has everything, in my opinion, a quality cinematography should contain: precision, wit, intrigue, depth, pace, questions.
The credits push me watch again. It will happen later, not now, but fact speaks for itself.
Super attractive frame, metaphorical fireworks, complexity, quality acting, dynamics, endless intrigue, atmosphere, space.
A very strong competitor of “All Quiet on the Western Front” in “Best Picture” and “Directing” nominations. I will announce all other later, when I look at the rest of applicants.
It is deservedly included in the “Best Movies” list, because:
My rating for “The Banshees of Inisherin” (2022) is 10 out of 10
