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Garage (2007)

Director: Lenny Abrahamson

Time Out rating

Average user rating

12 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

The fruitful pairing of the director, Leonard Abrahamson, and writer, Mark O’Halloran, who in 2005 were responsible for ‘Adam & Paul’, has produced another fascinating and individual addition to Irish cinema. Changing accent and locale from the drug-troubled streets of Dublin to a one-car town in the Irish Midlands, this unostentatious drama focuses on another of life’s potential losers, Josie, the thirtysomething attendant of a run-down garage.

Movingly played by Pat Shortt, Josie belongs to a class of intellectually and emotionally ‘challenged’ individuals who are charged with living their lives without much family or social support. He is tolerated – where not patronised or bullied – by his community, and he hides his feelings and confusions (not least sexual) under a willing and smilingly empathetic front.

Abrahamson and O’Halloran apply implicit criticism of injurious small town bigotry, but they content themselves in mapping out Josie’s life in plain view, avoiding reductionism, didacticism – or condescension of their own – by giving full attention to the scope and richness of Josie’s own experience, notably his appreciation of beauty, the solace he takes in a horse, and the balm he offers a grieving man.

The film’s turning point comes with the friendship offered by a 15-year-old weekend worker (Conor Ryan), who thinks him ‘fucking sound!’ for joining his friends for beers late at night. There may be gentle echoes of Bresson’s essential ‘realism’ here (specifically, ‘Mouchette’), but the director’s application of grace-notes of pathos and humour give the film a distinctive voice. It’s nicely shot, (by Peter Robertson), discreetly scored (by Stephen Rennicks) and offers fine work from supporting players, including Anne-Marie Duff and Denis Conway.

Author: Wally Hammond 2008-03-03 17:03:20

Time Out London Issue 1959 March 5 – 11 2008

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User reviews of this film

James Brown said...

Posted on Sep 29 2009 23:52 Sublime...haunting performances by Pat Shortt and the ever lovely luminous Anne-Marie Duff...not a film to enjoy but one that hits the mark too well.

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Nigel Brown said...

Posted on Jan 07 2009 09:56 What a change from the usual crass action movies churned out by Hollywood, this was a crafted story which reveals much about the human condition. The acting was underpayed enough to introduce realism and sympathy for the lead character, Josie. I went away still thinking about the story, which is the sign of a film worth seeing.

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Roger P said...

Posted on Jan 06 2009 15:02 Great cinematograpy, plain bland backgrounds for a great story to shine through. The solace of a person is always a good situation for a story, and pat shorrit plays the part perfectly, not desperatley vying for your empathy.

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David said...

Posted on Apr 01 2008 00:15 Amazing film, either love it or lothe it, it will leave a mark.

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Xeno said...

Posted on Mar 22 2008 16:03 My partner found this movie and we watched it together. All through the movie my partner kept appologizing for how slow and depressing it was, but I was deeply moved by the plight of the character Josie. Everything Josie attempted to do was fraught with difficulty, even just walking down the road he was in pain. The only time he seemed at peace was with the horse. His attempt to get some minor affirmation from his boss by moving the oil display, and his boss's almost complete indifference to Josie's need, set the tone for the story of this desperately lonely man, who was hampered by his lack of social skills and intellect.

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Stuart said...

Posted on Mar 19 2008 11:09 I urge everyone to see this movie, be prepared to either love it or hate it but for those of you prepared to stay the course; will be rewarded with a performance from Shortt that will have you smiling and crying with all emotions in between.
This movie has struck a chord....and one that I'm certain will be as moving and rewarding with subsequent viewings

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Margii said...

Posted on Mar 16 2008 15:38 I went to see it based on the recomendations above. What a mistake. I felt like I was watching a different film. Great acting aside, it was a terminably slow and depressing story that takes an awful turn for the worse, and the ending.... I can't believe any of the above reviewers saw it right through.
I can sit through the slowest of existential French and Chinese films but this beat them all. If you are in a good mood this will certainly get rid of it.

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Mou said...

Posted on Mar 11 2008 22:08 Wonderful movie, similar to an Indian movie @The blue Umbrella' which is also set ih a small town in Himachal Pradesh. The acting by Pat Shortt is heart breaking, well crafted direction.

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Joanne said...

Posted on Mar 10 2008 12:23 What a brillant,moving film. Tremendous performances.

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Anita said...

Posted on Mar 07 2008 17:54 Truly outstanding performance from Pat Shortt, Heart rendering film which will never leave the memory. A must see film.

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Max & Eeva said...

Posted on Jan 19 2008 21:38 Definately worth watching. Pat Shortt's performance is outstanding. A moving, superbly written story.

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Vince Deehan said...

Posted on Oct 27 2007 00:21 I saw this film tonight at the London Film Festival and I thought it was magnificent. Pat Shortt gives a heartbreaking performance as the kind hearted Josie and creates a character who I will never forget. A truly wonderful film. I cannot praise it enough.

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