Director: Jim Sheridan
Starring: Fiona Shaw, Daniel Day-Lewis and Brenda Fricker
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actresses in Britain have made films that inspire awe like Fiona Shaw. Following her rise to fame in the 1990’s, Shaw has produced memorable movies. Whether it is the aunts of strong wizards, school teachers or persuasive lovers, Shaw has played countless compelling characters. Arguably, Shaw’s best strength as an actress has always been her strong screen presence. She has always had an aptitude for stealing the show in supporting roles that have limited screen-time. Even if she isn’t the main focus of a movie, Shaw has often left a strong impression. Although she is best known for her iconic role in the commemorated Harry Potter franchise, Shaw has proven she can excel in every single genre. Through her abilities to create characters that are compelling, Shaw has built a commemorated legacy which is lasting. Throughout her enduring career, the actress has made many memorable films that are worth talking about.
I’m a big fan of Shaw and adore all the films she has made in her career. However, “My Left Foot” is my favourite. Released in 1989, Jim Sheridan’s movie offered a powerful portrait of cerebral palsy. Packed with strong production, engaging storytelling and powerful acting, it’s one of the finest disability dramas ever made. At the centre of it all is a terrific performance by Fiona Shaw, who embodies a doctor which seeks to care for a disabled man in disasters. Ultimately, what makes “My Left Foot” a bold classic is universal appeal. Unlike most films about cerebral palsy, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a profound message about disability that would resonate with everyone. A fantastic masterpiece about cerebral palsy, there are many strong reasons why “My Left Foot” is a timeless movie which is worth seeing.
Set in Ireland, “My Left Foot” tells the story of a man with cerebral palsy that overcomes his devastating disability. Daniel Day-Lewis plays Christy Brown, a troubled boy that is born with cerebral palsy. Nobody in his family expects much from Christy due toward his debilitating disability. However, Christy’s life dramatically changes when he gains control of his left foot with power. Gaining newfound hope, Christy is given the strengths to overcome his terrifying disability. Accompanied by doctor Eileen Cole (Fiona Shaw), Christy seeks to overcome his disability which inspires awe. As all odds are stacked against his favour, Christy begins to wonder whether it’s possible to overcome an excruciating disability causing disaster. Faced with a dilemma, Christie begins to wonder if it’s possible to overcome a devastating disability causing trauma.
Jim Sheridan is a newcomer towards stories of cerebral palsy. Before he had directed “My Left Foot”, Sheridan had never made a movie about cerebral palsy. It was the filmmaker’s first ever attempt to capture the lives of disabled artists facing adversity but he succeeded immensely. Through engaging cinematography, Sheridan captures a young man embarking on a journey to overcome his disability. Inspired with Milos Forman’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”, Sheridan effectively uses point-of-view shots to capture hardships boys with cerebral palsy go through. For instance, point-of-view shots elevate the left foot discovery scene. During this unforgettable scene, Christy becomes well aware of his left foot which can be used as a way of writing words. Through point-of-view shots, Sheridan created a strong portrait of a disabled man audiences can easily relate to. Point-of-view shots are complex techniques to use in most movies. As Chris Columbus’ “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” suggested clearly, point-of-view shots enhance legendary fantasy adaptations. Nevertheless, it worked well in this film. Through breathtaking visuals, Sheridan captures hardships which boys born with cerebral palsy are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “My Left Foot” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Sheridan effectively employs production-design to capture the struggles of disabled men experiencing a decline. Throughout the movie, Christy’s costumes showcase tensions that he is enduring as a man suffering from cerebral palsy. For instance, costumes elevate the bullying scene. During this unforgettable scene, Christy is bullied by his friends in a doomed neighbourhood causing adversity. Through compelling costumes, Sheridan captures hardships that a man with grim cerebral palsy is facing. Furthermore, the musical score is superb. Elmer Bernstein’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing burden men with disabilities bear. Through phenomenal production design, Sheridan captures the lives of disabled men enduring decline.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “My Left Foot” is a movie about disabilities that’s compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively employs silence to capture grim tensions that men with cerebral palsy are facing. For instance, silence elevates the dinner scene. During this intense scene, Christy has a tense argument with his father during dinner that causes adversity. Through stunning sequences of silence, Sheridan crafts a portrait of disability which audiences easily relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life” suggested, silence elevates existential dramas about families. Roger Michell’s “Persuasion” did suggest that silence elevates adaptations of Jane Austen. Nevertheless, it works well in this film. Using a strong screenplay, Sheridan captures the lives of men with cerebral palsy facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Fiona Shaw delivers one of her best career performances as Dr. Eileen Cole. Shaw first earned appreciation for playing the aunts of famous wizards in fantasy movies. With “My Left Foot”, however, she took upon her most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a strong psychologist assisting men with cerebral palsy, but she succeeds. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before: charismatic, emotional and vulnerable in her most iconic role. With riveting expressions, she captures the angst, desperation and grief of a therapist seeking to assist a downtrodden man suffering from cerebral palsy. It’s a terrific performance from one of the most celebrated actresses in Britain today.
Daniel Day-Lewis is fantastic as a man with severe cerebral palsy facing a painful price to pay. Day-Lewis has often excelled at playing emotional characters through his approach of method acting, and “My Left Foot” showcased his strength as an actor. It’s a challenging role that required the actor to transform his body in a drastic way but he succeeds immensely. Whether he’s using a left foot for writing words or seeking to bond with a therapist which is inspiring, Day-Lewis uses his body language to create a portrait of cerebral palsy that’s compelling. It’s a terrific performance from one of the most renowned actors in Britain today.
Finally, “My Left Foot” will earn appreciation of everyone for celebrating disabled men using a left foot. Unlike most disability movies, the film tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including grief, disability and resentment which will resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with cerebral palsy to appreciate it. It delivers a profound message about disabilities that would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “My Left Foot” is one of those rare films about disability everyone would adore.
Fans of Fiona Shaw will definitely appreciate “My Left Foot” and so will movie-goers that seek exhilarating entertainment. A captivating disability classic, it honours an actress that is iconic.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about an artistic disabled man that overcame cerebral palsy which was tragic, it’s a fantastic reminder about a commemorated actress that has built a lasting legacy earning a huge fan following for her abilities to portray complex characters in movies captivating the public.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 