The Quiet Man

(1952; dir. John Ford)

 

 

 

A much-loved masterpiece from John Ford, one of the greatest American directors, The Quiet Man has also been very controversial, critiqued -- particularly in Ireland-- for its stage-Irish embellishments and its portrayal of Irish women.  For many Irish-Americans, the film is the quintessential narrative of return to Ireland.  It's exploration of the immigrants nostalgia for home, however, is more complex than its gilded Technicolor pastoralism at first seems to suggest.  Nominated for numerous Academy Awards, it won for Best Director and Best Cinematography-Color.

~Kathleen Vejvoda  

 

Bridgewater State College
Irish-American Film Series
Fall 2003

Last Modified: October 17, 2003