IRISH BLACK COMEDY: BRENDAN GLEESON & THE McDONAGH BROTHERS PASS
In time for St. Patrick’s Day, explore a uniquely Irish take on black comedy.
In time for St. Patrick’s Day, this series presents a uniquely Irish take on black comedy and drama. While the McDonagh brothers tackle provocative themes and often depict extreme violence, their writing and direction is permeated with an overarching sense of pathos and compassion – as well as a healthy dose of Irish humour. Brendan Gleeson is in his element, portraying highly complex, flawed characters who invite reflection on the nature of good and evil.
2011| MA15+ | 96 mins | DCP | UK| D: John Michael McDonagh
Local Irish cop Gerry (Brendan Gleeson) is paired with uptight FBI agent Wendall (Don Cheadle) to bring down an international drug trafficking ring in this black comedy crime thriller. In signature McDonagh/Gleeson style, The Guard explores the good cop, bad cop trope with great wit and humour, resulting in a highly entertaining romp.
‘Among the most purely entertaining films of the year, which cuts its laughter with a dose of Celtic melancholy.’ – Empire
2013| MA15+ | 101 mins | DCP | IRL, UK | D: John Michael McDonagh
The McDonagh/Gleeson oeuvre extends into new and darker territory in this bold drama that pairs a highly comedic cast – including Chris O’Dowd and Dylan Moran – with the confronting subject matter of child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. Thought-provoking and sensitive, this exceptional work illuminates the cathartic possibilities of black comedy.
‘…a mordantly funny survey of small-town iniquity that morphs, almost imperceptibly, into a deeply felt lament for a fallen world.’ - Variety
2022| M | 114 mins| DCP | IRL, UK, US | D: Martin McDonagh
Martin McDonagh reunites Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell in this recent release, which explores masculinity, friendship and emotional vulnerability with striking pathos. Pádraic (Farrell) is devastated when his long-time friend Colm (Gleeson) abruptly severs their relationship in a remote, one-pub community on an island off the Irish coast. In The Banshees of Inisherin, McDonagh eschews the sharp rhetoric of the earlier films in favour of a subtly incendiary absurdism.
‘McDonagh has also crafted what may be his most mature, if somewhat mysterious work about the agony and ecstasy of moving on’ – Rolling Stone
In time for St. Patrick’s Day, this series presents a uniquely Irish take on black comedy and drama. While the McDonagh brothers tackle provocative themes and often depict extreme violence, their writing and direction is permeated with an overarching sense of pathos and compassion – as well as a healthy dose of Irish humour. Brendan Gleeson is in his element, portraying highly complex, flawed characters who invite reflection on the nature of good and evil.
THE GUARD
SAT 9 MAR | 7PM | Arc Cinema2011| MA15+ | 96 mins | DCP | UK| D: John Michael McDonagh
Local Irish cop Gerry (Brendan Gleeson) is paired with uptight FBI agent Wendall (Don Cheadle) to bring down an international drug trafficking ring in this black comedy crime thriller. In signature McDonagh/Gleeson style, The Guard explores the good cop, bad cop trope with great wit and humour, resulting in a highly entertaining romp.
‘Among the most purely entertaining films of the year, which cuts its laughter with a dose of Celtic melancholy.’ – Empire
CALVARY
SAT 16 MAR | 7PM | Arc Cinema2013| MA15+ | 101 mins | DCP | IRL, UK | D: John Michael McDonagh
The McDonagh/Gleeson oeuvre extends into new and darker territory in this bold drama that pairs a highly comedic cast – including Chris O’Dowd and Dylan Moran – with the confronting subject matter of child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. Thought-provoking and sensitive, this exceptional work illuminates the cathartic possibilities of black comedy.
‘…a mordantly funny survey of small-town iniquity that morphs, almost imperceptibly, into a deeply felt lament for a fallen world.’ - Variety
THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN
WED 20 MAR | 6PM | Arc Cinema2022| M | 114 mins| DCP | IRL, UK, US | D: Martin McDonagh
‘McDonagh has also crafted what may be his most mature, if somewhat mysterious work about the agony and ecstasy of moving on’ – Rolling Stone
Terms and Conditions
Pass is not transferable and is valid for one entry per session. All sessions must be pre-booked. Passes are not valid for special events. Passes can be scanned at the door for entry.