Today, “John Ford: The Icon” is the first of a series of four films to be released by the John Ford estate and directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film stars Ford as the legendary character, American director, known for his bold, minimalist style and his ability to take life in the real world and make it seem like a myth or fantasy. John Ford was born in America to Irish immigrants. His parents were murdered in the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in Ireland during World War I.
The John Ford Ireland website highlights a variety of resources on the film, including “The Filmography: The Complete List of Films by John Ford”, an extensive chronological listing of Ford’s films. It also contains interviews with Ford and his family and cast members, as well as background information and history on the famous actor and director.
Starfordfordfordfordford Ford is set in 1916, during the time when World War I and World War II were raging, and stars Ford as a man who falls for a beautiful woman, Alice (Mandy Patinkin). After falling in love she flees from him and takes up with another man. As Ford travels along the roads of Ireland, he meets Alice’s ex-lover and they become friends. Their friendship is threatened however, when the woman realizes that Ford’s interest in Alice stems from the fact that she is Jewish and a socialist.
With Ford’s experience as an American actor and director, the film uses this as a backdrop to explore the issues of social identity and political activism during the time of the 1916 Rising. Ford’s use of long shots and close-ups throughout the film create a feeling of claustrophobia and dread as Ford follows Alice and her lover as they journey through the country, trying to evade capture.
As the plot unfolds, Ford’s perspective from the perspective of his character grows and changes as the film progresses. During the climax of the film, Ford’s views alter as he comes face-to-face with Alice, and as he learns more about the world outside the city. The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow becomes a moving film that’s full of hope.
The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow is a wonderful film, full of adventure and intrigue. It’s worth checking out if you haven’t yet.
Starring Mandy Patinkin, Ford gives a performance that rivals any other leading role he has played in a movie. For the first time, Ford shows his true range as an actor, and he really shows it in The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow.
Overall, The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow is a great film that is worth seeing. Highly Recommended.
