Ken Loach has directed a whopping 49 movies, and you’d think he’d round it up to 50 before calling it a day. Alas, Jimmy’s Hall is to be the...
Ken Loach has directed a whopping 49 movies, and you’d think he’d round it up to 50 before calling it a day. Alas, Jimmy’s Hall is to be the last movie that Ken Loach will direct. While far from a perfect piece of celluloid, this is a very fine swan song for Ken Loach.
Jimmy Gralton was a political activist in 1930s Ireland who finds himself deported during the ‘Red Scare’. Depending on your politics and history, the argument could be made that Gralton was more of a community activist than anything else as his ambition for a hall where the locals get together to sing, dance, learn and generally have a good time, was legendary. It’s this den of sin that falls under the hatred gaze of the local parish priest who really goes out of this way to make life a living hell for Gralton.
Visually Jimmy’s Hall is like an old Irish postcard. Some of you may well recall those washed out, yet vibrant postcards of cows, sheep and ginger children. This is visually quite stunning with beautiful scenery and sets that are rich with detail and incredibly authentic. Many shots are wonderfully composed and could easily pass as stunning works of art. You wouldn’t expect anything less from Ken Loach who genuinely has a great eye and a high level of attention to detail.
Visuals aside this is a standout performance from Barry Ward as Jimmy Gralton. He embodies the character completely and this is a very authentic performance, so much so that it is difficult to spot the actor inside this role. With few exceptions though, the supporting cast are quite poor with many of them coming across as forced and contrived and they completely let the movie down. But as I said, exceptions apply. Particularly Simone Kirby who has a smouldering sensuality to her that really grows on the audience as the movie progresses. Jim Norton plays the omnipotent parish priest as is simply stunning as this self obsessed, feared and imposing individual. When he’s on the pulpit reigning down doom, gloom and how the locals should live their lives, he does it masterfully. With arms spread across the entire pulpit he is very intimidating. It’s these performances that pull you into this amazing, god fearing world and no doubt it will have many Irish audiences reflecting on their history.
Initially the movie feels like Irish cliché after Irish cliché, from dancing at the crossroads to turf cutting. But about half way through the web that Loach spins traps you and you find yourself completely immersed. Jimmy’s Hall is a riveting piece of cinema left down only by a hit and miss supporting cast. It’s a fine swan song for Ken Loach and this is definitely worth a watch. Get to the hall before its gone!
By the way, check out our exclusive interview with Barry Ward on the podcast
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