A group of emerging Irish filmmakers have completed production on a modern re telling of the classic James Joyce story Two Gallants. The short film features the unreleased song ‘Where Are We Here?’ composed, produced and performed by Brian Fast Leiser of the Fun Lovin’ Criminals. The film’s completion coincides with the centenary of Joyce’s ‘Dubliners’, on which the film is based. The film will now be submitted to film festivals internationally.
Although primarily the story of two con men similar to the original short story by James Joyce, the film focuses on the tenuous relationship of the two men and the fear Lenehan has that his friend Corley may dessert him for his new female companion. Recession era Dublin is portrayed visually as a city where each individual is trying to get ahead of one another in the environment and also in each characters interaction. The film addresses themes and issues related to capitalism, emigration and homelessness currently found in Irish culture while still fulfilling its heist story origins.
Filming took place in Artane, Swords, Dun Laoghaire and at a variety of locations in Dublin’s city centre including Oil Can Harry’s pub and the Portobello Hotel. The screenplay was written by Irish actor Carl Finnegan & Darren McGrath. Carl Finnegan also directed and executive produced the film.
“This film will I hope showcase new Irish filmmaking talent and introduce a new generation to James Joyce. I’m overwhelmed by the support we have recieved from my hometown of Limerick and our local community here in Dublin as well as James Joyce fans Internationally” says Carl Finnegan one of the founders of the production company Rose-Finn Films.
The principal cast includes Carl Finnegan as Corley, John Carey as Lenehan, Alicja Ayres, George Bracebridge, Mary T. McCormack, Niamh Hogan, Aaron Jenner and Amanda Coakley.
The film was independently produced and recieved support from the local community in Dublin, as well as support internationally through an online fundrazr campaign. The filmmakers would also like to recognise Julie Drew, Kathleen Hunt, Dave Hughes, Dearbhla Walsh, Marian Gahan, Wendy O’Connor and Fitzgeralds Pub Sandycove whom have provided significant support to this project.
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