The long-awaited film “Dance First”, dedicated entirely to the life and career of Irish writer Samuel Beckett, has just unveiled its very first images to the public. An official trailer has been revealed by Sky ahead of its grand premiere at the San Sebastian Film Festival on September 30. And the first images are interesting. The program includes a black-and-white film with a prestigious cast!
If you love Irish literature, you’re undoubtedly a fervent admirer of Samuel Beckett. This Irish writer is one of Ireland’s literary monuments, and his success has even spread beyond the island’s borders!
So it was only natural for Irish cinema to tackle a biopic devoted to this literary legend! And for the occasion, the existentialist writer is played by two actors: Fionn O’Shea (who plays a younger version of Beckett), and the great Gabriel Byrne, who plays an older version of the author.
Sky, in unveiling the trailer, offers us a glimpse into the complex life of Samuel Beckett: from his Parisian days, to his role as a Nobel Prize-winning playwright, to the days of the Resistance during the Second World War.
The film also features his complicated relationships with figures such as James Joyce, played by Aidan Gillen, his wife Suzanne played by Sandrine Bonnaire, and his mistress Barbara Bray, played by Maxine Peake.
All filmed in black and white, in an intimate atmosphere.
Dance First was directed by Academy Award winner James Marsh. Written by Neil Forsyth, who also won a BAFTA, the film is a concentrate of Irish talent such as Bronagh Gallagher and Gráinne Good.
Gabriel Byrne shared his enthusiasm for the role, pointing out that Samuel Beckett was a global literary figure never before explored in film. For Byrne, it was an exceptional opportunity to play such an influential Irish character, and to show his emotional and human dimension.
Fionn O’Shea, who plays the young Beckett, expressed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the responsibility and fascination of delving into the life and work of this essential Irish writer.
Dance First” opens in English-speaking cinemas on November 3. For France, we’ll have to wait a little longer, as no date has yet been announced!
More news
