Posted by The article you referenced, titled “Jim Sheridan’s ‘Secret’ Problem,” published on May 18, 2016, by Film Ireland, discusses challenges faced by Jim Sheridan during the production of The Secret Scripture (2016). Below is a summary and analysis of the key points related to the behind-the-scenes issues, based on available information and context from the provided search results.
Summary of Behind-the-Scenes Issues
The article highlights that Jim Sheridan, a six-time Oscar-nominated Irish filmmaker known for critically acclaimed works like My Left Foot (1989) and In the Name of the Father (1993), was facing difficulties during the production of The Secret Scripture. This film, an adaptation of Sebastian Barry’s 2008 novel, marked Sheridan’s return to Irish storytelling after less successful ventures like Dream House (2011). The specific “problem” alluded to in the title likely refers to a combination of production challenges, critical reception concerns, and the pressure to reclaim his earlier success.
Key points about the production:
- Filming and Cast: Principal photography took place from January 13 to March 6, 2015, in locations including Inistioge, County Kilkenny, Dublin, and Sligo. The film featured a strong cast, with Rooney Mara and Vanessa Redgrave playing the younger and older versions of Rose McNulty, respectively, alongside Eric Bana, Theo James, Jack Reynor, and Aidan Turner.
- Creative Challenges: Adapting Barry’s novel, which alternates between two time periods (1942 and the late 20th century), required condensing complex narratives. Sheridan and co-writer Johnny Ferguson made significant changes, such as altering the priest character to be younger and romantically involved with Rose, to heighten drama. These choices were polarizing, with some critics later noting the film lacked subtlety.
- Production Context: The article contrasts Sheridan’s struggles in 2016 with his more triumphant period in 2003, when he was promoting In America and advocating for Ireland’s film industry tax incentives. By 2016, Sheridan was under pressure to deliver a hit after mixed reviews for films like Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2005) and Brothers (2009). The Secret Scripture production faced high expectations due to its source material and Sheridan’s reputation.
- Distribution and Release: Voltage Pictures began selling distribution rights at the 2014 Berlin Film Festival, and Relativity Media acquired U.S. rights in November 2014. The film premiered at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) but faced delays, with a UK/Ireland release on May 19, 2017.
Specific Problems
While the article’s full text isn’t available, the “problem” likely encompasses:
- Critical Reception Risks: Early reviews from TIFF 2016 were mixed. Critics praised the performances (especially Mara and Redgrave) and cinematography by Mikhail Krichman but criticized the script’s clichés, lack of subtlety, and a controversial plot twist inherited from the novel. Some described the film as an “Irish soap opera” or a “full-tilt fiasco.”
- Production Delays: Filming was initially planned for May and September 2014 but was postponed to early 2015. Such delays can indicate logistical or financial issues, though specifics aren’t detailed.
- Creative Pressure: Sheridan’s decision to helm a female-driven story with complex themes (Ireland’s history, Church oppression, and mental health) required balancing emotional depth with historical accuracy. His interviews suggest personal investment in the mother-child narrative, but adapting the novel’s dense structure proved challenging.
- Industry Context: The article notes Sheridan’s advocacy for Section 481 tax breaks in 2003, implying that by 2016, he was navigating a changing Irish film industry. Funding or bureaucratic hurdles, common in co-productions, may have complicated The Secret Scripture.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
- Directing Style: Sheridan tailored his approach to his actors’ personalities. With Rooney Mara, he used improvisation and a relaxed dynamic, while with Vanessa Redgrave, he respected her preparation and avoided last-minute changes. This flexibility highlights his skill but also the challenge of aligning two distinct acting styles.
- Collaboration: Sheridan reunited with producer Noel Pearson (My Left Foot, The Field) and worked with cinematographer Mikhail Krichman, whose dark, lush visuals complemented the film’s tone. Brian Byrne’s score added emotional weight, though some felt it overemphasized melodrama.
- Thematic Focus: Sheridan aimed to address Ireland’s historical injustices, such as the Magdalene Laundries and Church control over women. However, critics argued the film leaned too heavily on melodrama, diluting its political commentary.
Outcome and Reception
The Secret Scripture premiered at TIFF 2016 to a divided response. While some praised its ambition and performances, others found it clichéd and predictable, with a plot twist that undermined its credibility. The film holds a 6.7/10 rating on IMDb, reflecting a moderate audience appreciation but not the critical acclaim of Sheridan’s earlier work. It was released in Ireland/UK in May 2017 and had a limited U.S. release on October 13, 2017.
Conclusion
Jim Sheridan’s The Secret Scripture faced significant behind-the-scenes challenges, including production delays, high expectations, and the difficulty of adapting a complex novel. The “secret problem” likely refers to the pressure to deliver a return-to-form project amid a mixed career phase, compounded by creative risks that didn’t fully resonate with critics. Despite these issues, Sheridan’s commitment to Irish stories and his ability to elicit strong performances shone through, even if the film didn’t match the success of his earlier masterpieces.
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