Thursday, April 9, 1998
Fantasy blends into real world with ‘Butcher Boy’
FILM: Irish director often explores illogical, surreal topics in
his indie works
By Sumyi Khong
Daily Bruin Contributor
As Neil Jordan takes a seat at the Sunset Marquis Hotel
conference room, his brown hair flops over his eyes and casts a
shadow over his squarish baby face. With his soft features and
boyish appearance, the director resembles an adult Eamonn Owens,
the remarkable young actor who played twelve-year-old Francie Brady
in Jordan’s latest project, "The Butcher Boy."
The movie deals with Francie’s unique world where the separation
between fantasy and reality blurs to the point that even maniacal
homicide seems rational. Although Jordan holds no murderous
intents, he still considers himself to be living in his own kind of
fantasy world, like Francie.
"I never entirely live in a real world. I rather think lots of
us don’t really," says Jordan in his rich Irish accent.
It seems Jordan’s fascination with fantasy has extended into his
previous works. One of the Irish director’s first projects, "The
Company of Wolves" is what he classifies as an adult fairy tale. In
the states, he has been involved in the supernatural comedy "High
Spirits" starring Darryl Hannah, and the more recent "Interview
With the Vampire" which explores the surreal world of bloodsucking
creatures.
"The Butcher Boy" is also filled with surreal images, this time
focusing on the 1960s television and comic book pop culture as well
as religious iconography. Although aided by the lush backdrop of
rural Ireland and the haunting visual images from Francie Brady’s
mind, the strength of the movie comes from the dramatic
performances of the actors. Visually as well as from a dialogue
standpoint, "The Butcher Boy" is rich and juicy fare.
Jordan’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Besides receiving
enthusiastic reviews, "The Butcher Boy" won the Silver Bear Award
for Best Director at the Berlin Film Festival last month. Owens
also garnered a special mention for his role.
Although the film features a few acclaimed actors known over the
continent, including Stephen Rea who starred in Jordan’s 1992 "The
Crying Game," "The Butcher Boy" cast is relatively unknown to the
American public. Probably the most familiar face is that of Sinead
O’Connor, who portrays the Virgin Mary; beautifully holy yet
sinfully capable of tainting Francie’s young mind with impure
notions of murder and revenge.
O’Connor’s cameo ends up stealing every scene she is in, but
Jordan was initially apprehensive about casting her.
"I was a bit worried we’d be misinterpreted," Jordan explains.
"I didn’t cast her because she ripped up a picture of the Pope. I
cast her because she looks kind of virginal. She’s also a good
actress."
The Virgin Mary is just one of various religious references
appearing before Francie. When asked if he views Catholicism as a
type of fantasy world, Jordan answers emphatically, "Absolutely.
What is it? What else is it? It’s not a logical system," yet he
admits that the Catholic aspect is deeply rooted in his own Irish
background.
In addition to the holy spirit, the movie also revels in the
spirit of independent filmmaking. In Europe, Jordan is especially
recognized for his indie efforts. His third film, the low budget
romantic thriller "Mona Lisa," received widespread international
recognition, including Best Actor at the 1986 Cannes Film Festival
and an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for Bob Hoskins. "The Crying
Game," which earned Jordan an Academy Award for Best Original
Screenplay was another successful independent film that gained
crossover appeal to make it commercially viable too.
"I prefer doing independent films," Jordan says. "But it’s
something quite thrilling to do a large scale movie the way you’d
do an independent movie."
Even in his more mainstream blockbuster film, "Interview With
the Vampire," Jordan took the time to develop the characters’
emotional complexities, something that is often missing in
big-budget blockbusters.
"’Interview’ was all about Louis (Brad Pitt) and his yearning
for life," Jordan explains. "He so longed for a piece of humanity
to come through. It’s difficult to get emotion out of a screen but
it’s the only thing worth doing in the end I think. If I go to see
a movie and I’m not overpowered by emotion, I feel cheated."
While his experience working in Hollywood has been mostly
pleasant, Jordan prefers shooting in Ireland where he has a freer
reign over the creative process.
"Often when European directors come to Hollywood, they get
burnt," Jordan says. "I think if you come from Europe, no one
questions your authority as a director. When you come to Hollywood,
suddenly you know you’re not the king of the process. If you’re not
prepared for that, you could end up with very burnt fingers."
Though cautious about Hollywood, his latest three films have
been set in Ireland and he contends that he’s "a bit Irish-ed out
at the moment. There’s only so many things you can say about it."
"The Butcher Boy" is Jordan’s 10th movie in just a little over 10
years and he does not seem to be slowing down. He has several
projects on the way, including the upcoming film, "The Vision."
"I am too overactive so probably movies suit me very well. I
came to make them because they keep me busy."Jordan laughs.
In his future projects, Jordan expresses a desire to explore
further into the fantasy world.
"I’m fascinated by illogic. (Movies are) sometimes the best
medium for expressing the irrationality of one’s experience of the
world," Jordan explains. "And I love fables. They’re stories that
have the simplicity and depth of a fairy tale."
While his head may appear to belong in – or at least aim for –
the clouds, Jordan seems very grounded about his views of
moviemaking.
"All that the people want to see at the end is a good movie.
They also want to make money of course," Jordan says. "I’m not sure
if I can give them a movie that’ll make a lot of money all the
time, but I can give them a good movie."
FILM: "The Butcher Boy" is currently in theaters.Geffen
Pictures
Eamonn Owens (left) and Alan Boyle play Indians in "The Butcher
Boy."
Geffen Pictures
Eamonn Owens (center), Rosaleen Linehan (left) and Anita Reeves
star in "The Butcher Boy."