The Guard (2011) - 78%
Usually when we think of trans-Atlantic film collaborations, we perhaps understandably assume English-American. Here from John Michael McDonagh (the brother of Martin, writer of In Bruges), comes The Guard: a massively cross-cultural delight which brings FBI agent Wendell Everet (Don Cheadle) into the small Irish town jurisdiction of loveable misanthrope Sergeant O’Doyle (Brendan Gleeson). On the face of it a fairly trite ‘original odd-couple’ scenario I suppose, but written with just enough wit, self-awareness and finesse as to forego those misgivings. It’s really more about a clash of cultures; that and the marvellously enigmatic character of O’Doyle, played to a tee by Gleeson.
Initially O’Doyle is assigned a new young detective from Dublin who brings along American lingo and a sense of ambition and professionalism not usually seen in the Galway area. Following quickly on the heels of this is a slew of murders and drug smuggling that really doesn’t seem to fit the otherwise country bumpkin idyll. In the first murder case for instance, O’Doyle barges about disregarding all kinds of forensic protocol. He’s not really a part of the whole FBI schtick. Right from the off his flagrant approach to policing is a bit of a step from, say, that of Cheadle’s agent Everet. He is however, seemingly perhaps, of a brilliant mind and a brilliant turn of phrase, and is one of the year’s best written and best performed characters, reaffirming my belief that Brendan Gleeson is one of the most eminently likeable actors working today.
One of my shorter pieces, but I must remember that this is a recommendations blog, not a review column.
78%
