Cast
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Colm Meaney
as Harry
Adrian Dunbar
as George
Cillian Murphy
as Gus
Kerry Condon
as Eileen
Pat Laffan
as Father O'Connor
Gail Fitzpatrick
as Margaret
Maighréad Ní Chonghaile
as Maeve
Des Braiden
as George's father
Denis Clohessy
as Tim
Sean Clohessy
as Sean
Laurie Morton
as Daisy
Gladys Sheehan
as Maisie
Joseph M. Kelly
as Photographer
Brendan Morrissey
as Photographer
Helen Norton
as Rosie
Crew
Director
- Goran Paskaljević
Writer
- Christine Gentet
- Stephen Walsh
- Goran Paskaljević
- Zhengguang Yang
Producer
- Liam O'Neill
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, How Harry Became a Tree examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Goran Paskaljević 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 2001, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of How Harry Became a Tree took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 132 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 2015 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 209 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2001, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While How Harry Became a Tree shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike All About Eve, which focuses more on action than character development, How Harry Became a Tree offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Blue Angel and Calla explore similar territory, How Harry Became a Tree stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 1, 2001
- Runtime: 1h 40m
