Barber

An off kilter private dick story anchored by an authentic and rich central performance and surrounded by a winning support cast. Consistently stylish without affectation, hard working and blessed with an easy sophistication it is staggering to think of its narrative scope and shooting schedule, budget, etc. At times surprisingly densely written the archetypal is suffused with a hurt that convinces and enobles this broken family as they desperately try to not drown in their dysfunction. Connolly at this stage (third feature with the artistic, naturally talented DP Owen McPolin) is now easily one of the most distinctive directors in this country and with each film is growing in maturity yet still retains the sparkle of youth as the image and sound purrs with a primary coloured sensuality. Fiona Bergin, producer of said team, expands her ownership by cowriting this moody meditation on dealing with pain through tenderness, do yourself a favour and catch it on the big screen in April. A class ac.

In Irish crime drama "Barber" Aiden Gillen (likeable as ever as he channels Richard Gere) is a grizzled ex-police private dick who's hired by Diedre Donnelly to track down her missing granddaughter, which leads him into a relatively simple #metoo related case with classic elements like a dodgy politician, corrupt police (Liam Carney) & a powerful bullying stepfather (David Herlihy). Meanwhile Gillen has his own issues to deal with, as society (Dublin's in particular) changes around him. It's sluggish, tv-standard fare but Gillan and its interesting broad subject matter (from writers Fintan Connolly (who also directed) & Fiona Bergin) make it passable enough.

Barber is a postmodernist Irish thriller. The film's noir elements are evident in its portrayal of Dublin as a dark and foreboding city, where danger lurks around every corner. The city is depicted as a labyrinthine space, where characters are trapped in their own desires and fears. The use of shadows and chiaroscuro lighting creates an atmosphere of unease and tension, adding to the overall sense of dread.

Val Barber is a classic noir protagonist, a flawed hero struggling with his own demons. His search for the missing girl becomes an obsession, as he becomes increasingly entangled in a web of deceit.

The film's plot twists and turns, revealing new layers of deception and intrigue that will leave viewers questioning everyone's motives.

The film's postmodernist elements are evident in its use of intertextuality and self-reflexivity. The film references other works of art, such as literature and cinema, blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction. The film also comments on its own status as a work of art, drawing attention to its own construction.

The Lacanian psychoanalytic perspective offers an interesting lens through which to view the film. The film's portrayal of Dublin as a labyrinthine space can be seen as a metaphor for the psyche. Val Barber's search for the missing girl can be seen as a quest for self-knowledge, as he confronts his own desires and fears.

Overall, Barber is a complex and thought-provoking film that rewards multiple viewings. Its blend of noir elements and postmodernist techniques creates an atmosphere of unease and tension that will leave viewers on edge. Its exploration of the psyche through a Lacanian lens adds another layer of depth to an already richly layered film.

The film is a family drama related to crimes of sexual violence. This is a drama in the detective genre, affecting social conflicts and the "MeToo" movement, in particular. The film is for fans of the genre, if you are not interested in theses of this kind, then this is not for you. The characters are interesting, the dialogues are meaningful; the detective story fades into the background of the plot and returns to the finale - a kind of plot elevator. The actors are wonderful, the main character is charming, and a kind father; the daughter is sweet and touching. But cinema is for a fan of the genre, yes, the picture is good, but not for me.

It's a story of redemption with misconceptions ageing and intelligence dawning. Barber tells us how difficult it is to heal the wounds of lives and how victims of difficult trauma struggle alone while sharing the same spaces. A great family drama that promotes acceptance and understanding in a unique smart manner. No superficial action sequences just raw and risky private detective work. Movie takes a good look into the characters surrounding the tragedy. Excellent performance by Aidan carrying the whole story effortlessly above the level of average. A slow story to enjoy especially for the uniqueness.