-->Hunger, directed by Steve McQueen (no, not that Steve McQueen), is based on the last few months of IRA (Irish Republican Army) member Bobby Sands’ life in a British prison. He and his fellow-members demanded political status, and when denied despite several efforts, he decided to go on a hunger strike unto death. The most interesting aspect about the movie is that, despite never taking sides with either the British government or the IRA, or for that matter, the camera hardly ever leaving the claustrophobic prison setting, the movie has the ability to evoke strong reactions from its viewers – it is that lacerating and passionate a portrayal of the brutal struggle between the two sides. This stark, moody, intensely visceral, superbly paced and thoroughly engaging movie has made exceptional use of silences and long takes – in one brilliant maneuver, there is one single, static take where Sands and a priest engage on a lengthy dialogue over a plethora of cigarettes, which lasts a staggering 20 minutes! The movie, which doesn’t really have any plot per se, received a shot in the arm thanks to an absolutely terrific performance by Michael Fassbender (in the role of Sands), and great editing which managed to ensure a languorous pace while at the same time retaining the raw edge of the powerful script.
Director: Steve McQueen
Genre: Drama/Prison Drama/Political Drama
Language: English
Country: UK/Ireland
4 comments:
For a directorial debut, Hunger is an exceptionally mature and assured in its use of ideology and cinematography. Michael Fassbender is a rising talent in British cinema and he brings a certain physicality to the role. This is one of the strongest and most original statements on the Northern Ireland conflict, and is to positioned alongside films like 'Bloody Sunday' and 'The Wind that Shakes the Barley'.
Yeah, an exceptionally assured directorial debut indeed. That 20 minute single take - man, even a veteran might not have had the dare to pull that off! I'd be really interested to watch other movies starring Michael Fassbender.
Fassbender is good in both 'Eden Lake' and also 'Fish Tank'.
Thanks Omar, I'll look out for the 2 movies you've mentioned.
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