Calvary (2014 film)
| Calvary | |
|---|---|
 Movie poster | |
| Directed by | John Michael McDonagh |
| Written by | John Michael McDonagh |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Larry Smith |
| Edited by | Chris Gill |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Entertainment One (UK) Fox Searchlight Pictures (US)[1] |
Release dates |
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Running time | 101 minutes[2][3] |
| Countries |
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| Language | English |
| Budget | €6 million[4][citation needed] |
Calvary is a 2014 Irish-British black comedy drama film written and directed by John Michael McDonagh. Calvary stars Brendan Gleeson, Chris O'Dowd, Kelly Reilly, Aidan Gillen, and Isaach de Bankolé. The film began production in September 2012 and was released in April 2014[5] in Ireland and the United Kingdom and August 2014 in the United States. The film was screened at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival[6] and is scheduled to be shown at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival.[7]
Plot
Brendan Gleeson plays Father James Lavelle, a priest. A good man intent on making the world a better place, he is continually shocked and saddened by the spiteful and confrontational inhabitants of his small country town in County Sligo. The film opens with a parishioner threatening his life during confession, announcing that he will kill Lavelle the next Sunday, and as the week progresses the forces of darkness begin to close in around him.[8]
Cast
- Brendan Gleeson[8] as Father James Lavelle
- Chris O'Dowd[9] as Jack Brennan
- Kelly Reilly[9] as Fiona Lavelle
- Aidan Gillen[9] as Dr. Frank Harte
- Isaach de Bankolé[10] as Simon
- Orla O'Rourke [11] as Veronica Brennan
- David Wilmot[10] as Father Leary
- Domhnall Gleeson[10] as Freddie Joyce
- Pat Shortt[10] as Brendan Lynch
- David McSavage[10] as Bishop Garret Montgomery
- Dylan Moran[12] as Michael Fitzgerald
- Marie-Josée Croze[13] as Teresa
Production
Development
John Michael McDonagh conceived the idea for Calvary and wrote the screenplay while filming The Guard with Brendan Gleeson in late 2009. McDonagh explained the intentions he had for the film: "There are probably films in development about priests which involve abuse. My remit is to do the opposite of what other people do, and I wanted to make a film about a good priest." He elaborates that it is tonally "in the same darkly comedic vein as The Guard, but with a much more serious and dramatic narrative."[4] Gleeson's casting was announced in October 2011.[4] The casting of Chris O'Dowd, Kelly Reilly and Aidan Gillen was announced in February 2012,[9] while further casting was announced in August 2012.[10]
Principal photography
Filming began on 24 September 2012.[12] The production spent three weeks shooting in and around County Sligo, With some shooting in Ardgillan Castle Balbriggan Dublin followed by two weeks of filming in Rush, Dublin.[10]
Release
Calvary had its world premiere at the Sundance Film festival, January 19, 2014. Fox Searchlight secured distribution rights for the US and select international territories.[1] Calvary is due to make its European premiere in Berlin,[14] and Irish premiere as the gala opening of the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival, February 13, 2014.[15]
Reception
Critical response
Review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a score of 91% based on reviews from 13 critics, with an average rating of 7.8/10.[16]
Justin Chang of Variety magazine praised Brendan Gleeson for his soulful performance and called the film a "masterful follow-up to 'The Guard.'" and predicted near-certain critical plaudits into a distinguished arthouse reception for the film.[17] Tim Griersen of Screen International praises Gleeson for his performance and the film, calling it "A rich character drama that's equally eloquent and despairing, "Calvary" carries a weary resignation that feels lived-in and deeply considered." He cautions that the film might prove to be a hard sell as it examines religious faith and does not fit in an easily marketable genre.[2] Xan Brooks of the Guardian, comments on the self-referential nature of the film, and also calls the film "terrific (at least until the denouement, when it rather strains for grandeur)". Brooks gives the film 4/5.[18]
References
- ^ a b Mike Fleming Jr. (January 21, 2014). "Sundance Update: Fox Searchlight Lands Brendan Gleeson Pic 'Calvary'". Deadline.com.
- ^ a b Tim Grierson (January 20, 2014). "Calvary". Screen International.
- ^ http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/calvary-film
- ^ a b c Lyttleton, Oliver (21 October 2011). "'The Guard' Writer/Director John Michael McDonagh Reteaming With Brendan Gleeson For Drama 'Calvary'". blogs.indiewire.com. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
around the same mark as the $7m budget
- ^ http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Brendan-Gleeson-Gets-Threatened-Being-Too-Nice-Calvary-Trailer-40663.html
- ^ "'Calvary' & 'The Last Days of Peter Bergmann' join 'Frank' at Sundance 2014". 11 December 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
- ^ "Panorama 2014: First Films". berlinale. Retrieved 2013-12-31.
- ^ a b Kemp, Stuart (9 February 2012). "Berlin 2012: Brendan Gleeson, Chris O'Dowd and Aidan Gillen Sign Up for John Michael McDonagh's 'Calvary'". hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
- ^ a b c d Tartaglione, Nancy (9 February 2012). "Protagonist To Proffer John Michael McDonagh's 'Calvary': Berlin". deadline.com. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f g Cummins, Steve (23 August 2012). "Exclusive: John Michael McDonagh Confirms 'Calvary' Production Date". iftn.ie. Retrieved 9 September 2012.
- ^ "Internet Movie Database: Calvary (2014) - Full Cast & Crew". Retrieved 14 April 2014.
- ^ a b Hall, Eva (3 October 2012). "John Michael McDonagh's 'Calvary' Begins Filming as Dylan Moran Joins Cast". iftn.ie. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
- ^ Kemp, Stuart (2 October 2012). "'Calvary': Dylan Moran, Marie Josée Crozé and Isaach De Bankolé Join the John Michael McDonagh Film". hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
- ^ http://www.deadline.com/2013/12/berlin-film-festival-panorama-films-from-michel-gondry-john-michael-mcdonagh/
- ^ http://www.jdiff.com/index.php/news/article/opening_gala_for_2014_jameson_dublin_international_film_festival_announced
- ^ "Calvary (2013)". Rotten Tomatoes. Flixster. Retrieved 2014-03-13.
- ^ Justin Chang (January 20, 2014). "Sundance Film Review: 'Calvary'". Variety.
- ^ Xan Brooks (January 20, 2014). "Calvary: Sundance 2014 - first look review". Guardian [UK].
Dave Lojek (February 2, 2014). "Chronik eines angekündigten Todes". Film Report.