Life Through the Lens: What’s so great about the ‘big picture?’
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"You didn't do anything to me … I just don't like you no more."
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I like the invention of penicillin as much as the next guy. I am all for space travel, the Sistine Chapel and scaling Everest … but I think the "big picture" is overrated.
The big picture reaps anxiety and fear -- the big picture sows discord and division. Wars are fought over the big picture, leaving the small pictures in rubble and ruin. Relationships are deserted over the big picture, feelings of inadequacy and indifference in its wake. Accomplishment, achievement, authority, affluence -- these things fuel the big picture, driving it toward the illusion of immortality. Who has time for kindness, for flexibility, for value, for embrace when the world is at stake? When kingdoms are to be built or legacies to be forged? Pshh, that small stuff can shove off!
I hereby launch the "small picture" revolution. So long religious battles over eternal damnation -- let us simply love those around us, acceptance and tenderness reigning supreme! So long progress at the cost of people, consumers only fuel for the fire -- let us rediscover the timeless art of contentment and ease. So long insatiable pursuit of the unreachable and unrealistic, the dreams of the self-absorbed and neurotic -- let us see the immediate, recognize the urgency and find fullness in the familiar. So long global gulfs, national nastiness and homegrown hostilities -- let us see our effect as concrete and consequential, directing or detouring those around us daily.
The small picture is one of small circles … but enormous real impact. The small picture is one of small aims … but immense purpose. The small picture is one of no resounding reputation … but infinite influence on those around us.
I am grateful Mozart existed with his vision of the big picture compelling his art … but I do not wish to be Mozart's child or his friend. The big picture removed him, creating a ghost where a father and friend should have been. The big picture drove him to madness and death. If I never write a symphony that advances music forever, so be it; at least my family and friends will receive my time, my attention, my devotion, my love enough to cover them and keep them warm long after I am gone.
Let the small picture revolution begin!
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With a raging civil war shredding mainland Ireland, the remote island of Inisherin is cloaked in tranquility and sleepiness. Gunshots can be heard across the sea, but the distance felt from the violence feels infinite. Here -- life is simple and sincere. There -- who cares? It is there, not here.
Padraic Suilleabhain (Colin Farrell) loves his friend Colm Doherty (Brendan Gleeson). Padraic may be a bit dull, but since when is that a crime? He is loyal, and he is sincere … so what if he drones on and on about his pony's droppings? Colm is quiet and contemplative, often seen composing pieces for his fiddle or wistfully staring at the power of the roiling breakers. They may be an odd pair, but they have been an effortless and immovable duo for years … until today, that is.
Today, Colm declares that the friendship needs to be dissolved. It has run its course. From here on out, there are to be no more words spoken between them. Padraic refuses to believe these words true -- they are unmotivated and unacceptable; Colm is his best friend! When polite means fall short, Colm is left with only the drastic: if Padraic even speaks a single word to him again, Colm will cut off his own fingers in protest! Can he be serious?! There is only one way to find out….
Padraic's sister Siobhan (Kerry Condon) is adamant that Padraic move on and allow Colm his plea for peace. Like always, Padraic hears his sister and appreciates her words but quickly sets them aside as misguiding. Padraic's younger friend and protege-of-sorts Dominic Kearney (Barry Keoghan) offers similar advice, offering to be Padraic's new best friend. Why not? Padraic knows that Dominic will never fill that hole, though … he is, for sure, too dull himself.
No, friendships can't just end for no reason. Not on Padraic's watch!
My review in one word: flawless! This is a film overflowing with wit and wisdom. It is art both approachable and unattainable. Writer/director Martin McDonagh is a talent unmatched. His films have always been stirring and searching, but this one takes the cake! The finesse shown in the creation and progression of these characters is astounding. The excellence of the words, the depth of the feeling, the absurdity mixed with the authenticity … it is an experience to behold. McDonagh's script is worthy of study as is his delicacy in direction. The final product will leave you both speechless and unable to stop talking about it!
A standout of the film is its setting, rich and relentless. The cinematography of Ben Davis is exquisite and instinctual, bringing the fictional island of Inisherin (real-life Inis Mor and Achill Island) to life in front of your eyes! The production design of Mark Tildesley is full of intrigue and intricacy, breathing life into these early 19th century houses. The music of Carter Burwell is lovely in its pulse and its placement.
The acting is picture-perfect in this perfect picture. Colin Farrell is as lovable as he is laughable - he embodies the role of Padraic with a raw quality tempered with richness. Beautiful! Brendan Gleeson is strangely empathetic (for someone so, how do you say, sociopathic) -- he is inspired and determined, full of passion and purpose. Gorgeous! Kerry Condon is wonderfully textured as Siobhan, bringing a needed grace and perspective to the story. Barry Keoghan is brilliant, taking the simple character of Dominic and injecting severe and subtle shades of life. Together, this is a collection of performances for the ages.
I can't promise you will feel as I did upon leaving the theater, but I can promise that you will feel something. Melancholy? Resolute? Moved? Hungry? Whatever your prevailing emotion, "The Banshees of Inisherin" is a work to be digested and discussed. Good luck! Call me, and let's talk about it!
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REPORT CARD: "The Banshees of Inisherin."
Grade: A+.
Comment: The ultimate balance of comedy and tone