The Disappearance of Finbar *** (1996, Luke Griffin, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Sean Lawlor) – Classic Movie Review 8764

Co-writer/ director Sue Clayton’s 1996 drama The Disappearance of Finbar stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers in his first leading role as young Irishman Finbar Flynn, who vanishes, upsetting his friends. When he resurfaces in Sweden years later, his childhood buddy Danny Quinn (Luke Griffin) heads off over there to find him.

The Disappearance of Finbaris a truly odd whimsical comedy mystery-drama, but it is quirky and intriguing enough to be counted at least a part-success.

It is a shame that Meyers disappears for so much of the movie because he is rather good.

The screenplay by Sue Clayton and Dermot Bolger is based on the novel The Disappearance of Rory Brophy by Carl Lombard. The photography by Eduardo Serra and scored by Davy Spillane are notable, adding atmosphere.

Also in the cast are Sean Lawlor, Chris Meehan, Toner Quinn, Phil Calley, Fran McPhail, Pete Cummins, Pat Henry, Gerard Cullen, Jake Williams, Robert Hickey, Lorraine Pilkington, Tina Kellegher and Sean McGinley.

Clayton complained at the film’s treatment by what she saw as the hostile British press. It is Clayton’s only feature as director.

The Disappearance of Finbar is directed by Sue Clayton, runs 105 minutes, is made by Victoria Film, Channel 4 Television Corporation and First City Features, is released by Film Four, is written by Sue Clayton and Dermot Bolger, based on the novel The Disappearance of Rory Brophy by Carl Lombard, is shot by Eduardo Serra, is produced by Martin Bruce-Clayton and is scored by Davy Spillane.

Meyers made his debut in A Man of No Importance (1994).

© Derek Winnert 2019 Classic Movie Review 8764

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