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1971-12-09
N/A
75 min
Based on real stories, using both actors and non-actors, and filmed on location in Dublin, A Week in the Life of Martin Cluxton (1971) is a rare example of Irish social realism. After years in an industrial school, Martin Cluxton (Derek King) returns home to Dublin but finds considerable prejudice and little opportunity. Broadcast on RTÉ, it was directed by Brian MacLochlainn, co-written by Caoimhín Ó Marcaigh and MacLochlainn, with music by jazz great Louis Stewart.
An Irish social realism for Irish problems?
In this RTÉ production, sixteen-year-old Martin returns from reform school to an overcrowded home, inattentive parents, little opportunity, considerable prejudice, and all-too-frequent advice on the importance of law, order, and property.
Clergy in the film are largely well-meaning. They introduce it and provide commentary – like an episode of Radharc, a popular, long-running Irish documentary series (1962-1996)) – but repeatedly express their own inadequacy for their work.
MacLochlainn and Ó Marcaigh do a grand job, with the help of Stewart, Ireland’s greatest jazz musician. And there are a number of surprises among the cast.
Recommended.
Note: I added this based on the little information I could find. Please feel free to offer corrections. See www.rte.ie/archives/2016/1206/836988-a-week-in-the-life-of-martin-cluxton/
