It's also an allegory of the artist, such as McDonough himself. We need to ignore people in our lives to create great art, or it won't happen. It can maim relationships, as people take it personally.
@@ajitavhad353 Padraic's story is so sad. I'm reminded of that tag from Matthew the Evangelist, From him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. Over the course of the story he lost first his friend, then his sister, and finally even his donkey.
Search of the word "υστεροφημια" ancient greek word. Meaning to be remembered after death. It was the motivating forch of achillies and of many others at the time
I interpreted the film to be in homage to the Irish Civil War in which, out of the blue one day, your neighbor becomes your enemy. Padraic is the archetype of a person living a happy life until war is waged upon him and it destroys his home and all he knows that contribute to his peaceful life. Padraic represents the feeling of wanting things to go back to how they were before a huge event in life occurs much like the war did to Ireland, only to inevitably accept the fact that there’s no way to go back to how things were after all that had been done. Something that you have to take to your grave with you. But I feel that is just one theme going on in this masterpiece McDonaugh put forth. For how simple the story line is it truly encapsulates so many different working themes and truths about life. Such a beautiful work of art this film is.
It is definitely something along these lines. I thought this right after I saw it. They represent opposite sides of the struggle in some way, too. Padraic became a reluctant combatant and decided to burn down his house. Many in the civil war did the same. At some point, after trying to keep relationships together, they were pushed too far and started participating in the war. There is so much to it and multiple levels to understand and explore…
@@murthunt1047 I don’t think it takes much analysis. They basically say as much at the end when they comment on the ongoing civil war and suggest it is related to their situation. I think the OP went further than I would, but it is clearly a bit of allegory of how the civil war ripped people apart.
Colm resents Pádraic for being content with his simple life and not being concerned with having a legacy or being remembered beyond those he cares about in life. Colm, due to his frustration with his own existence, concludes that the only reason Pádraic is so content and untroubled is because he is dull and stupid. Colm projects his own fears and insecurities onto Pádraic and resents him for it. By snubbing Pádraic, Colm keeps these fears and insecurities at arms length and lends himself an air of superiority as a coping mechanism. Ironically I think Pádraic is actually Colm's muse, after each encounter with an impassioned Pádraic, Colm seems to progress with his work on his magnum opus 'The Banshees of Inisherin'. Each time he rebuffs Pádraic, he cuts off a finger and thereby literally and metaphorically loses his ability to create music.
@@TarheelTeddy2011 Definitely better than the reviewer's idea that what Colm does is "tough love" for his friend. His treatment of Padraic is on aspect of his self - destruction.
Very good interpretation, it does shed light on the fact that depression is a desease that corrupts the rational judgement to the point the bearer destroys the few good things left in his life. Worst of all, his actions transfer the negative impact on the people who are closest to him as well.
I kind of thought the old woman was a banshee. Like Colm says, banshees don't really howl anymore to warn of death, they just sit back and observe. The old woman observes everything that goes on on the island. She's in the store listening and observes out the window when Padraic get's hit by the policeman. She is by the lake when Dominic commits suicide, she knows that Jenny the donkey is dead and tells Padraic not go to killing Colm's dog. She predicts 2 deaths: Dominic and Jenny. She also knows before anyone that Dominic is dead and ends up giving the stick with the hook that he was carrying in the beginning of the movie to the policeman to retrieve Dominic's body.
I think the prophesy of two deaths is a key to understanding the story: while they are making a big issue out of nothing at all, the vulnerable suffer and die.
I really like the metaphor of the old lady as depression. As Siobhan leaves the island, she sees depression on the cliff waving goodbye, but she looks sad rather than relieved, perhaps knowing that her brother was still there with depression.
It was sad that Siobhan wasn't able to save either Dominic or Padraic. Though Padraic did ultimately find a way to survive the loss of everything he valued. He was a nastier version of Job in The Book of Job.
Long time ago I met a new friend in a Casino. This in a place called Blackpool which doesn't have many people. I said Hi and we got to know each other. I think around 2 or 3 months in, I really found him boring. He has no direction in life, doesn't know what he wants. Talks about the same thing over and over again. The first month was ok and was happy with our friendship. He was 15 years older than me and should be wise. He just spends all his money in the Casino, I go there for free soft drinks and sometimes buy myself a meal. I found myself not being able to relate to him as time goes by. We didn't have similar hobbies, I had to keep the conversation going and I just dread going out with him. He really liked me as a friend though, I felt bad and stuck around an other 2 months longer. Eventually I changed jobs and number. He couldn't find me ever again. This movie reminds me of my relationship with him. I'm sure I bore some people as well and there has also been people I liked and they didn't like me, which fine and part of life, I wish them to be happy. I really understand this movie because I experienced it myself
One thing I don't like about your interpretation of the old women is that Padraic's sister DIDN'T want to let in and invite her, it was explicitly stated that she hides from her when she sees her, and later Padraic does the same. So a slightly different approach from the sister, but otherwise it holds ok.
@@OhMyRoystone she doesn't want to, she's perhaps hidden from the old woman in the past . . . But perhaps that's part of her character arc in the film. She realises letting the old woman in is the better approach - that's what we helps her get to grips with what is making her so miserable and what be helps her to make her mind up and leave the island.
Good take. I was hoping for some insight as to why Colm cut off his fingers. It seemed brutal to Padraig - far from selfless. He dreamed long ago of a life of music and here he deprives himself of the "instruments" to implement that dream. Why? As a deterrent to Padraig's overtures, it was a failure. One he could readily predict. No, he used Padraig as an excuse to finally abandon the nagging hope of immortality through a musical legacy and free himself of continuing to harbor that hope. That's what I think.
I agree! When Colm still couldn’t find satisfaction in himself he had to look for a reason to make it Padraic’s fault again. Cant compose while I’m friends with Padraic - to - can’t compose because Padraic pushed me to cut my fingers off. And I believe His final 4 fingers were all severed at the same time because he couldn’t bare to have to deal with the pressure off writing another
I like what you're putting forward about the old woman representing depression. It especially works when you look at the scene of Siobhan standing at the lake's edge, thinking of suicide. It appears the woman was beckoning her to do it from the other side, and I wondered for a long time why she would. Your interpretation makes the scene make more sense to me. There are so many haunting characters in this film. I imagine Dominic's hopelessness finally became too much for him, as well. But he lacked the means of escape available to Siobhan. Ah well, we all just use the tools at hand...food, video games, a gun. Thanks for sharing your insight. :-)
I didn't see it as Siobhan contemplating suicide. I thought she was finding a quiet place to think about whether to take the job on the mainland or not because it would mean leaving her brother. I saw the old woman as beckoning Dominic to drown himself in the lake. When he basically asks out Siobhan and she rejects him, he says "Well I guess I'll go over there and do that thing I was gonna do." which seems like someone just making an awkward attempt to get out of an embarrassing situation, but "that thing he was gonna do" was actually commit suicide in the lake.
@@filmforthought1906 I think most of the "analysis" of the movie, on youtube, fall rather flat or plain misinterpret the events. There are subplots implied throughout that few people pick up on. The central story also makes sense (without the irish war allegory) after careful observation and a bit of deduction. To begin with, the economics of the town and the people of the island subsistence is never fully in focus. In Ireland, there are social programs that equate to welfare. We observe that there is a coastal port with shopkeepers (and a pub) that supply the town at a profit. It's implied that most of the town subsists purely on some form of welfare and scavenging (fishing). This has little value on it's own, but allows the viewer to dispense with questions about the involvement of economics. Doherty's character is largely determined by the decorations of his home and his behavior. Doherty traveled the world, represented by adorning artifacts. Masks, photos, a record player. He learned to play music at some point (maybe on the island) and maybe was a puppeteer in the past, leading one to infer that his fingers were a virtue representing his vitality and youth of days gone by. Deherty's introspective nature (sitting alone in his home), implies that the friendship of Doherty and Padriac was one of happenstance and social gravity. They happened to be relatively close to one another, the both like to spend on beer, and as Doherty's home is on Padriac's way to the pub, Doherty was one of the few denizens who seemed to listen to Padriac's inane ramblings. Doherty knows that Padriac will never leave. He's an alcoholic and a dolt and that's the end of it. The central question to the movie is not why Doherty decides to shun Padriac, but why does he do so AND sacrifice his fingers. The most simple explanation would be if he noticed a degradation of his manual dexterity (tremors or arthritis, etc) and became emotionally unraveled. During the first time we see Doherty playing his fiddle in the pub, he stops playing and places a single finger on the string to hold it up. This finger has a black nail...many of his nails are black-affected. This would indicate cancer or advanced Addison's or some other malady. With a terminal disease, which might incidentally induce depression, his dream of leaving behind something enduring started to dim and Doherty had to start focusing on what was important. He tutored a student, he composed a song, he made changes to his life. Padriac was not someone he could confide in nor would he understand as he had always lived on the island, unlike Doherty. Padriac was also a talker. Severing his fingers were likely both a message to Padriac (and the town), as well as a way to dull the reminder that he was dying...like everyone is, and would leave nothing behind but his shack. That being said, I would estimate that half the movie is implied and not present in dialog. Another example (my wife picked up on) is when we first meet Dominic, he has a pike pole. When Mrs. McCormick tells Padriac that deaths happen in pairs, she has the same pike pole. At this point, Dominic has already died and she retrieved the pole or she caused his death. I suspect the latter, but I'm convinced she killed the Donkey. This is supported by the fact that donkeys won't eat fingers and certainly won't keep them in its mouth as it's choking. Given how he had to pull fingers out of the donkey's mouth, it's clear the donkey was intentionally killed. Again, likely by Mrs. McCormick. The entire town is full of bored-to-sadism, self-loathing, individuals. Dominic didn't just call Padriac the only nice person on the island because he was kind to Dominic, but because he was not like the rest of the town...yet. The movie is dense with various themes and the explanations. Then again, maybe we took away more than what was there.
In Irish folklore, a Bamshee (old woman in black) is seen to represent death. Early in the movie Dominic finds her stick with the hook, this could be seen as foreshadowing his death. The stick is similar to Death's scythe. In the movie Colm talks about his song and how he thinks there maybe Banshees on the island and they like to sit back, amused and observe. This is exactly what the old woman was doing in the last scene with Colm and Pádraic on the beach and her sitting in the middle separating them. Did she cause Colm to not want to be Pádraics friend which set off a chain of events that caused two deaths as she predicted.
That's a really good take. I didn't see Colm's motivation as selfless at all, but once you brought it up it makes perfect sense. Even as "enemies" they clearly both care for each other throughout the whole film.
I'm currently experiencing an existential crysis and that's what i think the film Is about. Colm realizes that he never achieved much in his life and he Is trying escape It through art and destruction. He feels trapped in a reality which Is not satisfying anymore and boredom Is the only clear emotion he can perceive beside his desire to finally do something meaningful and eternal like creating music. He has an urge to change his lifestyle, and the First thing he decided to remove was his " boring friendship " with Padriac. I think the reason Is that Padriac reflects his perception of himself as a boring person and at the same time he Is a big part of the Daily routine he doesn't appreciate anymore. Colm is convinced that Padriac Is the source of his problems, giving away the responsibility for his own doom. Shavonne is also experiencing an existential crysis, but she deals with It in a more sane way by actually taking life changing decisions, whithout blaming her beloved ones.
The movie is one great allegory about whether we are able to escape our dullness, which is caused by our own decisions, and make our everyday life more meaningful and joyful. The old man is very well aware of it but has quite an inappropriate approach while trying to do so. He takes extreme measures, which lead him and others to lose so many things in the process, which is opposite to his actual goal. On the other hand, the girl is very well aware of her situation too, but unlike Colm, she takes a different approach. She wants more but knows that she must sacrifice many things in order to build a meaningful life. Her only escape, as she stated in the movie, was the books she had. They were also sacrificed, along with her brother, animals, and everything that she had known... She risked, but she made it. She invites all the people she cares for and also the animals that they care for, showing her selflessness and other virtues. Padraic can be looked at from so many angles. For me, he's the best example of "The road to hell is paved by good intentions". In all his pain, he still sees the good, he still tries to do good... But all in vain. He states "It takes two to tango", trying to make a point, but too bad... He was not able to see that he was the one who needs to move on actually, for his own good and the good of others. He is a metaphor for not being able to let go of the past, and it costs his soul greatly. In everyday life, we see many people like Colm and Padraic who are led by their dissatisfactions, and in order to change or solve something they waste so many things and hurt so many people in the process without really making a difference. It doesn't matter whether it's an island, a desert, a mountain... Wherever we go, we take ourselves with us. It is a movie about everybody's life and those three spirits that are, metaphorically speaking, within us. It's on us to make a decision about which one of them prevails.
It's an allegory (the two main characters seem to be the opposing sides in the civil war). I suppose a meaning is that the idealistic one refuses to compromise and so prefers to have a war rather than give in - despite that ruining his own chances at a better future. If you want to read something even more bleak: the future is (metaphorically) in a tiny island in the middle of pretty much nothing. You can always ruin what matters most to you, while trying to protect it.
Watching this video and reading this comment has made me realise that the film is about both, the pointless feud of the Irish Civil War and the destruction it has caused (i think the pointlessness is demonstrated through the only change on the isalnd being the repainting of the post box, and the damage being the young guy who dies - who represents the innocent bystanders of the war), and the depression/toxicity of insular life discussed in this video.The face that the film has managed to do both at once is really impressive.
It is mostly this allegory. I thought it immediately during the movie, but especially when they stand on the beach at the end. Many folks fought each other when they had no reason to….and they fought to their own harm.
I think the most enthralling scene in the movie was that in which siobhan was peering into the lake, while the old woman - representing suicide, edged her on. We can only assume had it not been for dominic, that would have been the end of siobhans life. In a way, dominic saved her life by professing his feelings towards her showing that its not always lonely, but she had other plans and didnt feel the same for him which crushed him and destroyed any hope he had of ever finding love. The phrase "well there goes that dream" is symbolic as it was the only thing that he cared about and it was taken away from him in an instant. While seemingly looking up to siobhan and her pursuit of her dreams, he tried to follow in her footsteps and push on with his own ambitions, but ultimately it was her, his love that caused his death. By attempting to achieve happiness with someone he loved, he was pushed away and led him to commit suicide, all while it was the same interaction that caused siobhan not to end her life and journey to the mainland and follow her dreams. Siobhan will probably never hear of dominics death, showing how he sacraficed his memory/legacy to give someone else an opportunity at happiness.
We see that the old lady was calling onto Siobhan, but maybe it was Dominic who was being called. He took the call, confessed his feelings, was defeated, and suicided.
@@ethernaut.3175 Yes, this is how I interpreted the scene as well. Dominic appears from right behind her, in the same direction where the old lady was gesturing
Your breakdown is 100% right. This is why we see his sister leave at the end, and why we see him reject the invite as the last thing he does before he burns his house down. Also, the fingers were used to show that it wasn’t the musics that motivated him. He didn’t care about losing his fingers because his life was over and he was willing to lose them for his friend to get off the island. It’s the irony that that all his choices end up making him more like one of the islanders, angry and ultimately depressed. And we get the contrast between Ped and his sister. One leaves and one doesn’t. Added irony is that Calum feels as though happiness is impossible on Inisherin, but Pad was happy and he stole that from him. Also, this entire story is a parallel to the civil war taking place. Two friend turning on each other for no good reason. Complete insanity of civil war, brothers fighting brothers. Some think the old lady is the UK, working to further the divide. The Policeman may also be, constantly beating his son.
Interesting take. Mine was a bit different. The Island to me could be anywhere and our choices can make life either interesting or boring. Colm felt he spent too much his life disregarding his interest to make something memorable that lasts and gives him a sense of longevity like Mozart and felt he spent too much his life around people like Padraic who didn’t help him accomplish that, but knew that is his choice. Padraic on the other hand was happy with who he was and loved his existence and wasn’t bothered by big dreams, he was truly a nice guy, a happy go lucky type who didn’t feel alone or under accomplished. To him a friend, family and his animals were enough. The tragedy is that Colm destroyed that and made him like himself. A resentful man. The loss of his sister and donkey would probably been hard but not as hard if he had the friend still. I think the point of the movie maybe that we each have different take on life and our take, if not careful can hurt others and turn them into our sad selves. There was beauty in Padraic’s existence because it was devoid of ego. Siobhan on the other hand had ambitions and the books was her only escape. She wasn’t like her brother who was ok with living with the animals, she wanted more. Colm and then the Police man disturbed something in her that made her finally make that choice. The old woman though I am still thinking about. Her waving Siobhan over the ocean still has me thinking about what it represented. She was obviously the Banshee but did she represent something more. I could be totally wrong but that’s my take.
what a good interpretation, I agree with almost everything but I think the old lady goes more for depression than just a Banshee just because the title "Banshees of inisherin" all the residents of the island are Banshees. The old lady was there when we are shown dominic has died (after asking Siobhan if she will ever like him and then she said "there goes another lost dream", and then the old lady was with the police man the last time we see him in the film, I think they both fall into depression and then die, they committed suicide because of depression.
@@josemarcano479 Thanks. Interesting, you could be right. Maybe she is the symbol of lost hopes and there to take you when you give up. Come to think of it there was never a scene between her and Colm that I recall. Maybe he was fighting that and hence why she hovered around his place as she smelled weakness in his trials and tribulations. We all face that hopelessness when we try something different and can be very vulnerable. The one thing I was thinking about is that the movie ends with hope when Padraic says “any time” to Colm in response to taking care of his dog. All hope wasn’t lost with him, there was still a splinter of hope. A good movie always makes for great discussion.
I do think the old lady was beckoning to Siobhan the idea to end her life. Initially Siobhan thinks she is simply waiving hello, we are then shown Siobhan's expression upon the realization that the old lady wasn't just greeting her but prompting her into the lake. This seemed to surprise Siobhan. Next we see Siobhan's kind refusal of Dominic at the lake's edge. Her options on the island are so limited and she sees no future for herself there. These two interactions solidify Siobhan's conviction to finally leave the island.
@@ocgirl8452 I believe so too now. She goes after those in a turmoil and at their weakest. Siobhan was stronger than Dominic. I guess she represents the weakness in us when we have lost hope and about to give up. In that way you can actually say that Padraic was the strongest of them all, he was disillusioned but didn’t give up.
I saw the movie a couple days ago and I couldn't get what the director meant to tell. I knew I missed something and it makes sense now thanks to your video. I'll have to watch it again in a few months. Thank's man!
this is a really interesting perspective on the film! i didn't even consider that colm wanted the best for padraig but instead thought colm was projecting his unhappiness onto him. i figured he, being an old man in a lonely island during the civil war, realized how short life is and wanted more from it but didn't know how to handle that stress and decided padraig was to blame. he called him dull without realizing the only dull one between them is him, since padraig seemed pretty content with his life. and i loved your explanation of the old woman! i was at a loss of trying to figure out who and what she was, so using carl jung's quote as an analogy here was perfect. loved the video!
I’d recommend watching the ending again. When we first see Colm standing on the beach at the end of the film the sand is pristine - he has left no footprints. Likewise at the end of the scene - the only footprints in the sand are his dog’s and Pádraic’s. I think Colm is dead in this scene and Pádraic is talking to his ghost - perhaps a comment by McDonagh about the way resentments become feuds over time and deepen into tribal warfare, long after the original grudge has faded. It’s one interpretation, anyway… which is one of the reasons this is a great film, because it can be read on multiple levels.
Omggg I didn’t understand the movie at all, and was confused why it was nominated for so many awards but after watching this it completely all makes sense and understand everything so clearly! I have a total different interpretation of the movie now and appreciate the message so much. Thank you for this breakdown! And getting strictly to the point of everything and everyone in the film!
Pádraic represented the depression of Colm and of Padraic's sister. Padraic WAS depression in the film. When he kept speaking to Colm, Colm would cut his fingers off. When Padraic's sister left, in order to be with Padraic she would have to return to the town. She had left her depression behind.
Your analysis makes things more clear to me about this movie. I'll have to watch it again. When I watched it I started thinking about the scene in Good Will Hunting at the construction site when Ben Affleck's character tells Matt Damon's character about 'the best part of my day' which would be for Damon's character to not answer the door when Affleck's character comes to pick him up for work. Not a direct analogy but similar.
Thank you so Much for sharing Carl Jungs view on depression & your interpretation of How it was portrayed in the film! This was fantastic & very helpful! I think this may help me move on in my life
Usually these "X movie EXPLAINED" are just clickbait trash that repeat plot points that any viewer obviously caught. But this was actually a deep/insightful take on this film and helped me appreciate it more. Really good video!
You can create millions of interpretations, this movie is simple enough to fit in every single one of them, but is also complex enough to sustain every single one of them. A great work by a genius director that was exceptionally executed by amazing actors.
1. Isolation and loneliness: The film explores the profound effects of isolation on a small Irish island, reflecting broader themes of human connection and loneliness. 2. The nature of friendship: It questions what constitutes a meaningful relationship and the impact of suddenly ending a long-standing friendship. 3. Civil war allegory: The conflict between the two main characters can be seen as a metaphor for the Irish Civil War, with its seemingly senseless division and self-destructive nature. 4. Existential crisis: Colm's sudden decision to end the friendship stems from a fear of being forgotten and a desire to create something lasting, reflecting on the human need for purpose and legacy. 5. Consequences of stubbornness: The film shows how pride and an unwillingness to compromise can lead to devastating outcomes. 6. The role of art in life: It explores the tension between the pursuit of art and maintaining human connections.
Very cool vid man. I've seen the film for a second time in cinema yesterday. I felt like Padraic wanted Colm in his life no matter what. Even if that ment them being enemies and with the old lady watching their encounter at the beach at the end, i do think this relationship will end with one of their deaths. Colm did say he has thoughts about playing his new song at Padraics funeral! Even tho he cant play anymore...
Am I the only one who thinks Colm is dead at the end in the scene on the beach? They make a point of showing a long shot of him standing on the sand, with the dog running to him... you can see the dog's footprints as he runs, but there are none around Colm. Sand is perfectly smooth in all directions. Which wouldn't be possible, and in my mind had to be an intentional choice by the director. Plus when they showed the house burning, Colm was just quietly sitting there, clearly ready to die. I think the last scene was Padraic talking to Colm's ghost in his mind.
I just saw the movie at home. I like your interpretation because we couldn't really figure it out with my dad (we're not irish) but I managed to see the old lady as a symbol of sadness and death. It was very sad for me to see the way Colm hurt himself and how due to the time therapy and mental health were taboo subjects. He was screaming for help without actually doing it. Depression and suicidal ideation are very well portrayed, I resonated with that part, shutting your best friends out❤ ❤❤
My father is from the mainland near the islands depicted in the film and he always told me that way back when, the ppl on these islands used to often go completely berserk (due to the many real and existential reasons u talk about in in ur review) and were well known for it. The police from the mainland had to try and restore peace on them as the locals would drink poteín and fight. I also wonder if the madness/ illogicality of civil war that is mentioned as raging on the mainland several times in the film…when ppl fight their own initially for a deep felt reason that over time becomes altered until eventually it carries on just because it’s become a way of life is echoed in the eventual all out war between the two main characters. I guess the beauty of the film is that we all take something different away from it.
For me this film has many layers and can be interpreted either literally or allegorically, and for that I got to like it. Many people can attach to any role in this simple story. What is this film about? A middle age depression? A story about toxic relationships or true love? About lost dreams? Could Inisherin be a micrography of Ireland at that time, overshadowed by hostilities among friends? Many questions and different meanings.
"Could Inisherin be a micrography of Ireland at that time, overshadowed by hostilities among friends? Many questions and different meanings" considering the fighting that's going on as the movie progresses (the IRA and such), I believe this to be correct. I would add that the death of Jenny (the donkey) represents the death of the innocent people during these conflicts.
@@MsLuziaBojart yes, many other 'casualties' could symbolize casualties of war like the young boy or the sister abandoning her place because as she says she cannot stand this madness anymore
If you’ve ever had a really brash falling out with a close friend, this movie really hit home in a lot of ways. Also, I really enjoyed your take on this. I’ve never heard that Jung quote before, I think I really needed that tbh.
great job! I've been cogitating on this for days now and I applaud that you saw and articulated the links between fear and resistance to change to the behaviours without giving too much away!
Brilliant video. I love that you mentioned that Jung quote!! I had the exact same thought about how Siobhan was the only one who welcomed the old lady in, and I thought of that quote but couldn’t quite remember it. So poignant!
Really interesting perspective. This film had me thinking for quite some time about it themes and the decisions made by the characters. Usually I don’t find myself with the patience for incredibly dialogue heavy films but man I really enjoyed this one. Have to watch In Bruges soon. Cheers
There is depression and then there is despair. The word despair is mentioned twice in the film. I only heard it the 2nd time but it hit home then. Colm was in despair with his ideals of life and this shows through music and what he wanted, with reference to Mozart etc. He wanted to cut his fingers off anyway so that he would not have to suffer anymore, he chose to use Padraic as a scapegoat to do this, which is very sad. He projected his despair on to his friend. This film is about projection and despair. 'In my opinion' , I enjoyed to video and all the responses and agree a-lot to work out. Maybe worth another look.
Your comments are very astute and well reasoned. Thank you for the thought provoking review of a surprisingly engaging movie. I watched this last night so it is fresh in my mind.
Just watched the film. My first reaction were two men that had no ambition to leave an island and would pass their time now by being enemies. I know some farmers that lived their entire lives in the same town, house, people and then depression creeps in over the years. The sister was the one that escaped her grim future ahead.
Very interesting take. McDonagh's screenplay is classic. Pádraig sets out with the positive expectation of getting together with his friend Colm for their customary pint, only to be disappointed (negative) by his friend's mysterious recusal. Thenceforward, as he searches for a reason, each scene causes a shift from negative to positive or from positive to negative, all the while inexorably raising the stakes for Pádraig, thus continually heightening his and our engagement
Thanks for this. The old woman representing depression makes sense to me. I wouldn't normally watch a film a second time but this will be an exception. Thanks again
After I was done watching this movie, It felt like a waste of time because I failed to interpret the plot properly. That is why I am so gratefull for your review. Thank you for showing me a real point of view regarding the meaning of the film. This is far more statisfying than those who claim the relationship between the characters is an allegory for the war between the Irish.
Thank you for this interpretation, I was really confused during this whole movie and I did not understand what it was trying to say. This made it make more sense and gave me a lot more to think about.
FOR ME IT WAS MAGNIFICENT TO WATCH A FILM WITHOUT GUNS,DRUGS ,OR CAR CHASERS , ABSOLUTELY HEARTWARMING, FUNNY, HEARTBREAKING, AT TIMES ,BUT STILL WATCH IT EVERY AFTERNOON , SIMPLY MAGICAL
I love how she addesses people by their name followed by son/daughter of. Small little things like that makes me feel we really did time travel back to 1923 Ireland
For me it’s pretty clear that the whole movie is an allegory about the Irish conflict. The major key to understand it all is in the final dialogue between Colm et Padraic. Every reaction represent the vanity of human misunderstanding and so.. sorry but my English is not good enough to explain more clearly but see the film through that point of view and it make sense. And by the way the old lady is the incarnation of a banshee. The director said it in interview.
You make some interesting points in trying to interpret the main theme and story lines in the film. I think that you're correct about the nature of life in the village and the depressing circumstances of life for the main characters. I don't think Colm's rejection of Padraic (whose name you are mispronouncing) is primarily selfless and intended to benefit Padraic by forcing him to confront the meaninglessness of his life as it repeats banal activities day after day. I think his goal is much as he describes it--to cut loose from the empty life that is being reinforced by daily pub conversations with the likes of Padraic, to compose something that will live on after his death, and to find more joy in his life as it winds down. He tells Padraic that he doesn't want to talk anymore with him because Padraic is dull. This is brutal but accurate. The trivial conversations just drain away energy that could be applied to more substantial and productive things. The fact that he forces Padraic to deal with the break and thus the dull existence he's become routinized about, that is secondary and not Colm's main goal in dealing with Padraic. (Note that Colm continues to engage with others in convivial talk at the pub sometimes, and he connects with the visiting musicians to play and work out his composition. So he is showing he still has some interest in social interaction and wants to follow through on his plan to compose a song that will outlive him.) Your other comments about how Padraic changes are pretty accurate, though. It's Padraic's sister who is the one islander who can't be content there and finally decides she must seek a better life on the mainland--a life she seems to be achieving, based on her letters. Her attempt to draw Padraic there fails, because by then Padraic is both so entrenched in his misery and fatalistic about his life that he can only find a form of meaning in his conflict with Colm. Padraic feels incapable of changing and adopting a more positive view in a more challenging environment on the mainland.
I am fascinated by the film and the many, many layers it has. That said, I didn’t see anything in the film that suggested Colm is concerned about Pádraic drinking too much. He says Pádraic is boring and it’s clear that’s true. He himself spends a lot of time in the pub, he just wants to spend it talking to other people. Which part made you think Colm’s problem is that Pádraic drinks too much and needs to leave the island? Your point about the old woman being an avatar of depression though is really interesting and not one that had occurred to me. I saw her as representing Death, like something out of the Seventh Seal with a hook instead of a scythe, but depression would be more nuanced and certainly fits in with Colm’s conversation with the priest. I’ll have to rewatch the film to see when she pops up and what reaction the characters have to her. Thanks for an interesting idea.
Other interpretations stress the old woman is symbolic of England creating a rift between Irish factions, egging them on and heightening the conflict in their minds where it would be lesser without. Just another layer, if indeed it were intended.
Maybe I didn't explain it very well but the way I saw it is that Colm wasn't necessarily concerned about the drinking itself but about Padriac wasting his life and ending up like him, old lonely and unfulfilled.
Thanks, that for me the best explanation of the fact that Colm still goes to the pub meeting and chatting with everybody else. I have been struggling with that
@@filmforthought1906 I agree that Colm has concern for Padriac since he steps in when the police officer is beating him and he defends Padriac again from the police officer in the pub after his donkey has died. Colm acts in a fatherly way to help and protect Padriac. If you see their relationship as a a parent and a child and failure to launch. Colm's depression, in part is from Padriac being too dependent on Colm and Colm's extreme but failed actions to severe their relationship demonstrates to me how Colm damaged Padriac and himself in his attempt to separate from Padriac. In the end, Colm looking out into the horizon is his realization that one cannot chose for others (maybe for their children) and it is he who should have chosen to leave the island for a bigger life instead of the damage he inflicted on himself and Padriac.
@@filmforthought1906 This may be true if we're reconstructing Colm's thinking. But he was imperceptive if he didn't realize that Padraic was quite different from him. I've read someone saying that Colm was afraid of oblivion after death, Padraic of being forgotten or ignored while still alive.
About 70% into the movie, there was one scene where I thought Padraic was Autistic. He did not get social cues well, and was obsessive and somewhat naive about Colm possibly having a change of heart later in the movie.
I absolutely agree with the analogies to the Irish Civil War, but I also loved how you commented on the selflessness of Colm’s decision to push Paidrac away. It seems insane, but his self mutilation in the face of his desire to play music shows that this decision to cut ties with Padraic is not for Colm’s benefit, but for Padraic’s. He cares for Padraic and there may be some jealousy about Padraic’s youth, but him not wanting Padraic to end up like him totally fits with Colm’s actions throughout the film, and it’s unfortunate that one of the consequences of his choices (Jenny’s death) is what pushes Padraic over the edge and causes them to become enemies. By the end, Colm seems to want to go back to being friends, seemingly giving up on saving his friend from becoming like the rest of the island, recognizing that he has joined them in bitterness, but it is too late to change how Padraic feels. Truly tragic, and Dominic’s suicide is just the cherry on top. Incredible film.
I like your interpretation. Mine is not quite as forgiving towards Colm. The comparison to the civil war works, but the movie is at least as interesting on a personal level. As both Colm and Padraic, I want things from others. I want respect, I want to be worthy of their time and percieved as a nice person (being liked), I also want respect for my boundaries, the possibillity to pursuit my dreams, find inspiration with people with shared interests, and also space and time for myself. I want other people to have all those things as well. The tricky part is when the balance of taking care of myself, gets in the way for me being kind, or the other way around. In this movie, to ignore how important it is to be kind is wrecking peoples lives. Nice is not the same as kind, neither is honesty. Human relations are muddy waters indeed.
I think this is a really good take on the film, especially with regard to the old woman, it's the first review I've seen where such an observation was made
There is a kindness in your interpretation of this film which adds a layer of potential meaning that has only added to my enjoyment of it. And to be clear, I already love this film. Thanks man.
I do not agree with the idea that the reason Colm snubbed Padraic was to encourage him to make a better life for himself and leave the island. A man wouldn’t cut off his own fingers for that reason. It must have been something that he felt very strongly about, a passion he felt deep inside. Maybe he would go that far if Padraic was his own son but not if he was just a friend.
Brilliant 👏 Thank you so much. It's a deeply rich analysis with such meticulous details. It's to the point and sincerely objective without any superficiality.
This is a deeply, profoundly spiritual film. Theologically, it is worth considering that, in the order of virtue, the four cardinal virtues are preceded by the three theological virtues; those being Faith, hope and charity (love) which are Divine in origin. The Divine towers over this film from the cinematography (God wrote two books; scripture and nature), the ever present Crucifix, Our Lady's statue and the donkey symbolising Christ's entry into Jerusalem. Despite this 'presence' the locals are blinded to this reality, blinded to life; note the absence of children and infants throughout. Where virtue is absent, the opposite takes it's place, even among His anointed (note the conduct of the priest at confession). We witness gossip, abuse, mutilation, rejection, isolation and profanity. We Irish are well-versed with what the Banshee represents and this informs our childhood. This is an unsettling, masterpiece and one can draw many parallels with what we encounter today in the secular realm. In the order of virtue, Faith comes first, without which there is no hope and no love. Ne timeas +.
I love your take on it. I went into the weeds with a whole existentialist viewing of this atter and loved it equally. Terrific and sure to be under rated movie.
Colm’s issue is a bad communication which leads to sth destructive. He might have thought that having no purpose of life in the isle would motivate Padraic to leave the place like his sister did eventually. However this isn’t a good way to influence people and lose friends dooming himself for more profound loneliness.
I think Colm stopped talking to him, because Padraic was the embodiment of everything Inıshering represents. Dull, never changing, still sort of an existence that doesn't promise one anything. He just starts a meaningless conflict over their not very significant differences, just like Ireland tearing itself apart, these two start a pointless civil war. Padraic is the very embodiment of your traditional Irishman, refusing to even comprehend the changing of their time and his friend wanting something bigger than what they have. Colm is being immensely stubborn and maniacal about pretending not talking to Padraic will elevate his intellectual output. Even his fecking song is about Inisherin. He is also a part of that damp rock but just too proud and irritable to admit it. Colm doesn't have a beef with Padraic, but his behaviour breaks Padraic's entire world, the conflict he started and escalated over nothing caused Padraic to lose his entire life. Their friendship, his donkey and his sister were all his life were. His sister left when she realised she has to get away from the place to have a proper life, a life she could still be married, and actually enjoying life for once. A life she won't be so alone anymore. Colm ended their friendship, and then caused his wee donkey to die, literally killing Padraic. So much so, Padraic was ready to let him die in that house. And that is why their beef wasn't gonna end. And like Ireland, and all its baggage of memory from the wars with England, famine, and civil war, their bickering is not something to be sorted with. Colm broke Padraic's world and Padraic destroyed whatever Colm had left. And Padraic, being a dumb stubborn idiot, refuses to leave Inisherin, because he still refuses to see that he doesn't have to live like that, he chooses to. Inisherin will kill all hope, Inisherin will end him up like that Dominic, unloved, alone, unable to connect with anything.
I just came back from watching the movie. I hadn't noticed the age difference, you mentioned, while watching. I appreciate your interpretation, but I want to watch the movie again and pay extra attention to interactions with the old lady while remembering the folklore.
I'd forgotten that Siobhan was hospitable to the old lady. She shows maturity, as you say, so she's the only character who's able to escape the island.
@@CollieJenn didn’t see it chose to see Jurassic instead I walked out it was soooo bad can’t believe it made $$ it’s the worst I’ve ever seen except maybe avatar is worse idk but maybe Jurassic is worst of the year. Should’ve seen maverick but can’t afford 2 blockbusters chose the wrong one I guess :(
It’s definitely Civil War. The policeman represents British Rule. In the War of Independence the Irish fought side by side but after independence they split and fought each other over whether to fight on for a full united ireland or accept loosing the 6 counties of Northern Ireland (pro treaty and anti treaty sides). The self mutilation represents the harm they did to themselves and Ireland or possibly the fingers represent the 6 counties lost to the UK at the end. In the end pro treaty forces won and defeated anti treaty forces. They shelled the four courts in Dublin while anti treaty forces where within burning it which obviously represents burning the house. In the end the civil war ended resulting in life going back to normal with friend and families hating each other and not talking yet having to live with each other in the same places all over Ireland. His sister I would assume represents those who left for America for a new life leaving the strife behind.
I think there is alot of themes in this movie. One that resonates with me; Padraic was so cheerful and affable, and he was undoubtedly covering some deep seated issues. He mentions to Colm once, "you used to be nice, but maybe you were this way the entire time." Now, at the end of the film, Padraic is full of resent and rage, maybe he was truly that way all along? Beware the fury of a patient man.
Thanks for pointing this out. This just goes to show humans are never truly who they appear to be .. even to their best friends.. but sooner or later our inner selves find a way to come out
I was desperately afraid that Padraic would just lie down and die after th death of his donkey. Ultimately he decided that anger and hatred allowed him to keep on living. I like the idea that Colm really did die in the fire and he's talking to a ghost at the end.
@@alanpennie Interesting, I havent heard of that theory. Posting comments after the 2023 Oscars, and this film was very robbed of recognition in my opinion.
i think the fingers aspect might have different meanings. 1. their friendship is holding themselves back from healthy progress in their own lives because they are too comfortable doing what they always did until the day Colm decides to go after his dream encouraging (in a very sad and unhealthy way) Padraic to do the same; 2. as time goes by, Padraic seems to go through the different stages of grief while Colm is developing and improving his musical piece - every time Padraic goes talk to him, he develops a little bit more 3. however, as Padraic starts feeling angry and confused about everything going on, Colm starts cutting his fingers 4. imo, this symbolizes the growing pains of necessary separations or cool off periods when two close people start to grow apart. while we see Padraic feeling the grief throughout the movie, we are not shown Colm’s emotions about how he is handling is decision/friendship breakup. while Padraic seems to be more anxiously attached, Colm seems to be more avoidant, but after all we get to see they both suffer a lot. 5. the both of them start to act out of character due to the pain they feel - Padraic and his triggers of abandonment and Colm and his decision to grow apart from a friendship to follow his dream - being the fingers aspect the graphic representation of the self-destructive reality we might encounter ourselves in when we lost someone very meaningful to us and to our path. 6. the detail of exchanging pains is the most beautiful to me: Colm delivers Padraic his lost fingers (that prevent him from playing) and that loss is the cause of the donkey’s death (one of the most precious things to Pedraic as well as his family and friends). so, when we love people and we grow apart from them, there will always be love and sadness shared 7. after all, this is truly beautiful because in times of despair they both still cared for each other and got each other’s back , despite the context.
I found Colm's fingers to be exemplary of my interpretation. They illustrate that all of his time spent with the 'dull' Pádraic takes from himself. He is trying to do something meaningful and lasting beyond his life, in his premonition of death, while at the same time being gradually (and here, literally) taken apart by the ordinary and the dull. Yet it's almost egotistical in a way, because in trying to leave this important thing behind, some great legacy, he ignores, even destroys, the things so close to him. In trying to reach some great beyond, he misses out on what's right in front of him.
Man, the old lady representing depression isn't his sister.... why did you show a picture of his sister when you were making this point... everything else was good but I'd re edit it with the old witch lady picture instead of his sister...
I think that the two deaths the old woman predicts may actually refer to Colm and Padraic. She says something like: "There will be at least one death. Maybe even two." Colm is already dead, he is, as already mentioned, in his old age and he feels he wasted his life, but there's still hope for Padraic. Colm (if his motives are selfless) and Siobhan are the ones trying to wake him up and stop him for squandering his own life. But his final words prove that he doesn't want to change, so simply decides to stay among the dead, because the island itself is the island of death (all the people, as you said, who want to leave have already left or are preparing to leave) watched by the old woman. I know this interpretation may sound quite pessimistic, but it may be one way to interpret the film.
Thank you for your explanation. I watched the movie today with my son, 14. We both felt sad and unfulfilled and confused. We knew we missed something. I kept thinking that C. Learned that he is going to die, and wanted to abruptly separate from his younger friend. I kept thinking his sister would teach him to read more and about the world. (Like who is Mozart). But I guess all of it was wishful Hollywood thinking. 😢
Good interpretation. In my opinion it's the first film I've seen in ages that actually expresses our times. The splits in our politics like Brexit and the U.S. elections. The rise of extremism and irrationality. And it doesn't attempt to give an answer as to the reason why this is occurring now. The viewer is left to think and that is what good art does.
I can’t get over the Motif of “speaking” Or the tension between “silence vs. noise” The sounding of the Bells seem to signify something. The sound of music is good, but the filling the air with meaningless chatting is not. The whole conflict that “if you speak to me, I will harm myself” The confessional booth is the one place where it’s OK to speak about “despair”, grief, and difficult to come to terms with events. Siobahn speaks for people, but only when she speaks up for herself does she find fulfillment.
They both hate themselves, and see who they want to be in their friend. Which makes them both resent each other for it in time. Colm hates himself and wants to be more like the type of person that Padraic is, thus the resentment towards Padraic that's actually about himself. Colm is depressed and rude, as a result his life goes in a direction he doesn't want it to. However. Padraic is leading the life Colm wants but Colm is leading the life Padraic wants. Padraic wants nothing more than be with his friend and care about nothing else, Colm wants nothing more than to stop caring about his legacy but won't out of pride. Since these two are more focused on being the other, when the times came that they suddenly couldn't go back on it, they both realized they had become the very person they dreaded/loved being the most and were just hiding it the whole time but needed their friend to break them out of their shell. Colm was depressed and angry because he use to be nice, kind, boring, and trite but isn't anymore. Pasraic is nice, kind, boring, and trite because he never was and used it as a coping mechanism. Thus when Colm starts to see his friend this way it hurts him, because he knows and is then willing to do whatever it takes to help his friend. In the end Colms music made himself unhappy and cutting off his fingers was a metaphor for Padraic to stop living his life the way he was, otherwise, he'd wake up one morning and realize the thing that he thought would bring him the most happiness is what brought him the most depression (Jenny and the simple life). Being obsessed with his musical legacy left him depressed and lonely. He didn't want that for Padraic.
Excellent analysis of an excellent film. I kind of felt bad for how it was advertised in the USA--as a comedy, which probably led to a lot of people going to it and then telling their friends it wasn't as funny as the commercials made it out to be. That's not how it was meant to be seen, as your criticism shows. It's a deep film, with a lot of stuff to say.
Great point of view.
My sister said, Colm is sad and scared of being forgotten when he dies, Pádraic is scared of being forgotten while he's alive.
Nicely put!
It's also an allegory of the artist, such as McDonough himself. We need to ignore people in our lives to create great art, or it won't happen. It can maim relationships, as people take it personally.
Your sister is wise person
@@ajitavhad353
Padraic's story is so sad.
I'm reminded of that tag from Matthew the Evangelist,
From him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Over the course of the story he lost first his friend, then his sister, and finally even his donkey.
Search of the word "υστεροφημια" ancient greek word. Meaning to be remembered after death. It was the motivating forch of achillies and of many others at the time
I interpreted the film to be in homage to the Irish Civil War in which, out of the blue one day, your neighbor becomes your enemy. Padraic is the archetype of a person living a happy life until war is waged upon him and it destroys his home and all he knows that contribute to his peaceful life. Padraic represents the feeling of wanting things to go back to how they were before a huge event in life occurs much like the war did to Ireland, only to inevitably accept the fact that there’s no way to go back to how things were after all that had been done. Something that you have to take to your grave with you. But I feel that is just one theme going on in this masterpiece McDonaugh put forth. For how simple the story line is it truly encapsulates so many different working themes and truths about life. Such a beautiful work of art this film is.
It is definitely something along these lines. I thought this right after I saw it. They represent opposite sides of the struggle in some way, too. Padraic became a reluctant combatant and decided to burn down his house. Many in the civil war did the same. At some point, after trying to keep relationships together, they were pushed too far and started participating in the war.
There is so much to it and multiple levels to understand and explore…
Well said! And yes, one theme of many! It’s incredible.
Brilliant explanation. Especially the quote of young welcoming the depression
I think you over analyzed it just to be able to say something that makes you sound poetic and deep
@@murthunt1047 I don’t think it takes much analysis. They basically say as much at the end when they comment on the ongoing civil war and suggest it is related to their situation. I think the OP went further than I would, but it is clearly a bit of allegory of how the civil war ripped people apart.
Colm resents Pádraic for being content with his simple life and not being concerned with having a legacy or being remembered beyond those he cares about in life. Colm, due to his frustration with his own existence, concludes that the only reason Pádraic is so content and untroubled is because he is dull and stupid.
Colm projects his own fears and insecurities onto Pádraic and resents him for it. By snubbing Pádraic, Colm keeps these fears and insecurities at arms length and lends himself an air of superiority as a coping mechanism.
Ironically I think Pádraic is actually Colm's muse, after each encounter with an impassioned Pádraic, Colm seems to progress with his work on his magnum opus 'The Banshees of Inisherin'.
Each time he rebuffs Pádraic, he cuts off a finger and thereby literally and metaphorically loses his ability to create music.
❤
Well said
I never even thought of it that way. That’s a great view
@@TarheelTeddy2011
Definitely better than the reviewer's idea that what Colm does is "tough love" for his friend.
His treatment of Padraic is on aspect of his self - destruction.
Very good interpretation, it does shed light on the fact that depression is a desease that corrupts the rational judgement to the point the bearer destroys the few good things left in his life. Worst of all, his actions transfer the negative impact on the people who are closest to him as well.
I kind of thought the old woman was a banshee. Like Colm says, banshees don't really howl anymore to warn of death, they just sit back and observe. The old woman observes everything that goes on on the island. She's in the store listening and observes out the window when Padraic get's hit by the policeman. She is by the lake when Dominic commits suicide, she knows that Jenny the donkey is dead and tells Padraic not go to killing Colm's dog. She predicts 2 deaths: Dominic and Jenny. She also knows before anyone that Dominic is dead and ends up giving the stick with the hook that he was carrying in the beginning of the movie to the policeman to retrieve Dominic's body.
Well seen and well written, Laura! That's how I saw it too. That old woman definitely is the Banshee of Inisherin.
@@Wildweib I agree
I think the prophesy of two deaths is a key to understanding the story: while they are making a big issue out of nothing at all, the vulnerable suffer and die.
@@haya371u shouldnt ruin things for urself like that 😭
You are correct
I really like the metaphor of the old lady as depression. As Siobhan leaves the island, she sees depression on the cliff waving goodbye, but she looks sad rather than relieved, perhaps knowing that her brother was still there with depression.
no.
It was sad that Siobhan wasn't able to save either Dominic or Padraic.
Though Padraic did ultimately find a way to survive the loss of everything he valued.
He was a nastier version of Job in The Book of Job.
lmao corny ass
the camera was intentionally blurry!! its got to be the old lady!!
I believe in this. I was wondering about her being on the cliff with Padraic. Thanks.
Long time ago I met a new friend in a Casino. This in a place called Blackpool which doesn't have many people. I said Hi and we got to know each other. I think around 2 or 3 months in, I really found him boring. He has no direction in life, doesn't know what he wants. Talks about the same thing over and over again. The first month was ok and was happy with our friendship.
He was 15 years older than me and should be wise. He just spends all his money in the Casino, I go there for free soft drinks and sometimes buy myself a meal. I found myself not being able to relate to him as time goes by. We didn't have similar hobbies, I had to keep the conversation going and I just dread going out with him.
He really liked me as a friend though, I felt bad and stuck around an other 2 months longer. Eventually I changed jobs and number. He couldn't find me ever again. This movie reminds me of my relationship with him. I'm sure I bore some people as well and there has also been people I liked and they didn't like me, which fine and part of life, I wish them to be happy. I really understand this movie because I experienced it myself
This is the best explanation of the film I have seen so far. Especially the part with the old woman.
Thank you very much really appreciate your feedback!
One thing I don't like about your interpretation of the old women is that Padraic's sister DIDN'T want to let in and invite her, it was explicitly stated that she hides from her when she sees her, and later Padraic does the same. So a slightly different approach from the sister, but otherwise it holds ok.
@@OhMyRoystone she doesn't want to, she's perhaps hidden from the old woman in the past . . . But perhaps that's part of her character arc in the film. She realises letting the old woman in is the better approach - that's what we helps her get to grips with what is making her so miserable and what be helps her to make her mind up and leave the island.
@roystone2 sister does say she couldn’t avoid her.. she finally stopped or had to stop avoiding her..
@@OhMyRoystone
She denied hiding from her.
It may be that Padraic was projecting his own cowardice on to his sister there.
Good take. I was hoping for some insight as to why Colm cut off his fingers. It seemed brutal to Padraig - far from selfless. He dreamed long ago of a life of music and here he deprives himself of the "instruments" to implement that dream. Why? As a deterrent to Padraig's overtures, it was a failure. One he could readily predict. No, he used Padraig as an excuse to finally abandon the nagging hope of immortality through a musical legacy and free himself of continuing to harbor that hope. That's what I think.
I agree! When Colm still couldn’t find satisfaction in himself he had to look for a reason to make it Padraic’s fault again. Cant compose while I’m friends with Padraic - to - can’t compose because Padraic pushed me to cut my fingers off. And I believe His final 4 fingers were all severed at the same time because he couldn’t bare to have to deal with the pressure off writing another
very interesting perspective!
He even says at the end when he shows Padraic his mangled hand that it’s “actually comes as a relief”
@@sophiehenderson9298 he did say that the next time padraic speaks to him, it'll be 4 fingers this time
Great take
I like what you're putting forward about the old woman representing depression. It especially works when you look at the scene of Siobhan standing at the lake's edge, thinking of suicide. It appears the woman was beckoning her to do it from the other side, and I wondered for a long time why she would. Your interpretation makes the scene make more sense to me.
There are so many haunting characters in this film. I imagine Dominic's hopelessness finally became too much for him, as well. But he lacked the means of escape available to Siobhan. Ah well, we all just use the tools at hand...food, video games, a gun. Thanks for sharing your insight. :-)
Yes I agree I forgot to talk about that scene where Siobhan is standing at the lake's edge. Thank you for your comment really appreciate it :)
I didn't see it as Siobhan contemplating suicide. I thought she was finding a quiet place to think about whether to take the job on the mainland or not because it would mean leaving her brother. I saw the old woman as beckoning Dominic to drown himself in the lake. When he basically asks out Siobhan and she rejects him, he says "Well I guess I'll go over there and do that thing I was gonna do." which seems like someone just making an awkward attempt to get out of an embarrassing situation, but "that thing he was gonna do" was actually commit suicide in the lake.
I figured the old lady was the Spectre of Death.
@@filmforthought1906 I think most of the "analysis" of the movie, on youtube, fall rather flat or plain misinterpret the events. There are subplots implied throughout that few people pick up on. The central story also makes sense (without the irish war allegory) after careful observation and a bit of deduction.
To begin with, the economics of the town and the people of the island subsistence is never fully in focus. In Ireland, there are social programs that equate to welfare. We observe that there is a coastal port with shopkeepers (and a pub) that supply the town at a profit. It's implied that most of the town subsists purely on some form of welfare and scavenging (fishing). This has little value on it's own, but allows the viewer to dispense with questions about the involvement of economics.
Doherty's character is largely determined by the decorations of his home and his behavior. Doherty traveled the world, represented by adorning artifacts. Masks, photos, a record player. He learned to play music at some point (maybe on the island) and maybe was a puppeteer in the past, leading one to infer that his fingers were a virtue representing his vitality and youth of days gone by. Deherty's introspective nature (sitting alone in his home), implies that the friendship of Doherty and Padriac was one of happenstance and social gravity. They happened to be relatively close to one another, the both like to spend on beer, and as Doherty's home is on Padriac's way to the pub, Doherty was one of the few denizens who seemed to listen to Padriac's inane ramblings. Doherty knows that Padriac will never leave. He's an alcoholic and a dolt and that's the end of it. The central question to the movie is not why Doherty decides to shun Padriac, but why does he do so AND sacrifice his fingers. The most simple explanation would be if he noticed a degradation of his manual dexterity (tremors or arthritis, etc) and became emotionally unraveled. During the first time we see Doherty playing his fiddle in the pub, he stops playing and places a single finger on the string to hold it up. This finger has a black nail...many of his nails are black-affected. This would indicate cancer or advanced Addison's or some other malady. With a terminal disease, which might incidentally induce depression, his dream of leaving behind something enduring started to dim and Doherty had to start focusing on what was important. He tutored a student, he composed a song, he made changes to his life. Padriac was not someone he could confide in nor would he understand as he had always lived on the island, unlike Doherty. Padriac was also a talker. Severing his fingers were likely both a message to Padriac (and the town), as well as a way to dull the reminder that he was dying...like everyone is, and would leave nothing behind but his shack. That being said, I would estimate that half the movie is implied and not present in dialog.
Another example (my wife picked up on) is when we first meet Dominic, he has a pike pole. When Mrs. McCormick tells Padriac that deaths happen in pairs, she has the same pike pole. At this point, Dominic has already died and she retrieved the pole or she caused his death. I suspect the latter, but I'm convinced she killed the Donkey. This is supported by the fact that donkeys won't eat fingers and certainly won't keep them in its mouth as it's choking. Given how he had to pull fingers out of the donkey's mouth, it's clear the donkey was intentionally killed. Again, likely by Mrs. McCormick. The entire town is full of bored-to-sadism, self-loathing, individuals. Dominic didn't just call Padriac the only nice person on the island because he was kind to Dominic, but because he was not like the rest of the town...yet.
The movie is dense with various themes and the explanations. Then again, maybe we took away more than what was there.
In Irish folklore, a Bamshee (old woman in black) is seen to represent death. Early in the movie Dominic finds her stick with the hook, this could be seen as foreshadowing his death. The stick is similar to Death's scythe. In the movie Colm talks about his song and how he thinks there maybe Banshees on the island and they like to sit back, amused and observe. This is exactly what the old woman was doing in the last scene with Colm and Pádraic on the beach and her sitting in the middle separating them. Did she cause Colm to not want to be Pádraics friend which set off a chain of events that caused two deaths as she predicted.
That's a really good take. I didn't see Colm's motivation as selfless at all, but once you brought it up it makes perfect sense. Even as "enemies" they clearly both care for each other throughout the whole film.
Thank you for watching!
I'm currently experiencing an existential crysis and that's what i think the film Is about. Colm realizes that he never achieved much in his life and he Is trying escape It through art and destruction. He feels trapped in a reality which Is not satisfying anymore and boredom Is the only clear emotion he can perceive beside his desire to finally do something meaningful and eternal like creating music. He has an urge to change his lifestyle, and the First thing he decided to remove was his " boring friendship " with Padriac. I think the reason Is that Padriac reflects his perception of himself as a boring person and at the same time he Is a big part of the Daily routine he doesn't appreciate anymore. Colm is convinced that Padriac Is the source of his problems, giving away the responsibility for his own doom. Shavonne is also experiencing an existential crysis, but she deals with It in a more sane way by actually taking life changing decisions, whithout blaming her beloved ones.
You're right, except you've got the names the wrong way round.
@@alanpennie thanks ahah
The movie is one great allegory about whether we are able to escape our dullness, which is caused by our own decisions, and make our everyday life more meaningful and joyful.
The old man is very well aware of it but has quite an inappropriate approach while trying to do so. He takes extreme measures, which lead him and others to lose so many things in the process, which is opposite to his actual goal.
On the other hand, the girl is very well aware of her situation too, but unlike Colm, she takes a different approach. She wants more but knows that she must sacrifice many things in order to build a meaningful life. Her only escape, as she stated in the movie, was the books she had. They were also sacrificed, along with her brother, animals, and everything that she had known... She risked, but she made it. She invites all the people she cares for and also the animals that they care for, showing her selflessness and other virtues.
Padraic can be looked at from so many angles. For me, he's the best example of "The road to hell is paved by good intentions". In all his pain, he still sees the good, he still tries to do good... But all in vain. He states "It takes two to tango", trying to make a point, but too bad... He was not able to see that he was the one who needs to move on actually, for his own good and the good of others. He is a metaphor for not being able to let go of the past, and it costs his soul greatly.
In everyday life, we see many people like Colm and Padraic who are led by their dissatisfactions, and in order to change or solve something they waste so many things and hurt so many people in the process without really making a difference. It doesn't matter whether it's an island, a desert, a mountain... Wherever we go, we take ourselves with us. It is a movie about everybody's life and those three spirits that are, metaphorically speaking, within us. It's on us to make a decision about which one of them prevails.
It's an allegory (the two main characters seem to be the opposing sides in the civil war). I suppose a meaning is that the idealistic one refuses to compromise and so prefers to have a war rather than give in - despite that ruining his own chances at a better future. If you want to read something even more bleak: the future is (metaphorically) in a tiny island in the middle of pretty much nothing. You can always ruin what matters most to you, while trying to protect it.
Watching this video and reading this comment has made me realise that the film is about both, the pointless feud of the Irish Civil War and the destruction it has caused (i think the pointlessness is demonstrated through the only change on the isalnd being the repainting of the post box, and the damage being the young guy who dies - who represents the innocent bystanders of the war), and the depression/toxicity of insular life discussed in this video.The face that the film has managed to do both at once is really impressive.
It is mostly this allegory. I thought it immediately during the movie, but especially when they stand on the beach at the end. Many folks fought each other when they had no reason to….and they fought to their own harm.
I think the most enthralling scene in the movie was that in which siobhan was peering into the lake, while the old woman - representing suicide, edged her on. We can only assume had it not been for dominic, that would have been the end of siobhans life. In a way, dominic saved her life by professing his feelings towards her showing that its not always lonely, but she had other plans and didnt feel the same for him which crushed him and destroyed any hope he had of ever finding love. The phrase "well there goes that dream" is symbolic as it was the only thing that he cared about and it was taken away from him in an instant. While seemingly looking up to siobhan and her pursuit of her dreams, he tried to follow in her footsteps and push on with his own ambitions, but ultimately it was her, his love that caused his death. By attempting to achieve happiness with someone he loved, he was pushed away and led him to commit suicide, all while it was the same interaction that caused siobhan not to end her life and journey to the mainland and follow her dreams. Siobhan will probably never hear of dominics death, showing how he sacraficed his memory/legacy to give someone else an opportunity at happiness.
We see that the old lady was calling onto Siobhan, but maybe it was Dominic who was being called. He took the call, confessed his feelings, was defeated, and suicided.
@@ethernaut.3175 Yes, this is how I interpreted the scene as well. Dominic appears from right behind her, in the same direction where the old lady was gesturing
Your breakdown is 100% right. This is why we see his sister leave at the end, and why we see him reject the invite as the last thing he does before he burns his house down.
Also, the fingers were used to show that it wasn’t the musics that motivated him. He didn’t care about losing his fingers because his life was over and he was willing to lose them for his friend to get off the island.
It’s the irony that that all his choices end up making him more like one of the islanders, angry and ultimately depressed.
And we get the contrast between Ped and his sister. One leaves and one doesn’t.
Added irony is that Calum feels as though happiness is impossible on Inisherin, but Pad was happy and he stole that from him.
Also, this entire story is a parallel to the civil war taking place. Two friend turning on each other for no good reason. Complete insanity of civil war, brothers fighting brothers. Some think the old lady is the UK, working to further the divide. The Policeman may also be, constantly beating his son.
Interesting take. Mine was a bit different. The Island to me could be anywhere and our choices can make life either interesting or boring. Colm felt he spent too much his life disregarding his interest to make something memorable that lasts and gives him a sense of longevity like Mozart and felt he spent too much his life around people like Padraic who didn’t help him accomplish that, but knew that is his choice. Padraic on the other hand was happy with who he was and loved his existence and wasn’t bothered by big dreams, he was truly a nice guy, a happy go lucky type who didn’t feel alone or under accomplished. To him a friend, family and his animals were enough. The tragedy is that Colm destroyed that and made him like himself. A resentful man. The loss of his sister and donkey would probably been hard but not as hard if he had the friend still. I think the point of the movie maybe that we each have different take on life and our take, if not careful can hurt others and turn them into our sad selves. There was beauty in Padraic’s existence because it was devoid of ego.
Siobhan on the other hand had ambitions and the books was her only escape. She wasn’t like her brother who was ok with living with the animals, she wanted more. Colm and then the Police man disturbed something in her that made her finally make that choice.
The old woman though I am still thinking about. Her waving Siobhan over the ocean still has me thinking about what it represented. She was obviously the Banshee but did she represent something more.
I could be totally wrong but that’s my take.
Thank you for your take it is very interesting and I don't think there is a wrong or right take it's just about what you see in the story.
what a good interpretation, I agree with almost everything but I think the old lady goes more for depression than just a Banshee just because the title "Banshees of inisherin" all the residents of the island are Banshees.
The old lady was there when we are shown dominic has died (after asking Siobhan if she will ever like him and then she said "there goes another lost dream", and then the old lady was with the police man the last time we see him in the film, I think they both fall into depression and then die, they committed suicide because of depression.
@@josemarcano479 Thanks. Interesting, you could be right. Maybe she is the symbol of lost hopes and there to take you when you give up. Come to think of it there was never a scene between her and Colm that I recall. Maybe he was fighting that and hence why she hovered around his place as she smelled weakness in his trials and tribulations. We all face that hopelessness when we try something different and can be very vulnerable.
The one thing I was thinking about is that the movie ends with hope when Padraic says “any time” to Colm in response to taking care of his dog. All hope wasn’t lost with him, there was still a splinter of hope.
A good movie always makes for great discussion.
I do think the old lady was beckoning to Siobhan the idea to end her life. Initially Siobhan thinks she is simply waiving hello, we are then shown Siobhan's expression upon the realization that the old lady wasn't just greeting her but prompting her into the lake. This seemed to surprise Siobhan. Next we see Siobhan's kind refusal of Dominic at the lake's edge. Her options on the island are so limited and she sees no future for herself there. These two interactions solidify Siobhan's conviction to finally leave the island.
@@ocgirl8452 I believe so too now. She goes after those in a turmoil and at their weakest. Siobhan was stronger than Dominic. I guess she represents the weakness in us when we have lost hope and about to give up. In that way you can actually say that Padraic was the strongest of them all, he was disillusioned but didn’t give up.
I saw the movie a couple days ago and I couldn't get what the director meant to tell. I knew I missed something and it makes sense now thanks to your video. I'll have to watch it again in a few months. Thank's man!
This is just my interpretation may not be what the director was trying to show but thanks really appreciate it!
this is a really interesting perspective on the film! i didn't even consider that colm wanted the best for padraig but instead thought colm was projecting his unhappiness onto him. i figured he, being an old man in a lonely island during the civil war, realized how short life is and wanted more from it but didn't know how to handle that stress and decided padraig was to blame. he called him dull without realizing the only dull one between them is him, since padraig seemed pretty content with his life. and i loved your explanation of the old woman! i was at a loss of trying to figure out who and what she was, so using carl jung's quote as an analogy here was perfect. loved the video!
I’d recommend watching the ending again. When we first see Colm standing on the beach at the end of the film the sand is pristine - he has left no footprints. Likewise at the end of the scene - the only footprints in the sand are his dog’s and Pádraic’s.
I think Colm is dead in this scene and Pádraic is talking to his ghost - perhaps a comment by McDonagh about the way resentments become feuds over time and deepen into tribal warfare, long after the original grudge has faded.
It’s one interpretation, anyway… which is one of the reasons this is a great film, because it can be read on multiple levels.
I missed that will have to watch it again!
Great pick-up! 🎥
@@filmforthought1906 I missed it too!
Didn't the old lady predict only one death? It was Dominic, not Colm.
@@yuufeternal5837 She said one or two deaths.
Omggg I didn’t understand the movie at all, and was confused why it was nominated for so many awards but after watching this it completely all makes sense and understand everything so clearly! I have a total different interpretation of the movie now and appreciate the message so much. Thank you for this breakdown! And getting strictly to the point of everything and everyone in the film!
That connection to the Jung quote is so impresive👏🏾
Thank you for watching!
Pádraic represented the depression of Colm and of Padraic's sister. Padraic WAS depression in the film. When he kept speaking to Colm, Colm would cut his fingers off. When Padraic's sister left, in order to be with Padraic she would have to return to the town. She had left her depression behind.
Your analysis makes things more clear to me about this movie. I'll have to watch it again. When I watched it I started thinking about the scene in Good Will Hunting at the construction site when Ben Affleck's character tells Matt Damon's character about 'the best part of my day' which would be for Damon's character to not answer the door when Affleck's character comes to pick him up for work. Not a direct analogy but similar.
Thank you so Much for sharing Carl Jungs view on depression & your interpretation of How it was portrayed in the film! This was fantastic & very helpful! I think this may help me move on in my life
Usually these "X movie EXPLAINED" are just clickbait trash that repeat plot points that any viewer obviously caught. But this was actually a deep/insightful take on this film and helped me appreciate it more. Really good video!
You can create millions of interpretations, this movie is simple enough to fit in every single one of them, but is also complex enough to sustain every single one of them.
A great work by a genius director that was exceptionally executed by amazing actors.
1. Isolation and loneliness: The film explores the profound effects of isolation on a small Irish island, reflecting broader themes of human connection and loneliness.
2. The nature of friendship: It questions what constitutes a meaningful relationship and the impact of suddenly ending a long-standing friendship.
3. Civil war allegory: The conflict between the two main characters can be seen as a metaphor for the Irish Civil War, with its seemingly senseless division and self-destructive nature.
4. Existential crisis: Colm's sudden decision to end the friendship stems from a fear of being forgotten and a desire to create something lasting, reflecting on the human need for purpose and legacy.
5. Consequences of stubbornness: The film shows how pride and an unwillingness to compromise can lead to devastating outcomes.
6. The role of art in life: It explores the tension between the pursuit of art and maintaining human connections.
Very cool vid man. I've seen the film for a second time in cinema yesterday. I felt like Padraic wanted Colm in his life no matter what. Even if that ment them being enemies and with the old lady watching their encounter at the beach at the end, i do think this relationship will end with one of their deaths. Colm did say he has thoughts about playing his new song at Padraics funeral! Even tho he cant play anymore...
Yes I didn't mention this in my video but I definitely agree
Am I the only one who thinks Colm is dead at the end in the scene on the beach? They make a point of showing a long shot of him standing on the sand, with the dog running to him... you can see the dog's footprints as he runs, but there are none around Colm. Sand is perfectly smooth in all directions. Which wouldn't be possible, and in my mind had to be an intentional choice by the director. Plus when they showed the house burning, Colm was just quietly sitting there, clearly ready to die.
I think the last scene was Padraic talking to Colm's ghost in his mind.
I just saw the movie at home. I like your interpretation because we couldn't really figure it out with my dad (we're not irish) but I managed to see the old lady as a symbol of sadness and death. It was very sad for me to see the way Colm hurt himself and how due to the time therapy and mental health were taboo subjects. He was screaming for help without actually doing it. Depression and suicidal ideation are very well portrayed, I resonated with that part, shutting your best friends out❤ ❤❤
My father is from the mainland near the islands depicted in the film and he always told me that way back when, the ppl on these islands used to often go completely berserk (due to the many real and existential reasons u talk about in in ur review) and were well known for it. The police from the mainland had to try and restore peace on them as the locals would drink poteín and fight. I also wonder if the madness/ illogicality of civil war that is mentioned as raging on the mainland several times in the film…when ppl fight their own initially for a deep felt reason that over time becomes altered until eventually it carries on just because it’s become a way of life is echoed in the eventual all out war between the two main characters. I guess the beauty of the film is that we all take something different away from it.
For me this film has many layers and can be interpreted either literally or allegorically, and for that I got to like it. Many people can attach to any role in this simple story. What is this film about? A middle age depression? A story about toxic relationships or true love? About lost dreams? Could Inisherin be a micrography of Ireland at that time, overshadowed by hostilities among friends? Many questions and different meanings.
Yes the best stories have many interpretations
"Could Inisherin be a micrography of Ireland at that time, overshadowed by hostilities among friends? Many questions and different meanings" considering the fighting that's going on as the movie progresses (the IRA and such), I believe this to be correct. I would add that the death of Jenny (the donkey) represents the death of the innocent people during these conflicts.
@@MsLuziaBojart yes, many other 'casualties' could symbolize casualties of war like the young boy or the sister abandoning her place because as she says she cannot stand this madness anymore
If you’ve ever had a really brash falling out with a close friend, this movie really hit home in a lot of ways. Also, I really enjoyed your take on this. I’ve never heard that Jung quote before, I think I really needed that tbh.
great job! I've been cogitating on this for days now and I applaud that you saw and articulated the links between fear and resistance to change to the behaviours without giving too much away!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Brilliant video. I love that you mentioned that Jung quote!! I had the exact same thought about how Siobhan was the only one who welcomed the old lady in, and I thought of that quote but couldn’t quite remember it. So poignant!
Really interesting perspective. This film had me thinking for quite some time about it themes and the decisions made by the characters. Usually I don’t find myself with the patience for incredibly dialogue heavy films but man I really enjoyed this one. Have to watch In Bruges soon. Cheers
In Bruges is hilarious it's got a lot more action as well, would definitely recommend. Thank you for you're feedback cheers.
Same! I actually watched In Bruges yesterday. Awesome...
Unreal interpretation. You know what you’re doing with this stuff, great vid!
There is depression and then there is despair. The word despair is mentioned twice in the film. I only heard it the 2nd time but it hit home then.
Colm was in despair with his ideals of life and this shows through music and what he wanted, with reference to Mozart etc. He wanted to cut his fingers off anyway so that he would not have to suffer anymore, he chose to use Padraic as a scapegoat to do this, which is very sad.
He projected his despair on to his friend. This film is about projection and despair. 'In my opinion' , I enjoyed to video and all the responses and agree a-lot to work out. Maybe worth another look.
Like his other films, the meaning is always so subtle yet deep. Great theory mate, thanks for the clarity!
This movie was very touching, must have cried while watching for about half the movie
Your comments are very astute and well reasoned. Thank you for the thought provoking review of a surprisingly engaging movie. I watched this last night so it is fresh in my mind.
Thank you for your feedback, appreciate it!
Just watched the film. My first reaction were two men that had no ambition to leave an island and would pass their time now by being enemies. I know some farmers that lived their entire lives in the same town, house, people and then depression creeps in over the years. The sister was the one that escaped her grim future ahead.
Hating Colm gives Padraic some reason to carry on after losing everything he valued in his life.
Lucky for him that Colm "chose life" at the end.
Very interesting take. McDonagh's screenplay is classic. Pádraig sets out with the positive expectation of getting together with his friend Colm for their customary pint, only to be disappointed (negative) by his friend's mysterious recusal. Thenceforward, as he searches for a reason, each scene causes a shift from negative to positive or from positive to negative, all the while inexorably raising the stakes for Pádraig, thus continually heightening his and our engagement
Thanks for this. The old woman representing depression makes sense to me. I wouldn't normally watch a film a second time but this will be an exception. Thanks again
Thanks for watching !
After I was done watching this movie, It felt like a waste of time because I failed to interpret the plot properly. That is why I am so gratefull for your review. Thank you for showing me a real point of view regarding the meaning of the film. This is far more statisfying than those who claim the relationship between the characters is an allegory for the war between the Irish.
That allegory on carl jungs depression and how the sister invites her and leaves unlike paderic was an excellent interperation
Wow that made me appreciate this movie so much more. Thank you. I now realize i am also depressed. 😪 Beautiful video 👌🏼
I think your analysis is quite accurate and legitimate.. So loved this movie...
Thank you for your comment!
Thank you for this interpretation, I was really confused during this whole movie and I did not understand what it was trying to say. This made it make more sense and gave me a lot more to think about.
Wonderful interpretation. I wish I had a counter but maybe after a rewatch.
Favorite film I've watched in quite some time
FOR ME IT WAS MAGNIFICENT TO WATCH A FILM WITHOUT GUNS,DRUGS ,OR CAR CHASERS , ABSOLUTELY HEARTWARMING, FUNNY, HEARTBREAKING, AT TIMES ,BUT STILL WATCH IT EVERY AFTERNOON , SIMPLY MAGICAL
"Heartwarming"?" Funny"? OMG😳
Great comment 👍
I love how she addesses people by their name followed by son/daughter of. Small little things like that makes me feel we really did time travel back to 1923 Ireland
For me it’s pretty clear that the whole movie is an allegory about the Irish conflict. The major key to understand it all is in the final dialogue between Colm et Padraic. Every reaction represent the vanity of human misunderstanding and so.. sorry but my English is not good enough to explain more clearly but see the film through that point of view and it make sense. And by the way the old lady is the incarnation of a banshee. The director said it in interview.
Awesome job! I caught some of themes you mention in your analysis, but you also steered me to new ways of seeing this film. Cheers!
You make some interesting points in trying to interpret the main theme and story lines in the film. I think that you're correct about the nature of life in the village and the depressing circumstances of life for the main characters. I don't think Colm's rejection of Padraic (whose name you are mispronouncing) is primarily selfless and intended to benefit Padraic by forcing him to confront the meaninglessness of his life as it repeats banal activities day after day. I think his goal is much as he describes it--to cut loose from the empty life that is being reinforced by daily pub conversations with the likes of Padraic, to compose something that will live on after his death, and to find more joy in his life as it winds down. He tells Padraic that he doesn't want to talk anymore with him because Padraic is dull. This is brutal but accurate. The trivial conversations just drain away energy that could be applied to more substantial and productive things. The fact that he forces Padraic to deal with the break and thus the dull existence he's become routinized about, that is secondary and not Colm's main goal in dealing with Padraic. (Note that Colm continues to engage with others in convivial talk at the pub sometimes, and he connects with the visiting musicians to play and work out his composition. So he is showing he still has some interest in social interaction and wants to follow through on his plan to compose a song that will outlive him.)
Your other comments about how Padraic changes are pretty accurate, though. It's Padraic's sister who is the one islander who can't be content there and finally decides she must seek a better life on the mainland--a life she seems to be achieving, based on her letters. Her attempt to draw Padraic there fails, because by then Padraic is both so entrenched in his misery and fatalistic about his life that he can only find a form of meaning in his conflict with Colm. Padraic feels incapable of changing and adopting a more positive view in a more challenging environment on the mainland.
I 100% agree!
I am fascinated by the film and the many, many layers it has.
That said, I didn’t see anything in the film that suggested Colm is concerned about Pádraic drinking too much. He says Pádraic is boring and it’s clear that’s true. He himself spends a lot of time in the pub, he just wants to spend it talking to other people. Which part made you think Colm’s problem is that Pádraic drinks too much and needs to leave the island?
Your point about the old woman being an avatar of depression though is really interesting and not one that had occurred to me. I saw her as representing Death, like something out of the Seventh Seal with a hook instead of a scythe, but depression would be more nuanced and certainly fits in with Colm’s conversation with the priest. I’ll have to rewatch the film to see when she pops up and what reaction the characters have to her. Thanks for an interesting idea.
Other interpretations stress the old woman is symbolic of England creating a rift between Irish factions, egging them on and heightening the conflict in their minds where it would be lesser without. Just another layer, if indeed it were intended.
Maybe I didn't explain it very well but the way I saw it is that Colm wasn't necessarily concerned about the drinking itself but about Padriac wasting his life and ending up like him, old lonely and unfulfilled.
Thanks, that for me the best explanation of the fact that Colm still goes to the pub meeting and chatting with everybody else. I have been struggling with that
@@filmforthought1906 I agree that Colm has concern for Padriac since he steps in when the police officer is beating him and he defends Padriac again from the police officer in the pub after his donkey has died. Colm acts in a fatherly way to help and protect Padriac. If you see their relationship as a a parent and a child and failure to launch. Colm's depression, in part is from Padriac being too dependent on Colm and Colm's extreme but failed actions to severe their relationship demonstrates to me how Colm damaged Padriac and himself in his attempt to separate from Padriac. In the end, Colm looking out into the horizon is his realization that one cannot chose for others (maybe for their children) and it is he who should have chosen to leave the island for a bigger life instead of the damage he inflicted on himself and Padriac.
@@filmforthought1906
This may be true if we're reconstructing Colm's thinking.
But he was imperceptive if he didn't realize that Padraic was quite different from him.
I've read someone saying that Colm was afraid of oblivion after death, Padraic of being forgotten or ignored while still alive.
About 70% into the movie, there was one scene where I thought Padraic was Autistic. He did not get social cues well, and was obsessive and somewhat naive about Colm possibly having a change of heart later in the movie.
Wonderful reading of a tragic, touching film
Interesting take, but it does ignore the civil war background. I agree with most of the comments here
I think that the old lady represents death more than just depression. She’s dressed in robes and carried a “scythe”
I absolutely agree with the analogies to the Irish Civil War, but I also loved how you commented on the selflessness of Colm’s decision to push Paidrac away. It seems insane, but his self mutilation in the face of his desire to play music shows that this decision to cut ties with Padraic is not for Colm’s benefit, but for Padraic’s. He cares for Padraic and there may be some jealousy about Padraic’s youth, but him not wanting Padraic to end up like him totally fits with Colm’s actions throughout the film, and it’s unfortunate that one of the consequences of his choices (Jenny’s death) is what pushes Padraic over the edge and causes them to become enemies. By the end, Colm seems to want to go back to being friends, seemingly giving up on saving his friend from becoming like the rest of the island, recognizing that he has joined them in bitterness, but it is too late to change how Padraic feels. Truly tragic, and Dominic’s suicide is just the cherry on top. Incredible film.
I like your interpretation. Mine is not quite as forgiving towards Colm.
The comparison to the civil war works, but the movie is at least as interesting on a personal level.
As both Colm and Padraic, I want things from others. I want respect, I want to be worthy of their time and percieved as a nice person (being liked), I also want respect for my boundaries, the possibillity to pursuit my dreams, find inspiration with people with shared interests, and also space and time for myself.
I want other people to have all those things as well.
The tricky part is when the balance of taking care of myself, gets in the way for me being kind, or the other way around.
In this movie, to ignore how important it is to be kind is wrecking peoples lives. Nice is not the same as kind, neither is honesty. Human relations are muddy waters indeed.
I think this is a really good take on the film, especially with regard to the old woman, it's the first review I've seen where such an observation was made
Agreed.
She's a key part of the film but it's far from clear what her function is.
There is a kindness in your interpretation of this film which adds a layer of potential meaning that has only added to my enjoyment of it. And to be clear, I already love this film.
Thanks man.
Wow, thank you!
I do not agree with the idea that the reason Colm snubbed Padraic was to encourage him to make a better life for himself and leave the island. A man wouldn’t cut off his own fingers for that reason. It must have been something that he felt very strongly about, a passion he felt deep inside. Maybe he would go that far if Padraic was his own son but not if he was just a friend.
Love the interpretation! I always thought it was a metaphor for the Irish Civil War but I like this interpretation better.
This… might be what you think, but just imagine how significant stories will be once you start to see what’s actually there…
Your interpretation is totally on-point - it’s extremely sensitive and insightful.
Brilliant 👏
Thank you so much. It's a deeply rich analysis with such meticulous details. It's to the point and sincerely objective without any superficiality.
Thank you very much, that's very kind of you!
This is a deeply, profoundly spiritual film. Theologically, it is worth considering that, in the order of virtue, the four cardinal virtues are preceded by the three theological virtues; those being Faith, hope and charity (love) which are Divine in origin.
The Divine towers over this film from the cinematography (God wrote two books; scripture and nature), the ever present Crucifix, Our Lady's statue and the donkey symbolising Christ's entry into Jerusalem. Despite this 'presence' the locals are blinded to this reality, blinded to life; note the absence of children and infants throughout. Where virtue is absent, the opposite takes it's place, even among His anointed (note the conduct of the priest at confession). We witness gossip, abuse, mutilation, rejection, isolation and profanity. We Irish are well-versed with what the Banshee represents and this informs our childhood.
This is an unsettling, masterpiece and one can draw many parallels with what we encounter today in the secular realm. In the order of virtue, Faith comes first, without which there is no hope and no love. Ne timeas +.
Thank you. You make me want to think harder about the things I see.
Thank you appreciate it
I love your take on it. I went into the weeds with a whole existentialist viewing of this atter and loved it equally. Terrific and sure to be under rated movie.
Thanks for watching!
Colm’s issue is a bad communication which leads to sth destructive. He might have thought that having no purpose of life in the isle would motivate Padraic to leave the place like his sister did eventually. However this isn’t a good way to influence people and lose friends dooming himself for more profound loneliness.
you blew my mind with this interpretation. thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video! I missed the fact that Coln was probably trying to get Padric to leave the island and find a better life but it makes a ton of sense.
Thank you for watching!
I think Colm stopped talking to him, because Padraic was the embodiment of everything Inıshering represents. Dull, never changing, still sort of an existence that doesn't promise one anything.
He just starts a meaningless conflict over their not very significant differences, just like Ireland tearing itself apart, these two start a pointless civil war. Padraic is the very embodiment of your traditional Irishman, refusing to even comprehend the changing of their time and his friend wanting something bigger than what they have. Colm is being immensely stubborn and maniacal about pretending not talking to Padraic will elevate his intellectual output. Even his fecking song is about Inisherin. He is also a part of that damp rock but just too proud and irritable to admit it.
Colm doesn't have a beef with Padraic, but his behaviour breaks Padraic's entire world, the conflict he started and escalated over nothing caused Padraic to lose his entire life. Their friendship, his donkey and his sister were all his life were. His sister left when she realised she has to get away from the place to have a proper life, a life she could still be married, and actually enjoying life for once. A life she won't be so alone anymore. Colm ended their friendship, and then caused his wee donkey to die, literally killing Padraic. So much so, Padraic was ready to let him die in that house.
And that is why their beef wasn't gonna end. And like Ireland, and all its baggage of memory from the wars with England, famine, and civil war, their bickering is not something to be sorted with. Colm broke Padraic's world and Padraic destroyed whatever Colm had left.
And Padraic, being a dumb stubborn idiot, refuses to leave Inisherin, because he still refuses to see that he doesn't have to live like that, he chooses to. Inisherin will kill all hope, Inisherin will end him up like that Dominic, unloved, alone, unable to connect with anything.
I just came back from watching the movie. I hadn't noticed the age difference, you mentioned, while watching. I appreciate your interpretation, but I want to watch the movie again and pay extra attention to interactions with the old lady while remembering the folklore.
You have terrific insight into what this film portrays to its audience. Ty.
Thank you very much!
Thank you it makes more sense now I was thinking there must be some meaning to it all !!
I'd forgotten that Siobhan was hospitable to the old lady.
She shows maturity, as you say, so she's the only character who's able to escape the island.
It’s not only the best movie of the year it’s the only good film I’ve seen in YEARS. And it’s great 👍 please see it and supprt it.
Thank you very much!
Agreed though Maverick was a great movie too.
@@CollieJenn didn’t see it chose to see Jurassic instead I walked out it was soooo bad can’t believe it made $$ it’s the worst I’ve ever seen except maybe avatar is worse idk but maybe Jurassic is worst of the year. Should’ve seen maverick but can’t afford 2 blockbusters chose the wrong one I guess :(
It’s definitely Civil War. The policeman represents British Rule. In the War of Independence the Irish fought side by side but after independence they split and fought each other over whether to fight on for a full united ireland or accept loosing the 6 counties of Northern Ireland (pro treaty and anti treaty sides). The self mutilation represents the harm they did to themselves and Ireland or possibly the fingers represent the 6 counties lost to the UK at the end. In the end pro treaty forces won and defeated anti treaty forces. They shelled the four courts in Dublin while anti treaty forces where within burning it which obviously represents burning the house. In the end the civil war ended resulting in life going back to normal with friend and families hating each other and not talking yet having to live with each other in the same places all over Ireland. His sister I would assume represents those who left for America for a new life leaving the strife behind.
This is a really good view. Interesting take
I think there is alot of themes in this movie. One that resonates with me; Padraic was so cheerful and affable, and he was undoubtedly covering some deep seated issues. He mentions to Colm once, "you used to be nice, but maybe you were this way the entire time." Now, at the end of the film, Padraic is full of resent and rage, maybe he was truly that way all along? Beware the fury of a patient man.
Thanks for pointing this out. This just goes to show humans are never truly who they appear to be .. even to their best friends.. but sooner or later our inner selves find a way to come out
I was desperately afraid that Padraic would just lie down and die after th death of his donkey.
Ultimately he decided that anger and hatred allowed him to keep on living.
I like the idea that Colm really did die in the fire and he's talking to a ghost at the end.
@@alanpennie Interesting, I havent heard of that theory. Posting comments after the 2023 Oscars, and this film was very robbed of recognition in my opinion.
i think the fingers aspect might have different meanings.
1. their friendship is holding themselves back from healthy progress in their own lives because they are too comfortable doing what they always did until the day Colm decides to go after his dream encouraging (in a very sad and unhealthy way) Padraic to do the same;
2. as time goes by, Padraic seems to go through the different stages of grief while Colm is developing and improving his musical piece - every time Padraic goes talk to him, he develops a little bit more
3. however, as Padraic starts feeling angry and confused about everything going on, Colm starts cutting his fingers
4. imo, this symbolizes the growing pains of necessary separations or cool off periods when two close people start to grow apart. while we see Padraic feeling the grief throughout the movie, we are not shown Colm’s emotions about how he is handling is decision/friendship breakup. while Padraic seems to be more anxiously attached, Colm seems to be more avoidant, but after all we get to see they both suffer a lot.
5. the both of them start to act out of character due to the pain they feel - Padraic and his triggers of abandonment and Colm and his decision to grow apart from a friendship to follow his dream - being the fingers aspect the graphic representation of the self-destructive reality we might encounter ourselves in when we lost someone very meaningful to us and to our path.
6. the detail of exchanging pains is the most beautiful to me: Colm delivers Padraic his lost fingers (that prevent him from playing) and that loss is the cause of the donkey’s death (one of the most precious things to Pedraic as well as his family and friends). so, when we love people and we grow apart from them, there will always be love and sadness shared
7. after all, this is truly beautiful because in times of despair they both still cared for each other and got each other’s back , despite the context.
What a wonderful explanation and answered a lot of question I had, not being Irish. Superb acting by all.
I found Colm's fingers to be exemplary of my interpretation. They illustrate that all of his time spent with the 'dull' Pádraic takes from himself. He is trying to do something meaningful and lasting beyond his life, in his premonition of death, while at the same time being gradually (and here, literally) taken apart by the ordinary and the dull. Yet it's almost egotistical in a way, because in trying to leave this important thing behind, some great legacy, he ignores, even destroys, the things so close to him. In trying to reach some great beyond, he misses out on what's right in front of him.
Man, the old lady representing depression isn't his sister.... why did you show a picture of his sister when you were making this point... everything else was good but I'd re edit it with the old witch lady picture instead of his sister...
I think that the two deaths the old woman predicts may actually refer to Colm and Padraic. She says something like: "There will be at least one death. Maybe even two." Colm is already dead, he is, as already mentioned, in his old age and he feels he wasted his life, but there's still hope for Padraic. Colm (if his motives are selfless) and Siobhan are the ones trying to wake him up and stop him for squandering his own life. But his final words prove that he doesn't want to change, so simply decides to stay among the dead, because the island itself is the island of death (all the people, as you said, who want to leave have already left or are preparing to leave) watched by the old woman.
I know this interpretation may sound quite pessimistic, but it may be one way to interpret the film.
I'm afraid the end is sad.
But it looks like Padraic has found a way to survive the island at least.
So it's also kind of hopeful.
Thank you for your explanation. I watched the movie today with my son, 14. We both felt sad and unfulfilled and confused. We knew we missed something. I kept thinking that C. Learned that he is going to die, and wanted to abruptly separate from his younger friend. I kept thinking his sister would teach him to read more and about the world. (Like who is Mozart). But I guess all of it was wishful Hollywood thinking. 😢
Good interpretation. In my opinion it's the first film I've seen in ages that actually expresses our times. The splits in our politics like Brexit and the U.S. elections. The rise of extremism and irrationality. And it doesn't attempt to give an answer as to the reason why this is occurring now. The viewer is left to think and that is what good art does.
I can’t get over the Motif of “speaking”
Or the tension between “silence vs. noise”
The sounding of the Bells seem to signify something.
The sound of music is good, but the filling the air with meaningless chatting is not.
The whole conflict that “if you speak to me, I will harm myself”
The confessional booth is the one place where it’s OK to speak about “despair”, grief, and difficult to come to terms with events.
Siobahn speaks for people, but only when she speaks up for herself does she find fulfillment.
They both hate themselves, and see who they want to be in their friend. Which makes them both resent each other for it in time. Colm hates himself and wants to be more like the type of person that Padraic is, thus the resentment towards Padraic that's actually about himself. Colm is depressed and rude, as a result his life goes in a direction he doesn't want it to. However. Padraic is leading the life Colm wants but Colm is leading the life Padraic wants. Padraic wants nothing more than be with his friend and care about nothing else, Colm wants nothing more than to stop caring about his legacy but won't out of pride. Since these two are more focused on being the other, when the times came that they suddenly couldn't go back on it, they both realized they had become the very person they dreaded/loved being the most and were just hiding it the whole time but needed their friend to break them out of their shell. Colm was depressed and angry because he use to be nice, kind, boring, and trite but isn't anymore. Pasraic is nice, kind, boring, and trite because he never was and used it as a coping mechanism. Thus when Colm starts to see his friend this way it hurts him, because he knows and is then willing to do whatever it takes to help his friend. In the end Colms music made himself unhappy and cutting off his fingers was a metaphor for Padraic to stop living his life the way he was, otherwise, he'd wake up one morning and realize the thing that he thought would bring him the most happiness is what brought him the most depression (Jenny and the simple life). Being obsessed with his musical legacy left him depressed and lonely. He didn't want that for Padraic.
Amazing take man it really hit different👏👏
Thank you very much really appreciate it!
That was really well done ..the understanding of depression and a better way to handle it was helpful and insightful
Thank you very much!
Excellent analysis of an excellent film. I kind of felt bad for how it was advertised in the USA--as a comedy, which probably led to a lot of people going to it and then telling their friends it wasn't as funny as the commercials made it out to be. That's not how it was meant to be seen, as your criticism shows. It's a deep film, with a lot of stuff to say.
Very interesting and meaninful interpretation.
It’s funny, I couldn’t tell you outright what this movie was about; except maybe change… and embracing life, and yet… I really identified with it.
Thank you for your insight. I felt the same when watching the film. You put the right words on my intuition.
Thank you for your feedback really appreciate it!