Film studies
The General (1998) by John Boorman.
This film shows us the real-life story of Martin Cahill, folk hero and criminal from Dublin. He pulled off two restless robberies in Ireland with his team, but attracted unwanted attention from the IRA, police and UVF. This film was screened by the Biopic studio, with all accompanying elements. The General is a film, which revolves around a hopeless romantic, who lives in the universe of policemen and thieves. This film shows gangster epic about the Ireland kingpin Martin Cahill, who blotted his “jacket of the decent man” only by civil bigamy. Surely, he robbed the jewelry firm and the Art Gallery, but over and over again he traced around his finger policemen. But everything ended suddenly and simply.
This film is permeated by protest, will and purposefulness. Martin Cahill is a typical gangster grab-head, who doesn’t recognize any authority. He can’t stop doing his job, he loves it, he won’t change this “craft” to a calmer one. That’s why he dies this way.
The General is a classic gangster film because gangster films are developed around the sinister action of criminals, usually bank robbers and other criminal figures who act outside the law. People who prefer to steal and murder through their lifetime. These signs are also seen in this film – the bank robber team of Martin Cahill is in the spotlight. But some aspects of this film show that it is not only about the thug life, but it also revolves around a biography of Martin Cahill, his feelings, ideas, goals and other. Many spectators empathize the main hero and can even feel themselves upset because of the Cahill’s death. The empathy can occur because Cahill was an ordinary man, who has his own principles and tried to make a better life to his family.
The General is tended to be a vehicle to carry social issues of importance because this film shows that the main reason of becoming criminalities is a total misery and injustice. I doubt that Cahill start his crime way if his family lived better. If the government did enough for people there wouldn’t be so many crimes. According to the newspapers of that time Cahill wasn’t a present-day Robin Hood. He was a successful thief but without a charitable spirit. He was extremely cruel: he tortured welfare officer for hours only because he had refused Cahill welfare payments. There is also a memorable situation the local junkie was crucified on a pool table. This film should be recommended to be seen, but at all times spectators must remember that the portrayed person is not one to be admired.
