In the Name of the Father is a film directed by Jim Sheridan and starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Pete Stone, released in 1993. Based on real events, the film tells the story of a father and son who are wrongly accused of being terrorists and are treated unjustly.
The film uses a variety of techniques to highlight the tension of the plot, the heightened emotions, and the complexity of the socio-political context.
The film employs quick editing techniques to add urgency to the tense and suspenseful plot. Especially in the trial and courtroom scenes, the rapid switching of the clips underscores the pressure and confusion faced by the protagonist, Jima Connolly, and the other accused. This editing technique allows the audience to better feel the emotional and mental state of the characters.
Films often use close-up shots to capture characters' facial expressions and emotions. This approach brings the audience closer to the characters and gives them insight into their inner world. Daniel Day-Lewis' outstanding performance is fully displayed through close-up shots, and the audience can feel his anger, despair and tenacity.
Handheld photography is used in some scenes in the film, adding drama and realism. Especially in the robbery and chase scenes, handheld photography makes the viewer feel the atmosphere of tension and chaos, as if they are at the scene of the incident.
The sound effects and music of the film play an important emotional strengthening role. The soundtrack was composed by Terry Kinnes and added a lot to the film. The music provides dramatic atmosphere in key scenes, reinforcing the expression of emotions. In addition, the sound design in the film enhances the drama, especially in the scenes of explosions and violent conflicts.
The film's settings were designed to be realistic to reflect the environment and atmosphere of Northern Ireland's time of conflict. The recreation of the streets and buildings allows the audience to feel the socio-political atmosphere of the time, further integrated into the story.
The courtroom scenes in the film use shots that focus on lawyers, defendants, and judges. This concentrated approach enhances the tension of the scene and allows the audience to deeply understand the urgency of the courtroom trial.
Mirrored and reflected images appear many times in the film, which is not only used for artistic expression, but also symbolizes to a certain extent the internal conflict between the protagonist's pursuit of truth and self-knowledge. This approach adds complexity and depth to the film.
The setting of In the Name of the Father is designed to reflect the complexity of the film's plot, characters and themes, while also providing the audience with the opportunity to gain insight into the social context of Northern Ireland's conflict period.
The film is mainly set in Belfast, Northern Ireland, a city that is one of the epicenters of the Northern Ireland conflict. Belfast's streets have been carefully recreated to reflect the urban atmosphere of the area. Viewers can see narrow streets, old buildings and iconic cityscapes, a setting that enhances the realism and context of the story.
At the beginning of the film, the audience is guided into Jima Connolly's small apartment. The scene showcases Jima's lifestyle and family emotions through its small, crowded spaces, as well as his personal belongings and unique decorations.
A key part of the film takes place at Balstone Prison in Belfast. This prison became a place of torture and injustice for Jima Connolly and others accused. The layout of the scene inside the prison presents the cruelty and inhumanity of prison life, and the audience can feel the suffering of the inmates.
The courtroom scenes in the film take place in different courtroom venues, the most important of which is the courtroom where Jima Connolly and Gilbert Connolly are tried. The layout of the courtroom scene emphasizes the seriousness of the courtroom trial, including the placement of judges, lawyers, defendants, and observers. These scenes underscore the profound impact of court decisions on the fate of the Connolly family and other defendants.
Part of the film takes place in London. The London scene mainly involves the legal team's quest for justice for Jima Connolly. These scenes show London's legal institutions and social environment, in contrast to Northern Ireland.
There are some private scenes in the film, mainly involving the relationship between Jima Connolly and his father, Gilbert. These scenes include conversations, memories, and emotional exchanges within the family, through which the viewer has a deeper understanding of the connections and conflicts between Connolly's father and son.
The film "In the Name of the Father" is not only a profound family story, but also a complex theme about social justice, political system, faith and family, reflecting the practical significance of many issues in the real world.
The film reveals problems in the political system, including abuses of power, false accusations, and miscarriages of justice. In the context of the conflict in Northern Ireland, the British government took counter-terrorism actions, but also accidentally injured innocent people. Through the experience of Connolly's father and son, the film triggers the audience to reflect on the political system, calling for more attention to injustice and abuse of power.
The film emphasizes the importance of social justice and the legal system. Attorney Gilda Moulton represented Connolly and his son in their quest for justice, and her efforts and perseverance in the pursuit of truth reflect the important role of the legal system. The film conveys to the audience the hardships and tireless efforts to fight for the truth in the courtroom.
With the father-son relationship at its core, the film shows the emotional development between Jima Connolly and his father, Gilbert. Gilbert has always believed in his innocence and has suffered under unjust accusations. This family relationship underscores the importance of the family in difficult times, as well as the mutual support and trust between father and son.
Religion and belief is an important theme in the film. Jima Connolly seeks spiritual comfort in prison, reflecting the role of religion in personal life. The film also mentions the conflict between Catholicism and the British government, highlighting the complex influence of religion on the conflict in Northern Ireland.
