Jean Doyle Movies
- 1995
Artist Matthew Barney continues his elaborate, symbolic mediation on sex, death, and creation with this 40-minute audiovisual installment of his much-acclaimed Cremaster cycle. Labeled the first in the series although it was originally exhibited second (in 1995, following the inaugural Cremaster 4), Cremaster 1 is set in the sculptor/filmmaker's hometown of Boise, ID, on the football field of Bronco Stadium. There, a flock of stewardesses and showgirls converge, forming intricate dance/movement patterns both on the field and in the sky, their actions dictated by Goodyear (Marti Domination), a goddess hovering overhead, simultaneously occupying two Goodyear blimps. While surveying her subjects, each version of Goodyear arranges grapes in a formation on the floor, which are then carried out by the dancers below. ~ Michael Hastings, All Movie Guide
An alternative to the general run of "triumph over the odds" biopics, My Left Foot is the true story of Irish cerebral palsy victim Christy Brown. Paralyzed from birth, Brown (played by Hugh O'Conor as child and Daniel Day-Lewis as an adult) is written off as retarded and helpless. But Christy's indomitable mother (Brenda Fricker) never gives up on the boy. Using his left foot, the only part of his body not afflicted, Brown learns to write. He grows up to become a well-known author, painter, and fundraiser, and along the way falls in love with nurse Mary Carr (Ruth McCabe). There's no sugarcoating in My Left Foot: Brown, a heavy drinker, was by no means lovable. Day-Lewis and Fricker both won Academy Awards for their performances, and the film was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Also notable are the late Ray McAnally in his next-to-last film role as Christy's father, and venerable Cyril Cusack as Lord Castlewelland. Director Jim Sheridan co-scripted with Shane Connaughton from Christy Brown's autobiography. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Daniel Day-Lewis, Ray McAnally, (more)
