Irish Films Wow Critics and Buyers at Sundance Film Festival
Brooklyn and Glassland, two films funded by Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board, have earned rave reviews following their debut at the Sundance Film Festival, with Brooklyn receiving a distribution deal worth $9 million from Fox Searchlight pictures.
Brooklyn, directed by John Crowley and written by Nick Hornby adapted from Colm Tóibín's novel, received a standing ovation following its premiere at the festival on January 26. Starring Irish talent including Saoirse Ronan and Domhnall Gleeson, The Hollywood Reporter described the film as "a stellar adaptation in every respect, filled with vibrant small roles for excellent character actors and instilling two love stories with their own very different feels." The performances were singled out for praise, in particular those of Ronan, Gleeson and Emory Cohen. The New York Post stated that Brooklyn is "more than a conventional tear-jerker" and as "a thing of beauty, a delicate, tender period piece." Writing for rogerebert.com, Brian Tallerico described the film as "magical" and comparing it to Jim Sheridan's In America, said that Brooklyn is "a beautiful film from top to bottom, a piece that worked the kind of old-fashioned, romantic movie magic on me in ways that are all too rare" and that it may be Ronan's "best work to date."
A bidding war for the distribution rights followed the screening, which was won by Fox Searchlight's offer of around $9 million.
Ireland-based Windmill Lane VFX is the lead VFX company on the film, tasked with creating 60 invisible VFX shots including 3D matte paintings to digitally create 1950’s Manhattan and Coney Island. The film was shot in Ireland and Canada, which doubled for the New York borough, meaning much of the VFX work involved adding iconic landmarks of the area to the photography.
Another Irish film, Glassland, has also earned strong reviews from international press following its Sundance screening. Written and directed by Gerard Barrett (Pilgrim Hill), the film stars Jack Reynor, Toni Collette and Will Poulter. The Hollywood Reporter noted the acting and praised Jack Reynor's "impressive talent for conveying emotions without using words." Barrett's direction was also lauded, stating that "Before anyone has even said anything, the economy of Barrett as a storyteller is abundantly clear." Writing for IndieWire, Carlos Aguilar noted that Glassland's "melancholic beauty is elicited from the decisively enthralling cinematography and two utterly intense performances." The Guardian meanwhile said that "The tears in Glassland catch you unawares. This is not your run-of-the-mill weepy, nor your archly-crafted Oscar bait."
Brooklyn will be released in late 2015, while Glassland will be released in Ireland on April 17th.