Michael Collins is one I’ve been excited about. Today is St. Patrick’s Day, I’m an Irishman myself, and the movie is about the famed revolutionary who helped lead the charge in Ireland’s fight for independence in the early 20th century. What more could you ask for?
Beginning with 1916’s Easter Rising, Michael Collins tracks the titular character’s efforts to free Ireland from British rule and establish the country’s independence. As with any historical-based movie, you have to take its events with a grain of salt or two. While admittedly not a history buff myself, from what I’ve read, Michael Collins manages to get most of the larger details correct. Some of the smaller and less cinematic points get “Hollywooded” for dramatic effect.
That is where it can often get hard to evaluate historical fiction. How much do you take into account how true to life the movie is? As long as the main conflict and ultimate resolution match, is that good enough? Do the in between details actually make the story, and therefore need to be accurately portrayed?
I’d say that in a perfect world, every detail in the movie (as much as reasonably possible, at least) would mirror the real life counterparts. Of course, that is going to be nearly impossible for essentially every movie out there. I think the larger scope and the overall feel of the movie is what can make or break it. And that is where Michael Collins shines.
And that starts with Liam Neeson’s performance as the titular hero. Michael Collins was, in many ways, the heart and soul of the Irish revolution. It’s fitting then, that Neeson is the heart and soul of the movie.
Collins is as captivating a speaker as he is a shrewd strategist. It takes a special kind of person to be able to balance social, political, military, and personal obligations and not have any fall by the wayside. But the successful revolutionaries tend to be special people. And you need a certain kind of performance to bring that magnetism to life on screen.
And bring it life Neeson does. While many might point to his role as Oskar Schindler as his greatest performance, his turn here as Michael Collins absolutely gives it a run for its money. No doubt helped by his own Irish heritage, Neeson fires on all cylinders from beginning to end. He’s believable as a public speaker, authoritative and innovative as a military leader, personable and likable as a friend. He embodies everything Collins was about (or at least the movie version of Collins).
But of course, Michael Collins is more than just one great performance. There’s a solid supporting cast, including other big names Alan Rickman and Julia Roberts. Roberts’ character could have been given a bit more depth, but at the end of the day, she’s still Julia Roberts, meaning she’s great. Rickman is great as Collins’ friend, colleague, and ally turned political rival, Eamon de Valera.
Beyond the performances, though, the mood and tone of Michael Collins do just as much to make the movie what it is. It inspires hope in what could easily be a hopeless situation. On paper, the Irish were outmanned, outgunned, out-everythinged. But Collins never gave up, always inspired hope and confidence in his men. He found innovative and creative ways to combat their perceived disadvantages.
And that aspect helps make up for any historical inaccuracies or creative liberties taken by writer-director Neil Jordan. He gets the big picture right, and tells an entertaining story about an ever-important time in his country’s history. You can tell how important this project was to him. And it pays off in the end, with a truly powerful movie. For some St. Patrick’s Day viewing, I can’t think of a better recommendation than Michael Collins.
Next week: Mulan, available on Disney Plus
Yes, we’re still sticking with it, even in the wake of live-action adaption being delayed.