Meet the 2015 Sundance Filmmakers #66: John Crowley Adapts Colm Toibin’s Acclaimed Novel With ‘Brooklyn’

What’s your film about in 140 characters or less?

It’s about a young woman who emigrates to the US from Ireland in the 50’s. She then has to return home because of a personal tragedy and is faced with a near impossible choice about her future. It’s based on the novel of the same name by Colm Toibin.

Now what’s it REALLY about?

How a girl turns into a young woman who gradually takes control over her own life. It’s also about the nature of exile – the split that happens when you don’t belong to your adopted homeland but you no longer quite belong where you came from either.

Tell us briefly about yourself.

I started directing plays at University while studying Philosophy in Cork. I then continued directing professionally in Dublin at the Abbey and Gate theatres before moving to London where I spent a number of years as an Associate Director of the Donmar Warehouse. My first feature film was Intermission which I followed with Boy A, Is Anybody There? and Closed Circuit.

Biggest challenge in completing this film?

Recreating 1950s Brooklyn in Montreal and recreating 1950s Ireland in post Celtic-Tiger Ireland. Also making the absolute most of our two days shooting in Brooklyn and Coney Island.

What do you want Sundance audience to take away from your film?

I’ve never been before so not entirely sure what to expect, but I hope they’ll be moved and surprised by the film. And that there’ll be lively conversations about the choice the central character makes!

Any films inspire you?

The emotional directness of The Kid With A Bike. Gordon Willis’s lighting in The Godfather films. The Double Life Of Veronique Midnight Cowboy The Golden Door

What’s next?

I’m due to revive my production of a play called The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh which I previously Directed at The National Theatre in London and on Broadway. Then I’m Directing a play called The Present for Sydney Theatre Company featuring Cate Blanchett. It’s an updated version of Chekhov’s first play ‘Platonov’.

What cameras did you shoot on?

Arri Alexa XT

Did you crowdfund?
If so, via what platform.

No.

If not, why?

It was a co production between a large number of financing bodies in the UK, Ireland and Canada.

Indiewire invited Sundance Film Festival directors to tell us about their films, including what inspired them, the challenges they faced and what they’re doing next. We’ll be publishing their responses leading up to the 2015 festival. For profiles go HERE.

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