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I interpreted Colm's fingers as a way for him to blame his lack of artistry on anyone but himself. He says at the start of the film that he doesn't want to be friends with Padraic because he feels the need to focus on writing great music. When he cut his fingers off, he said he would do it if Padraic kept trying to talk to him, putting the responsibility on Padraic as if he isn't the one mutilating himself. It just seemed like a way of blaming his inability to play on Padraic instead of addressing his own depression and reflecting on himself. I loved this movie, I thought it was beautifully filmed, the acting was fantastic, and the writing was clever and honest. I hope it wins it's fair share of awards at the Oscars tomorrow, especially for screenplay and supporting actress.

One thing I like about the film is that it shows that self mutilation doesn't just hurt yourself. Jenny is killed because of Colm's actions. The things you do always impact others even if you don't think they will. Great essay. I found this movie beautifully tragic. I loved it but man is it sad.

Siobhan is the only character who thinks that BOTH Paraic and Colm are being eejits, Paraic for not letting Colm's decision go, and Colm for cutting off their long time friendship for an extremely petty reason. She also acknowledges Colm's point that life on the island is monotonous. The characters are all stuck on an island, away from the drama of the Mainland, and Siobhan deciding to leave to pursue a job on the mainland signifies her expanding her horizons, and embracing the darkness.

If we only talk about the movie as a psychological drama, I view Colm’s behavior as a sign of sef-hatred due to depression. He wants to leave a meaningful legacy but probably holds a personal complex deep down that he’s not good or talented enough and his life is bound to be meaningless, and Paraic probably reflects that side that he hates to see from himself. That’s why whenever Paraic wants to compromise and go back to the way things were, Colm breaks down and cut his fingers. Perhaps he’s scared to face the possibility that his composition may turn out to be crap so he just decapitate his ability to make music altogether.

This helped me gain a better appreciation for the film. I miss videos like this. Would have loved some essays on other nominees this awards season, too.

I still adore that we the audience are along after Colm decides to end the friendship. I like that we don't get the full context of what they were like beforehand. Just their own perspectives of their time as friends.

I know I shouldn’t blame him cause depression and despair make ppl do things they don’t mean… but I can’t help but almost hating Colm for hurting Pádraic so deeply. What he did was straight up evil and unforgivable. This movie was a f***ing masterpiece btw.

Facinating perspective, I always saw this story of a broken friendship as a cautionary tale on depression. From "niceness" acting as social acceptance, a destructive gesture (Colm's fingers), and a suicide (reinforcing what happens when these calls are ignored). The one point in depression remaining is an absence of agency. Yet, Siobhan and Colm remain addicted to their sadness becuase it's the one point in their lives both men can control.

This movie is the anti-Hallmark movie. It’s about a breakup and how living in a small town absolutely sucks.

Beautiful movie. In an inter-personal perspective,I also thought it was a very interesting dynamic to reflect on the importance of communication, the utter tragedy of when people don't even bother to agree or disagree on something, but simply fail to have the interest in actively listening and having a meaningful conversation. An ability we all seem to be losing.

Great analysis of one of the best movies of 2022. It deserves to win the Oscar for best picture!

I adore your thorough analysis of the entire conflict being an analogy for the Civil War, in that it started over something fairly minor. By the end, Paraic is a bitter man, having lost two of his close friends, his Donkey and his sister. Siobhan's absence is the final straw, and that she been present, she might have tried to persuade him not to burn down Colm's house, or to end the feud.

I don't think this has been mentioned, apologies if it has. When Siobahn posts her letter accepting the job the post box is being repainted from British red to Irish green, emphasising the emergence of Ireland as a fully fledged, independent state.

Woah. How’d I miss all this?! Seems clear now. Love it even more. I just thought it was a wild crazy ride of a movie. But a metaphor of broken brotherhood in Ireland, and broadly, ourselves. Damn. Gold. I wanna be the old lady

so happy to see more contemporary film analysis!! i love y'all's perspectives and hope to see all of the Oscar noms this year highlighted

I wonder if the name Pádraic was chosen because it sounds very similar to Pyrrhic, as in a "Pyrrhic Victory" -- or a battle that is hardly worth winning because the costs are so great. ?

Im a Canadian who lives in Northern Ireland, and it really is amazing to me how people here can hold a grudge. There are of course the famous murals all over Belfast, many of them commemerating deaths that happened during The Troubles, a literal constant reminder of the suffering that has been inflicted upon the 2 main communities here (Irish Catholics and British Protestants). But many Millenial NIers are giving up this behaviour of 'holding a grudge'. Many of my friends send their kids to integrated schools (meaning both Catholics and Protestants attend, whereas traditionally, they would be educated seperately). There are many 'mixed marriages', where people from opposite sides fall for each other and make a loving life together. And personally, my husband, who was raised Brit Prod and was 10 when the Peace Treaty was signed, has actively tried to teach himself Irish culture and history, not wanting to continue the pervasive, shared tradition of victimhood and inherited trauma, but rather embracing education, forgiveness, and community with all. I adore living in NI. All of the archetypes in Banshees are still very much all real and alive here today, 100 years after the Civil War first started. And though there has been real suffering inflicted here by both sides---- and there are still so many who remain mired in the past---- it is heartening to me that so many people are insistent on healing and moving on 💖🇨🇮🇬🇧

that was a very interesting and eye opening take for me. Thanks for sharing with us. As someone who is living in a country with the longest civil war in history, I see this movie even sadder than it already is after watching this video. I would have different perspective when I rewatch this movie in the future.

I don’t have that much to back this up but I feel like we as the audience also fit the description of a Banshee given by Brendan Gleason. I’ve been thinking about that since I saw the movie

I have been on both ends. I understand both characters. The loneliness, anguish, the mental shock of losing someone and also the feeling of letting them lose you. As far as Irish history goes, it's a feeling that still lives there. I went for the first time almost 5 years ago and they are definitely some of the warmest, funniest people with sadness and melancholy in their being that I have ever met. I love this movie so much!

I was looking for your video about this film yesterday. Nice timing!

Great video as always👍 - covers all the important points, perceptive analysis, fun delivery. FYI, the name Pádraig is pronounced Paw-rig or Paw-drig (it starts the same way as the English words "paw", "pawn" & "pause") - I hate to be a nitpicky grammar nazi, but hearing it pronounced Pah-rig was kinda making my brain explode.

Thanks for this breakdown. Keep up the good work.

I have not seen this movie, nor do I plan to, but my GOD I need this chanel to talk about movies again, heres my view 👍

It's pronounced Paw-rick. You even included a clip where Colm says his name and pronounces it correctly

Genuinely impressed by the level of knowledge about Irish history and culture here, great essay

Lisa & I met in in 2003. Not a day went by w/o us texting. I considered her family & she ditched me in 2021 for her own artist endeavors. I wish her all the best

I miss your movie analysis videos. Hope to see more of them! Especially for some of the Oscar nominees like Tár , All Quiet, or Triangle of Sadness

Jenny's death was a symbolic death for padraic as he was no longer the same person after death.

Great video love this movie. Ive been thinking about this film and writing about it. I think the themes in the film are very thoughtful and deep.

I fecking love this movie. My interpretation is that the fingers represent the artistic potential that Brendan is wasting if he keeps hanging out with Colin.

Love the take on movies.

One thing I noticed is that the hand Colm cuts his fingers off of is also the same hand that’s on the Ulster Flag.

Very interesting--thanks. The historical backdrop you provide gave me a deeper appreciation of the movie. I enjoyed it the first time I saw it--especially the dialogue--but Colm cutting off his fingers seemed too extreme and unrealistic. I'll watch it again with your analysis in mind.

This metaphor makes it look like the civil war was just mindless fighting

This video reminded me of the good old days on this channel. More videos like this and less on reality TV and the royal Family nonsense in the future from you guys, please.

This is 'the take I loved!!!

I think the comparisons go deeper. Éamon de Valera considered himself a man of intellect and culture while Michael Collins was more a man of action. In any case, not enough Americans know about Irish history, a tragedy since, for many of us, Irish history is our history. It was hammered into us that the "Glorious Revolution" was a foundation for American democracy since it was a bloodless revolution where Parliament replaced the king. Then I took a class on Irish history in college and learned that it was far from bloodless, and William of Orange is the reason for the orange on the Irish flag and the namesake of the Orangemen, a major part of the sectarian violence in Northern Ireland. Wish St. Patrick's Day events in schools actually taught something about Irish history and culture instead of celebrating the Lucky Charms mascot (cuz Irish leprechauns aren't smiley cartoons).

What’s crazy about this movie for me is that I had gone through the exact same scenario just a year prior to seeing it. So I was very much on Colin Farrell’s side the entire time. Still am. But man this video was therapeutic for me…

I just watched it few days ago!! What a pleasant coincidence

Colm has a mental health problem. Which manifests itself in despair and self harm. No one on Inisherin is equipped to help and they cant outsource the problem to more competent people on the mainland due to the civil war. If the Policeman had been a decent public servant and not a corrupt and violent scumbag then this could have prevented the finger chopping. The Priest could have assisted with his despair problem by providing competent pastoral counseling. This is the central tragedy of the film. The lesser tragedy is that of Siobhan. She uses escapism via reading constantly and eventually moving away to work in a library so she can spend even more time escaping through books. It is certainly healthier than self harm but it is sad that she can't stick around for her brother and neighbours. Inisherin is a beautiful place and should be an idyll but due to all these factors its a failure.

I feel like colm wasn’t really condescending or spiteful by hurting himself. I got more of the idea that he was suicidal and throwing the fingers at the door to tell his ex-friend you need to leave me alone, its hurting me. It was more of him screaming let me go I’m going to die if u dont

Great break down. The movie felt slow to me and I didn’t get some of it.

Great film. That dude is from my hometown. Idk why he likes Ireland so much, lol. The director that is. Quickly becoming my favourite director. -In Bruges (It's in Belgium) is still my favorite. - 3 billboards - The Banshees - 6 shooter is really good. - 7 psychopaths he's trying to get Americans involved, he tries but did a much better job with 3 billboards

This analysis is wonderfully done. Usually these are nonsense. But this is great

The film is a masterpiece in my opinion. I hope it wins best picture.

I tried to watch trying very hard to glean some meaning from this disturbing film. I fell asleep and when I awoke the little donkey had died, when I saw Colm with his bleeding hand and fingers missing it was enough. This empath had to turn it off. No redemption here.

Ok good job ❤

Please do character analysis on the glory.

I need to see the movie but I am hesitant because I don’t like seeing animals die and Jenny looks so cute. I can relate I have had a friendship end abruptly and it hurt. I think from what I hear he should have let it go or gave him space. However the movie needs to happen lol

I felt that Colm was depressed and his reason to stop talking to Padraic was because he was "happy" and that satisfaction with life was annoying him. You can see Colm having fun with other people and that breaks Padraics heart as he is insecure and feels his friendship with Colm as his most precious pissession. He has chances to cultivate friendships with other men, but he wants his relationship with Colm back like it was. His sister had to flee or be sucked into the negativity. I feel that Colm cutting off his fingers, he is trying to build a permant wall betwen him and Padraic that will isolate him and let him wallow in his despair, possibly considering suicide. The old lady says one death, maybe two, one is Dom and the other will be whichever one of the men that gets killed by the other.

You never mentioned him cutting his fingers off was his subconscious desire to quell the music of his own death march, the death march of his younger self he sees in his friend. the hook was the boys originally (else it would be too sinister despite the fact that is was seemingly destined that the boy be carrying the tool to fetch his corpse) , my guess is that it represents something in between a scythe for harvest, and a shepherds hook for control/ guidance, that its the union of two, and to see the act of death and lost love as either of the extremes misses that the perspective of the individual is what puts both, the meaning into lifes happenings, and instills a plan into "god" where there is none, this doesn't mean that the presence of gods power is absent in the film, but that if the presence was there through the meaningful coincidences that occurred, they serve more as a reflection of ones own preconceived misconceptions about reality. God is a mirror. Both of the men are correct and both are incorrect. I'm sure in the end, they both realized they did it to themselves.

I watched Banshees last night, and then got up and read critiques here, there, and everywhere, and I've watched a few film theory vids. I think the movie is more about displacement than anything else. Colm blames his lack of success and his long term lack of direction on being around dull people -- he's much older than Padraic so if he isn't "Mozart" by his age, well, wouldn't that be due to a lot of things besides his friend's dullness? One reviewer called Padraic out for being a "nice" person, and that somehow being kind is dull and holds other people back. Hmmm...trying to wrap my head around that theory. Anyway, when Colm cuts his fingers off, his compositional tools, and puts the responsibility for his new inability to play anything on Padraic, Colm is looking for a scapegoat for all the times he could have been composing but chose not to. So an afternoon drink with a person to whom it means the world is the reason Colm never composed anything? Maybe Colm fears that he himself is too "dull" to write an good ballad. Colm is depressed, but he is also very manipulative. In displacing and blaming his choices on Padraic he is also being cruel; if he looked inward perhaps he'd have to recognize he's never had the talent. Padraic is an easy target, because Colm knows how important he is to Padraic, a man who lives with his sister and who's only other friend is a miniature pet donkey, and who is "nice" enough to be deeply harmed by Colm's rejection. Colm, being more intelligent, being older, knows this. I can't remember the scene, but at one point Colm admits that his lack of left hand fingers "is a bit of a relief." No hand, no music, no ability, no opportunity to try but fail. Colm doesn't seem to care who he hurts so long as he doesn't have to face himself, and maiming himself proves he's willing to go to extreme lengths not to.

This movie is so incredibly sad

Padraic is pronounced ‘Paw-rick’ just fyi!

You are giving Mcdonagh way too much intellectual credit.

I interpret this as a reminder of how useless and pointless war is. It's a never ending cicle and everything could be resolved with one honest and deep conversation

Pádraic is pronounced Paw-rick

Poor Dominic ;(

Thank you for sharing with us! 🏳️✝️🙏

Hi

Biggest Oscar snub

It feels like a heartbreak 😂 I would lose it if what i consider a close friend decided to stop like me 😂

Is it just me or this video and the last feel less like The Take videos and more like Screenprism?

Colm sacrifices most important thing in his life to help his friend to move away from depression and sadness. Colm knows his life is stagnant and don't want his best friend to end like that. Paraig is selfish and indifferent to other people problems. Siobhan is the only that understand depression (Banshee) and decided to move on with her life while everyone else avoiding and hiding from her. That's my take.

What I need to know is, did the writer/director explain all this layered meaning to his actors. iow, Did they know what they were doing? ps - Dominic wasn’t the village idiot. He was a lot more knowledgeable about the world than the 2 protagonists. "Is he 12?" "It’s French." / pps - bansheeS? I think he was a banshee.

I've been learning all of the deeper meaning and symbolism of this movie, and I still think it sucks.

ah yes the irish civil war, famous conflict that arose because one side was very dull and the other wanted a narcissistic legacy

The clip and the comments here show that this is one of those films in which you can see pretty much anything you like. Is any of it really there? I'm not so sure. The falling-out between the two is under-motivated and arbitrary. They hint at a connection to the civil war - which is hardly a live issue now - or maybe the Troubles generally, but really what is the similarity? The dark and comic elements undercut one another and the end result is unsatisfying. There is no 'endless cycle of wrongdoing', the film would be better if there was. Maybe the whole thing was simply spun out of Brendan Gleeson's ability to play fiddle, and doesn't really mean anything much. Anyway Yanks have no hope of deciphering it, they understand nothing about Ireland.

Sorry- I know there is only so much that can be said in a video, but around 1:21 it’s said that Ireland won independence. This is not accurate, Westminster propped up the free state who’s members would have to swear an oath of to the English King. A vassal state subservient to English dictate. They had already partitioned the country. So the two sides of the civil war do not share the same moral principled ground.

Love this film. 'Padraig' sounds like Pourig but in English it's Patrick not sure what the narrator is saying lol "Parrig"? I think this was an overall good video, thank you

I absolutely love your videos but your pronunciation of irish names is painful to listen to

Who else wants to here The Take's take on Velma?

Great essay. Please go back to doing these instead of just doing the cultural tropes/trends you guys seem to be doing lately

Tar next

It's pronounced "Paw-rig" not "Pa-rig" 🤣

The mispronunciation of Pádraic here is infuriating…

Sometimes friendships aren't as strong as you think. I used to think I had a best friend but ever since I told them I voted for Donald Trump they just stopped talking to me. Funny thing was he was a Republican but severely disliked Trump for some reason.

I love your videos and thank you for this analysis of the Banshees. However, it's not accurate. While it's true that the one year civil war was a case of brother turning on brother, that's not a precise description of the 'troubles' in the 70s and it's also not accurate to say that what sparked the civil war was in any way minor. Irish history is much more complex than this and the civil war is a small part of centuries long struggles for independence from the cruelty and theft that was colonisation. The civil war is a horrible stain on that history but the Troubles, while obviously related, are totally different. The troubles were sparked by Irish people (who happened to be mainly Catholic - but this isn't actually a sectarian issue, it's about equality and freedom) in Northern Ireland being inspired by the civil rights movements and protesting to have the same opportunity as the British (who happened to be mostly Protestant - but again this is not what caused the conflict). The Irish didn't have the same access as the British to voting, housing and professions in their own land. This discrimination and the American civil rights movement, inspired peaceful protests in 1968. However, the police turned them violent. So this idea that conflict in Ireland was brother turning on brother for little or no reason is insulting. The civil war was caused by 6 counties of Ireland being left behind in the UK and the tensions of this are still felt to this day and are being reignited by Brexit. It's important to understand the nuances. Especially when Irish people are still lazily being stereotyped by Jimmy Kimmel at the oscars - stereotypes which come straight out of the colonial 'scientists' who created descriptionsof Irish people as sub-human to justify continued oppression and abuse. It's time to move on from these stereotypes that Irish people are just simple aggressive for aggressions sake. An excellent resource for anybody interested in learning about the conflict and other, lighter aspects of Irish culture is the Irish Passport Podcast made by a pair of journalist and a lecturer. I can't recommend it enough! All that said, I really appreciate your videos and I understand the limitations of how much research can be put into a given topic - I don't expect you to get a doctorate in Irish history before commenting!

//pawrick//