Truly touching and heart warmingly funny is Hugh Leonard's adaptation of his play "Da" and novel "Home Before Night". Simple story of one man's effort to finally communicate with his recently deceased father (who keeps popping into his head) hits all the right notes thanks to Matt Clark's skillful, subtle direction and two marvellous turns from the lead actors.
Martin Sheen gives one of his best ever performances as the frustrated son of a maddeningly placid gardener who just wants to be able to get through to his stubborn, down trodden father. And veteran Barnard Hughes is a pure delight as "Da", the feeble willed old man who doesn't ever seem to get mad at anything or anyone.
Clark develops and outlines this touching, tragic and at times all too shallow relationship beautifully, as both Sheen and Hughes bring their characters to life with passion and purpose. There is strong support from Doreen Hepburn, as Charlie's long suffering, determined mother, Karl Hayden as young Charlie and William Hickey as Charlie's irascible former employer.
Nancy Nutaal Beyda's editing is near perfection in its judgement while director of photography Alar Kivilo lenses with deft skill, capturing many times the beauty of Ireland. Frank Conway's production design is easy on the eye, and Elmer Bernstein's music is equally appealing to the aural senses, being both soothing and melodic.
Monday, November 6, 195 - Video
Martin Sheen gives one of his best ever performances as the frustrated son of a maddeningly placid gardener who just wants to be able to get through to his stubborn, down trodden father. And veteran Barnard Hughes is a pure delight as "Da", the feeble willed old man who doesn't ever seem to get mad at anything or anyone.
Clark develops and outlines this touching, tragic and at times all too shallow relationship beautifully, as both Sheen and Hughes bring their characters to life with passion and purpose. There is strong support from Doreen Hepburn, as Charlie's long suffering, determined mother, Karl Hayden as young Charlie and William Hickey as Charlie's irascible former employer.
Nancy Nutaal Beyda's editing is near perfection in its judgement while director of photography Alar Kivilo lenses with deft skill, capturing many times the beauty of Ireland. Frank Conway's production design is easy on the eye, and Elmer Bernstein's music is equally appealing to the aural senses, being both soothing and melodic.
Monday, November 6, 195 - Video