Evelyn on DVD
Pierce Brosnan spends some of his 007 capital on this true story of an Irish
man who battled the establishment to win back his kids.
When we read the description on the DVD box, we expected a piece of politically
correct rubbish and put Evelyn to the bottom of our To Review
pile. As it turns out, this was a mistake, because this is actually a darn good
movie that deserves to be seen.
Its a gentle story told with class, which is notable in this age of,
it seems, sex, violence, and profanity almost for the sake of such.
Evelyn is story of a father whose love for his children, and strength of character,
changed the Irish code of laws. The movie appears to have been a labor of love
for star and co-producer Brosnan, who shakes off his James Bond (and Big
Movie) mantle to show his more human side. He brings a touch of Everyman
to his portrayal of Desmond Doyle, a struggling tradesman and father of three
whos also a habitual pub-crawler. Doyles wife abandons them and,
despite Desmond's being a loving father, finds that Irish law dictates his children
be removed by force from his custody and incarcerated in Catholic orphanages.
The movie recounts his fight for them, against overwhelming odds.
Fortunately, Doyle comes into contact with two credible and very human lawyers
(Stephen Rea, Aidan Quinn) which almost makes this movie seem like complete
fiction.
Anyway, lawyer jokes aside, these two gentlemen of the legal profession seize
the opportunity not only to help Doyle, but to revolutionize the Irish courts
as well.
Director Bruce Beresford elicits fine performances from Brosnan, Julianna Margulies
(as a barmaid who, undoubtedly to her boss chagrin, inspires Doyle toward
teetotaling), and Sophie Vavasseur in the title role as the bright, determined
daughter of the title whos unhappy and abused in the orphanage.
Sentimental, but never schmaltz, Evelyn is well made, entertaining, and simply
busting out with Irish spirit.
Brosnan doesnt get enough credit for his craft, and Evelyn is a fine
example of what this good actor can do when allowed to flex his acting muscles.
The DVD is quite good as well. MGM has released it in anamorphic widescreen
(16x9 TV compatible) and the picture quality is very good. The image can be
a tad soft at times, but never fuzzy and the color is very good.
Audio is Dolby Digital 5.1 surround, though we didnt notice a lot of
surround, and the overall quality is fine. Since there are no explosions, space
battles or the like, this isnt the type of movie thatll be a real
workout for your amps and speakers, but its nice to give them a rest sometimes.
Extras include a running commentary by director Beresford and another one
featuring Brosnan and producer Beau St. Clair. Theres also a featurette
on the story behind the story, another look behind the scenes, a
photo gallery, soundtrack spot and the trailer.
Evelyn, from MGM Home Video
95 min. amamorphic widescreen (2.35:1), 16x9 TV compatible, Dolby Digital 5.1
Surround
Starring Pierce Brosnan, Aidan Quinn, Julianna Margulies, Alan Bates
Produced by Pierce Brosnan, Beau St. Clair, Michael Ohoven
Written by Paul Pender, Directed by Bruce Beresford
Tell us at TechnoFile what YOU think