Goldfish Memory

'Goldfish Memory' is a light, bright celebration of our hilarious tendency to learn nothing from experience. Like the goldfish with his 3-second memory, we plunge from one romantic disaster to the next, seemingly incapable of resisting the dizzy thrill of new romance whenever it comes our way. Focussing on a philandering German professor at Trinity College Dublin, who plies his female students with Rilke's poetry (possibly the most unlikely aphrodisiac in movie history - read some to help you sleep), the movie follows the misfortunes of an extended circle of related characters in a connected series of whirlwind romances. Hetero, bi or homosexual, some don't know who they are, one or two don't know where they are. This is Arthur Schnitzler's 'La Ronde' meets 'Love, Actually' and, with no pretensions to high art, is a colourful and poignant celebration of student life and love in the café and pub society of downtown Dublin, Europe's most fun city. Lead actress O'Shaugnessy is destined for great things.

This is an outstanding film, in every detail. It starts off leaving the viewer a little mixed up, with a mixing of different characters, but soon settles down as all the main actors start to come to life. By the end of the film all the main characters finally make decisions about important matters that affects the rest of their lives.

Ken Byrne makes his debut as a cinematographer, and should win "Rookie of the Year" honors, if there was such an award. His shots and locations, both inside and outside, are the best I have ever seen. I am a photographer, with 40 years experience, and have seen thousands of movies, but this one takes the cake.

Jean Butler, who we all remember from her leading role in Riverdance, makes her first appearance as just an actress, and does NOT dance at all. A wonderful film that only played in Ireland, but deserves a MUCH larger audience. Rent this movie, if you can!

Love, the eternal mystery of Humanity. It's been used as the basis of a billion stories: comedies, dramas, horror movies... Maybe love is THE SUBJECT everything's about. Now Liz Gill tries to do her bit filming this story of crossed lives, heterosexuals that become homosexuals, lesbians who wants to have babies, the fear to commitment (or the need of a commitment).

"Goldfish Memory" is a funny movie, tender and kind. Nothing too deep, and it's not pretentious at all either. There are some stereotypes, but that's normal. I guess Miss Gill achieved what she set out: to make us smile watching a group of men and women chasing love just like donkeys chase the carrots.

*My rate: 7/10

Although this movie came recommended by some friends (and because of that it was a blind purchase), I must say I didn't get very excited from it. Yes, the movie is nicely shot, contains a few nice scenes, but overall I found it cheesy, tacky, and very predictable! Come to think of it.. the people who recommended it are the same who keep trying to convince me to go to Dublin, so I guess it's a nice movie for people who had a nice time in Dublin (another person here also commented on how nice Dublin looks in the movie).

So... although I was recommended to go see this movie, I advise people to see it only if they like Dublin and/or typical romcom's. Even my girlfriend (who is quite a romcom-addict) didn't like it too much. The more experienced/serious movie-addict will most likely be disappointed.

I give it 6/10, because it wasn't bad in an annoying way ;-).

Goldfish Memory is a multi-layered romantic comedy in the style of Bedrooms and Hallways from Irish writer/director Liz Gill.

When Clara sees her boyfriend Tom kissing Isolde, it sets off a chain of romance and heartbreak that goes full circle. Clara pursues and dumps TV journalist Angie who then falls for horticulturist Kate via a one-night stand with gay bike courier pal Red. Meanwhile philanderer Tom has a rocky road to love, while Isolde decides to explore her options.

Gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual, it seems that when it comes to love, some of these characters suffer from a three-second Goldfish Memory. While some seek commitment, others just can't help themselves.

Goldfish Memory is a well-paced, humorous and lighthearted film that switches between story lines smoothly. Although it's not original enough to become a classic, it's a great date flick, with solid ensemble performances.