Shadow Dancer, 2012.
Directed by James Marsh.
Starring Clive Owen, Andrea Riseborough, Gillian Anderson, Aidan Gillen, Domhnall Gleeson, Brid Brennan, David Wilmot, Stuart Graham and Martin McCann.
SYNOPSIS:
In 1990s Belfast, an IRA member becomes an MI5 informant in order to protect her son’s welfare.
Following the recent events in Northern Ireland, James Marsh’s 1993 set IRA drama feels more relevant and hard hitting than intended. The story follows IRA member Colette McVeigh (Andrea Riseborough on fine form) and her transformation to MI5 informant. The gritty, hard hitting drama is intriguing to watch, but unfortunately the plot doesn’t provide anything new.
Shadow Dancer is a successful film because of the performances. Andrea Riseborough’s often silent potrayal of IRA member Colette is real and fully formed. This is the performance that will define Riseborough and will hopefully propel her career. Colette is a tortured character from beginning to end and it is a testament to both Marsh and Riseborough that we are able to feel sympathetic towards her. Stripped to basics, Colette is an IRA member responsible for bombings, deaths and so on; however, Shadow Dancer offers the flipside to this – it humanises Colette and shows her lack of dedication is wavering right from the opening. Riseborough is able to convey Colette’s confliction, and brings a strong sense of humanity to her character.
Supporting Riseborough, the audience are treated to the likes of Aidan Gillen, Clive Owen, Gillian Anderson and Domhnall Gleeson. As with so many films that only run for just over 90 minutes, several of the supporting characters aren’t fully explained. This could be intentional, but ultimately winds up as frustrating. Who is Gillian Anderson’s Kate Fletcher? How did Aidan Gillen’s Jerry McVeigh rise within the IRA? These are questions that appear to be an afterthought, as if Tom Bradby wasn’t able to translate the complexities of his book onto the big screen.
Clive Owen’s MI5 agent Mac is equally frustrating to watch. He delivers a fantastic performance, but his motivations aren’t explained and his relationship with Colette is ambiguous at best. Owen isn’t an actor known for variation, and Shadow Dancer is no exception. But in his case typecasting works. He delivers his lines with cold determination and his desperation throughout the film adds to his character.
Aside from Riseborough, Domhnall Gleeson’s performance stands out above the rest. His character Connor McVeigh isn’t given much screen time, but when he’s on screen he illuminates. Once again his past isn’t explained, but his mysterious behaviour and clear devotion to his sister makes him a compelling character. Domhnall isn’t afraid of taking on meaty roles and Shadow Dancer has proven this. It’s a testament to him that he is able to convey such an array of emotions almost silently.
Shadow Dancer is by no means a popcorn-fest film. It’s gritty, hard hitting, violent, and upsetting. All these hallmarks usually make a 5 star film; however, Shadow Dancer doesn’t offer the audience anything new. The plot is one that has been used hundreds of times and it doesn’t take a genius to work out where the inevitable twist is coming from. It’s still an intriguing and absorbing film to watch, but if you’re looking for a film unlike any other, this isn’t it.
Marsh directs the film expertly. One technique that stands out in particular is how Marsh holds his camera back on numerous occasions. Someone leaves the house, we see them exit from the comfortable safety of the domestic kitchen. There’s something about this technique which unsettles the audience and almost confuses.
The director, location scout, costume designers and so on have done a wonderful job with Shadow Dancer. They expertly recreate 1993 Belfast, from the worn down buildings through to the fiery red jacket Colette wears throughout. No detail is overlooked, which makes for an authentic movie going experience.
Although not without its flaws, Shadow Dancer is one of the best dramas this year. Riseborough’s performance alone is worth the admission fee, and although the tale unwinds as you would expect, it’s subject matter and the way it unravels is worth watching.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Helen Murdoch
Originally published September 7, 2012. Updated April 11, 2018.
