Special showing of The Mission with David Puttnam to mark fortieth anniversary
Hiram Morgan from the School of History and Ciara Chambers from the Department of Film and Media recently put on a free public screening of The Mission for its 40th anniversary. This awarding-winning historical epic about religion, power and colonialism was set in South America and starred Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons and Ray McAnally. David Puttnam, the film’s producer, was present and answered questions afterwards regaling an attentive audience with many stories. These included the assistance received from indigenous peoples, the antics of an Irish stuntman and how Italian composer Ennio Morricone was recruited to create his famous score for the movie.
One audience member sent in a note of appreciation: I saw the film when it came out first but the impact on me last night was much more visceral … Cinema at its best: profound, dramatic and entertaining. Great art affecting your emotions and shaking your beliefs and prejudices. A world where might is right. Nothing new under the sun. Well done for the work in making it happen.
Thanks is extended by the organizers to Seán Kelly, UCC Arts and Culture officer, and to Tereza Feixová, the current Lord Puttnam Scholar, for their help.