Your new movie The
Black Guelph - in a few words, what's it about?
It's an examination of the Irish psyche with a group of characters who
connect through generational trauma. What isn't said becomes a symptom.
What were your sources of inspiration when writing The
Black Guelph, and is any of it based on personal experiences?
The mass industrial school industry created by the Irish state who
colluded with the Catholic Church essentially enslaved Irish children is
our main inspiration along with the knock-on effect of those atrocities
that still affects so many Irish people. It's in all our families.
What can you tell us about your co-writer Tiernan Williams, and
what was your collaboration like?
Tiernan is an integrative psychotherapist and a cognitive scientist from
a community that has been neglected and stigmatised similar to my own.
Our work together resembles telepathy at times!
A few words about your overall directorial approach to your story at hand?
Scoresese, Shane Meadows, Ken Loach, hand-held, long takes, immersive
realism. Capturing the soul of the characters is the most important
thing. Run and gun, guerrilla style!
You also appear in front of the camera in The
Black Guelph - so what can you tell us about your character, what
did you draw upon to bring him to life, and have you written Ryan with
yourself in mind from the get-go?
No, Tiernan suggested it. We couldn't cast anyone in time. The character
is evil. He is the black guelph, and evil arm of the state. I took
inspiration from a psychopathic Irish police officer who terrorised my
family, and I also leaned into Josh Brolin's character in American
Gangster. His whole look and demeanour I robbed.
Do talk about the rest of The
Black Guelph's cast, and why exactly these people? The whole cast were serendipitously cast and meant to play their
characters. The biggest pleasure was watching them up close every day, nailing it! What
can you tell us about the shoot as such, and the on-set atmosphere? Micro budget. Freezing January. Covid lockdown. Chaos, insanity, hell!
But it was worth it. The $64-question of course, where can The
Black Guelph be seen?
Six cities across the East Coast on March 22nd! Anything you can tell us
about audience and critical reception of The
Black Guelph? We won Best Film and Graham Early won Best Actor at Oldenburg
International Festival! Rave reviews so far, I just want people to walk
away with something that is important to them. Any future projects you'd like to
share? Crazy Love - a love story set in a mental hospital. I'm a producer and
lead actor. Watch out for Jade Jordan who stars alongside me. She's
going all the way! From what I know, you initially entered the
filmworld as an actor - so what can you tell us about that aspect of cour
career? Working consistently for 12 years. Honing my craft that I love, and I've
played a range of supporting and lead characters in some of Ireland's
most popular films and shows of recent times. To work in a creative
industry is a pleasure and a privilege.
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What made you pick up writing and directing
eventually, and did you receive any formal training on the subject? My life has been my training. I'm obsessed with telling stories. Simple. What
can you tell us about your filmwork prior to The
Black Guelph, in whatever position? Majority of it has been acting but I directed a documentary feature
called Endless Sunshine on a Cloudy Day, which won awards across the
glove. Every day is a school day. How would you describe yourself as a director?
I know when to get out of the way. Love my actors and will do anything to support them.
Filmmakers who inspire you? I mentioned them in my directorial style, but Scoresese is king. Your favourite
movies ... and of course, films you really deplore? Raging Bull is the greatest film ever made. Fatal Deviation is the worst
but maybe the funniest. Anything
else you're dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask? Express don't repress. X Thanks
for the interview!
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