THE LONG GOOD FRIDAY

UK, 1980, COLOR, DCP, 114’,  ENGLISH

Little-known masterwork by an unappreciated Scottish director. Through the story of a gangster who wants to cross over into legitimacy by collaborating with American mobsters, but gets involved with the IRA and a series of misunderstandings and betrayals, Mackenzie delivers three films: A perfect gangster film of wild climax and carnage, a commentary on the Island's tumultuous post-war era and an elaborate satirical-tragic record of a confused past Empire desperately clinging to the chariot of the ruling one in a desperate bid to regain some past glory. Great Bob Hoskins, period imagery of the early days of Thatcher’s England, sustained mood, 21st place on BFI's list of the best British films of all time. Rightly so.

DIRECTOR: John Mackenzie
SCREENWRITER: Barrie Keeffe
DoP: Phil Meheux
MUSIC: Francis Monkman
EDITOR: Mike Taylor
PRINCIPAL CAST: Bob Hoskins, Helen Mirren, Paul Freeman, Patti Love, Pierce Brosnan (feature film debut)

JOHN MACKENZIE(1928-2011)
Scottish director. He studied History at the University of Edinburgh. He was assistant director to Ken Loach, which inspired him to move into directing himself. He worked extensively at the BBC directing teleplays. He excelled during the 1980s although he worked sporadically until the early 21st century.
 
FILMOGRAPHY (SELECTED)
2000 When the Sky Falls 
1992 Ruby 
1987 The Fourth Protocol 
1985 The Innocent 
1981 A Sense of Freedom 
1980 The Long Good Friday 
1972 Made 
1971 Unman, Wittering and Zigo 
1970 One Brief Summer