Bilgi :For me, Maeve Binchy has always been one of those writers who can capture a feeling, an emotion, or indeed an event, in a masterful way. And not only that, she has the ability to create this fuzzy-wuzzy feeling that warms the reader and makes them feel safe. I met her once in Clare - it's funny to think this, but if one of her books took on a human form it would look exactly like her! When my Mother heard I was going to see Tara Road she gasped and oooed dramatically with delight. 'I love that book,' she exclaimed (she actually exclaimed!) 'I can't wait to see the film!' Uh-oh. However, I was pleasantly surprised.
Tara Road tells the story of two women scorned by love and life, and their journey towards realising that they have the strength and intelligence to deal with whatever comes their way - go on the women!! Sorry, but I had a major 'independent woman' moment after this film. In general 'lovely' is the perfect word to describe this film, and it is. There are so many characters I won't even try to describe them all, but Stephen Rea and Ruby Wax are great as are the gay/baker couple. The daughter is a bit of a moan, and when I say 'a bit' I really mean she's a massive moan. Her father, the Danny character, is such a slimy, greasy so-and-so that he made my skin crawl at times. But that's the thing about Binchy and the way in which she writes characters, they make the viewer feel something and provoke a reaction, and this really comes across in Tara Road.
Cinematically this film is no masterpiece, but it is simply about the characters and their story. Whether that certain crane shot was a success or not is irrelevant; it's all in focus, so that's all you film buffs are getting! I do have one slight problem though: When Andie MacDowell's character is in the taxi coming from the airport, she takes the most random route through Dublin - and when I say random I really mean it made no sense whatsoever! Seriously, everyone in the cinema was frowning as if to say 'Where the hell is she going?' But in fairness, this film has to go overseas and we can't keep it all to ourselves! But just so we're clear: Trinity College is not beside that ridiculous Spire thing!
All in all, Tara Road is the kind of film that makes you say 'aahh', and you will leave the cinema smiling in spite of yourself. It's the kind of film that doesn't take a lot of concentration, but in the end you'll be glad you watched it. Not ecstatic, but glad. Rock on sisters!!
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