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Cal - the novel
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 CAL
Enigma (1984)
"..a sincere, intelligent and sensitive film."
The Guardian
This compelling romantic drama which, noted the
Daily Mail, has "moments of great tenderness and unexpected
wit" gains considerably in its dramatic impact from the superbly
realized background of the bitter sectarian violence in Northern
Ireland.
Cal played by John Lynch in a very impressive film debut is a 19
year old unemployed Catholic who is reluctantly drawn into the dangerous
and violent world of violent Republicanism becoming an accomplice
in the murder of a Protestant policeman. When he gets a job on the
lonely farm where the dead man's widow - Helen Mirren - lives with
her in-laws, Cal finds himself drawn to her. It is the start of
a passionate affair between the guilt-ridden youth and the unhappy
woman, a moving romance that ultimately ends in tragedy. The acting
in the two central roles is flawless. Helen Mirren won the award
as Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival and John Lynch's sensitive
portrayal won him high critical praise. Bernard MacLaverty's screenplay
won an Evening Standard Award.
Starring Helen Mirren and John Lynch
With Donal McCann, John Kavanagh, Ray McAnally
Written by Bernard MacLaverty from his original novel.
Music by Mark Knopfler
Executive Producer Terence A. Clegg
Produced by Stuart Craig and David Puttnam
Directed by Pat O'Connor |
