The Quiet Man

by Luke Gibbons

John Ford's "The Quiet Man" (1952) is the most popular cinematic representation of Ireland, and one of Hollywood's classic romantic comedies. For some viewers and critics the film is a powerful evocation of romantic Ireland and the search for home; for others, it is a showcase for the worst stereotypes of stage-Irishry. Much of Irish cinema since the development of an indigenous film industry in the 1980s has set its face firmly against these mythic images of Ireland, but no film has yet attained the enduring appeal of "The Quiet Man". In this radical reappraisal of Ford's Oscar-winning film, Luke Gibbons traces its development from Maurice Walsh's original story (1933) and argues that its romantic excesses are a symptom of much darker undercurrents in the literary text, and the displacement of trauma that often underlies nostalgia. Moreover, Gibbons ably demonstrates how the film, rather than indulging in escapism, actually questions its own romantic illusions and the dream of returning to an Irish paradise lost.

98 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great romance that also includes the story of past mistakes and how they can change all of our lives. The background of this story as an added bonus brings the land of Ireland to life.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative book--enjoyed this gift my husband gave to me on St. Patrick's Day. Didn't get it read until after our annual viewing of the movie, The Quiet Man, which is perhaps good. Always enjoy the movie on as superficial level as possible (otherwise would get a bit cross at the dragging of Mary Kate) but this book certainly put everything in a different light.
Not only are the camera angles, the use of storm clouds/rain, and the use of window frames discussed but also the backstory of John Ford the director and his family and the impact on the movie. Interesting nugget about Arthur Shields (in real life, Barry Fitzgerald’s brother serving time in a POW camp in Wales for his rebel activities in Ireland) and other IRA operatives is discussed.
Gibbons moved around a bit too much and discussed other films more extensively than needed in a book on The Quiet Man, but no harm done. Just may not be able to see the movie as ‘superficially’ again.

[Sarah Jane Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frak this book is boring. Yet another book to read courtesy of my Authenticity & Irishness class. Unless you deeply care about film, John Ford movies, and Ireland, don't read this. It's very, very specific to a particular audience. It's more of a long research paper than a entertaining book. That being said, it IS a good research paper. Gibbons communicates his points well and they are all well supported. I have the book three stars for being high quality and highly boring.