Cast
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Crew
Director
- Matt Clark
Producer
- Julie Corman
Reviews
SPDonlan
'It was a long time before I realuzed that love turned upside down is love for all that.'
Adapted by Leonard from his memory play, tapping into his own accomplished memoirs, the film covers a childhood and early career before and after Ireland’s ‘Emergency’. The script’s strong, a nuanced look at an adolescent’s and expat’s shifting feelings about home and the past. Its conceits translate well, too: Charlie faces both his late father and his younger self, disappointed by his past, present, and future. The characters and cast are grand, especially Hughes (who won a Tony for the stage role). The weakest links are the prodigal/producer Sheen and a dodgy timeline. Watch the film. But read the play.
Jul 20, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Da examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Matt Clark brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1988, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Da took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 156 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 52 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1173 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1988, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: April 29, 1988
- Runtime: 1h 42m