The General
The General is the nickname of daring thief Martin Cahill who was shot dead by the IRA in Dublin in 1994. It is also the name of a film by screenwriter, producer, director John Boorman based on Cahill’s life story. Cahill is portrayed growing up full of resentment for all authority after being abused by both the church and the police. With his criminal exploits he constantly fools the police and revels in his ability to do so. He becomes a living legend. The fact that he also fathered children to both his wife and her sister only makes him even more extraordinary.
The General is beautifully shot in black and white, which suits the contrasts between Cahill’s occasional, ruthless violence towards his men and his loving generosity towards his family. Boorman’s aim was to “humanise Cahill without romanticising him” and in this he has succeeded. Excellent performances, particularly from Brendan Gleeson who plays Cahill, as well as a well written script with serious but witty dialogue, which dares to deal with such controversial issues as incest and paedophilia, makes this film a rare gem.
Anna Solding
