Like many Irish Independent movies, Adam and Paul is another we should be proud of. In my mind, it joins the list of not only one of the greatest Irish movies created, but one of the greatest movies...in general!
This short enthusiastic tale follows "a day in the life" of two heroin addicts, Adam and Paul. We watch from start to finish the journey through gritty Dublin that leads two degenerates into places unknown, yet we gather the feeling they have been in these places many times before. Adam (Mark O'Halloran) is the taller one and appears the wiser of the two, but not by much. Paul (Tom Murphy) is the delicate half a brain scapegoat who gets himself into the most unfortunate of circumstances.
Its mystified concept has an element of genius. Although constructed and viewed through the eyes of you typical "junkie", Adam and Paul is highly original and creates and focuses on the seriousness of a modern day subject and blends it with dark yet typical Dublin humour! Tied together by habit and a modern day friendship, witness as Adam and Paul resolve to desperate measures to rid of the "Cold sickness", even if it means robbing a downsyndrome kid, a brand new television and numerous attempts at stealing, which is a skill that proves yet to be mastered.
While both lads are far from pessimistic, ambitions are high as they seek their fix while at the same time trying to avoid Clank! Who? Clank; a character, in a way, they enforced on themselves!
We are not aware of any background of both these guys but an immediate perspective is endured at the intro; They wake up in a field (you know, the signature red poles?), they are wet, hungry and mind-set on their next fix! A task at hand, you travel along with Adam and Paul as they meet old friends, some genuine, others crooked and witness first hand the highs and lows (mostly lows) of your average heroin addict. Some scenes are smartly shot, showing actual heroine based hang-outs (don't ask how I know). It is easy to watch the flow of this classic with what is honestly a brain-dead plot that in fact, you don't seem to care much for. The film simply drags you into what are likable personalities in Adam and Paul offering a touch of fine acting and some very funny scenes as it appears the longer they roam the streets without drugs, the quicker there souls seem to fade.
The fine camera shots and overall images are constructed to the point where this could pass as a documentary showing the gritty side of Dublin city. (We ain't New York, we will show that shit). The movie was created using pretty much one camera and a film budget that would struggle to afford a weeks shopping! I think that is what makes this movie so special. The amateur production clearly didn't affect the wonderful performances from both O' Halloran and Murphy, giving us an inspiring result.
The concept of this movie was to make people laugh, cry and to open the eyes of any individual who have been in a similar situation, or going down that road. It achieved a rude awakening to the Irish public to possibly see into the lives of people struggling with drug addiction. Those who have everything and those with nothing. Okay it was their own choice blah blah blah, but these are human beings...
Adam and Paul was Written by Mark O'Halloran. It is a crafty piece of Irish cinematography revealing a further extent of the continuity of film making in this country. Leonard Abrahamson won best director in 2004 at the Irish television and film awards on top of the movie being nominated in eight different categories. It was also played to an "enthusiastic audience" at the Berlin film festival. (part of the festivals programme).
Unfortunately for Tom Murphy, following successful treatments for lymphatic Cancer, he died of MRSA on October 6th 2007. A well accomplished actor by then, he was just 39 years old.
The movie is a dedication to Ireland and movie fans global, with a glowing light that sheds upon the magnificent portrayal from Tom Murphy.
Overall: Like nothing you have seen before, witness and embrace an Independent delight!
8.5/10
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