Bosco Hogan plays Joyce's alter-ego, Stephen Daedelus, growing up in Ireland in the early part of the 20th century, and at odds with the strictures of his Catholic home and family. The film charts his search for knowledge and understanding, during a decline in his family's circumstances, that leads him to revelations on the nature of art, beauty, and politics. However, his personal renaissance makes him feel unwelcome in his own country, and forces him to make a choice between exile as artist or staying and facing personal defeat.
Acting
John Gielgud's fire-and-brimstone sermon is genuinely chilling.
Direction
Strick's fragmented narrative mirrors Joyce's stream-of-consciousness style.
Director
Joseph Strick
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Strick had already adapted 'Ulysses' (1967) and would complete his Joyce trilogy with 'Dubliners' (1987).
The real Joyce's brother Stanislaus called the film 'a masterpiece of illiteracy'—family drama never dies.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
IE
US
