Film Analysis- The Crying Game and Felicia’s Journey

There can be little doubt in anyones mind that film production is inherently a function of dominant ideological structure. The role Irish film has in relation to creating interpretations and perceptions of what Ireland means for ourselves and others cannot be underestimated. The Irish films I will discuss are The Crying Game and Felicia’s Journey.

The following topics will be covered in this film analysis.

·         Does the title of the film indicate what the films are about?

·         Does the opening scene suggest the theme of The Crying Game and Felicia’s Journey?

·         What is the relationship between the characters and their environment?

·         What does the imagery of The Crying Game and Felicia’s Journey suggest?

·         Does Felicia’s Journey and The Crying Game challenge us to reflect on current social and political questions?

Evaluation of the main points of this film analysis will show that it is not only important Irish  film continues to reflect changes in Irish society but we as viewers attempt to explore and question the meaning behind these images of Ireland.

There can be little doubt in anyones mind that Irish film has a significant role in creating images of what Ireland means for ourselves and others. However in relation to The Crying Game the title does not give an indication as to what the film is about. One reasons for this could be the director Neil Jordan wanted to keep the audience guessing as to what the film is about. In my opinion the title Crying Game does not suggest in any way that  the film is related to the troubles in Northern Ireland. It is also my belief the title The Crying Game does not suggest the theme of violence, which is evident throughout. According to Brian Mc llroy of British Columbia University Irish director Neil Jordan has a fascination with unusual relationships. This fascination with unusual relationships can be seen in the friendship that occurs between Dil and Fergus. However the title does not give an indication of  such a major characteristic of Jordan’s work. Similarly to the Crying Game the title Felicia’s Journey does not suggest a connection with the plot of the film. In fact I think the title is completely misleading as it suggests that the main character Felecia is going on a J1 trip and not searching for the father of her unborn child. The significance of the title to the film is again to allow the audience to think for themselves what the film is all about.

It is my belief that the opening scene of The Crying Game does not in any way suggest the theme of Northern Ireland. I believe the role of the opening scene is not to give the plot of the film away, but give enough information to keep the viewer interested. While the ferris wheel and seafront do not suggest a connection with the theme of the film, the opening song “when a man loves a woman” provides  the viewer with an indication that one of the main themes of the film is relationships. Brian Mc llroy suggests that violence is attached to the majority of Jordan’s work. The opening scene of The Crying Game fails to show this major characteristic of Jordan’s work. In a similar manner to The Crying Game the opening scene of Felicia’s Journey also fails to suggest the theme of the film. I also found it particularly difficult to make the connection between the opening scene of Hilditch preparing a meal and the overall theme of the film. The old style music also fails to indicate what will later  transpire in the film. I believe the opening scene of The Crying Game gives the viewer a smaller indication of what the film is about, whereas the opening scene of Felicia’s Journey does not.  

There can be little doubt in anyone’s mind that The Crying Game is an example of romantic republicanism. An example of this point from the film is Fergus one of the main characters in the film and an I.R.A volunteer. He holds the romantic republican view of a 32 county state. However Fergus is different to the others in the I.R.A, as he is the only one with a conscience. Anna Zaluczkowska made the point in her article entitled “Northern Irish Film is finding its voice”, that when a film when a Northern Ireland film, is not made by someone from Northern Ireland, the film  tends to lose its voice. However in relation to the Crying Game Neil Jordan manages to capture that voice. The relationship between Dil and the environment the film is set in, is she is a confused person, who gets involved in the conflict only as a result of her relationship with a British solder named Jody. The connection between Felicia’s character and the environment the film is set in , she is as small town girl from Ireland who leaves for England in search of the father of her unborn child. The connection between Hilditch and the environment the film is set in, is  he is a strange and psychopathic character who acts under the cover of well respected businessman . Similarly to The Crying Game, there is evidence in Felicia’s Journey to suggest a romantic republican narrative. This is evident when Felicia’s father expresses his dissatisfaction at her boyfriend’s decision to join the British army. The father holding the view that Johnny should remain at home and join the Irish army. There can also be little doubt in anyone’s mind that characters in both films have strong connections with the environment they play in. However Felicia is not sure about the direction her life is going in and is almost lost in the environment the film is set. This is in sharp contrast to the main characters of The Crying Game who don’t appear lost in their environment.

It is my belief that the imagery in Felicia’s Journey, suggest Ireland is a conservative and rural nation. When Felicia’s Journey was made in the late 90’s, the Irish people already took the decision to introduce divorce into Irish Law. Therefore I believe the imagery of Ireland portrayed in Felicia’s Journey not to be accurate. I believe as a Public Relations student, Irish film must continue to reflect changes in Irish society and viewers should attempt to explore and question the meaning behind these images of Ireland. In a similar manner, the imagery of Ireland portrayed in The Crying Game would not be a true reflection of the current political environment. The Crying Game was made at a very volatile time during the peace process. As Brian Mc llory said there are many ways to view The Crying Game one of which is historical. While the imagery of The Crying Game is not representative of the current political situation in Ireland, it does however represent the volatility in the peace process that historians associate with the early 90s . Where the two films differ is the imagery of Felicia’s Journey neither represents the image of Ireland now or at the time it was made. While it is important for film to continue to reflect the changes in Irish society, it is also important to highlight when film makers portray inaccurate images of Ireland.

Neil Jordan’s The Crying Game not only challenges us to reflect on the current political and social questions that affect Irish society, it also an important influence in creating interpretations  and perceptions of what Ireland means for others. I believe The Crying Game encouraged me to reflect on how far Ireland has come in terms of the peace process and how kidnapping and murders by the I.R.A have vanished into history never to return. The film also provides us the viewer with an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come in terms of treating gay people as equal citizens. Similarly to The Crying Game, Felicia’s Journey also challenges us to reflect on the current political and social questions that affect Irish society. The book “social and cultural contexts of Felicia’s Journey”, introduces the idea that the X-Case of 1993 and the Kerry Babies case add a further social and historical dimension to the film. Where the two films differ on social and political issues, is some of the issue raised in The Crying Game are more relevant to Irish society today. This is a result of the progression Ireland has made in terms of the peace process and equal rights for gay people.

The author is in agreement with Anna Zaluczkowska from the University of Bolton when she said “when films that feature the issues of Northern Ireland and are not made by people from Northern Ireland they tend to lose their voice”. A similar point could be argued in relation to Irish film. However if these images of Ireland portrayed in film are somehow inaccurate, it is up to us as Irish Citizens to challenge this image, in an effort to ensure that Hollywood is not promoting incorrect images of Irish society throughout the world.