The Field

Irish director Jim Sheridan has some mighty fine films under his belt but for my money none compare to masterpiece about the people about those who survived the great famine. Adapted from the famous John B. Keane play, THE FIELD provides an avenue for the amazing Richard Harris to show why he was considered one of the greatest actors ever to grace the screen. Shakespearian in it's delivery on all accounts, THE FIELD is by no means a pleasant story and though set in the past, like any great tale it rings a bell of clarity quite applicable to today's world. Harris garnered his second Oscar nomination for his work here and I must say I've always been happy he was cast as Dumbledore in the early HARRY POTTER films as it may provide the impetus for another generation to take a closer look at his work in the future. John Hurt as the Bird to Harris' Bull is as captivating as always and Sean Bean more than holds his own along side these two masters. My only complaint would sadly rest with Sheridan's casting of "the Yank". Tom Berenger sticks out like a sore thumb here, which may very well be the point as the character demands it but there is something about his look which makes him not fit at all. Malachy McCourt makes his screen debut and look for Brendan Gleeson and Sean McGinley in his second role on the big screen. With superb visuals and excellent pacing make sure to take a second look at the scene with Bull and the mirror towards the end. You will be hard pressed to find a better performance from Harris in any of his other work and that my friend is seriously saying something.