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A Slice of Life
by Francine Brokaw
Evelyn
Years ago Evelyn Doyle wrote a synopsis about her family's experience and then "put it on the back burner." Now this touching story has made it to the big screen. Back in 1953 Ireland, the Catholic Church and the government were joined at the hip. And the courts would not conform in the least to individual circumstances if they were not set out in the laws. The movie Evelyn tells the story of one man's fight for justice and change.
There were some Hollywood liberties taken when making the film, however they didn't alter the story. For instance, in real life Desmond had six children, but only three in the movie. Hollywood liberties aside, this movie about a father's love for his children is a touching tribute to Desmond Doyle's hard fought battle to regain the custody of his children after his wife walked out on the family.
After Evelyn's mother left, the SPCC (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) stepped in to assist the family, but their situation soon ended up in the hands of the courts where a judge placed Evelyn and her brothers in Catholic institutions - or Industrial Schools - away from each other and their father. Desmond was led to believe that when he got a job and could provide a decent home for them, his children would be returned. Desmond cleaned up his act and got a decent job. He expected his family would be returned but then learned 'The Children's Act of 1941' required the consent of both parents, if they were alive, in order to release the children from the "orphanages." The law didn't take into account a parent who walks out and disappears. It was then Desmond discovered "The law and justice are two entirely different things."
Evelyn was placed in one school and her brothers in another. In the movie, when he first takes her to the school, Evelyn's grandfather tells her the rays of the sun are Angel Rays, or guardian angels. She takes comfort in that and it helps her through difficult times. In the school Evelyn encountered child cruelty and some brutal no-nonsense nuns who would beat the girls. The girls were not allowed to sleep in any position other than on their backs with their arms crossed, much like a corpse.
In the film, after he learns a nun had brutalized his daughter, Desmond decides enough is enough and set his sights on reuniting his family, one way or another. He was told fighting the Church and State was like fighting Goliath, to which he responded, "David beat Goliath in the book that I read."
Pierce Brosnan plays Desmond, and the real Evelyn Doyle thinks his portrayal is right on and she is very happy with the movie. Brosnan's production company, Irish Dream Time, produced the film in which he makes his on-screen singing debut. He says the movie shows "a good balance [representation] with the Irish/Catholic system of the day." The story deeply touched Brosnan who spent his first 11 years in Ireland, some of that time in the care of the Christian Brothers Order while his single mother went to England to look for work. Julianna Margulies plays Bernadette, the perky, sassy woman who finally gets through to him and tells him to stop drinking, put his mind to it and get his kids back. Julianna says - clichés aside - she's the great woman behind the great man. Aidan Quinn plays Nick Barron, Desmond's lawyer who knew winning would be a long shot, but it was a fight that had to be fought, and he was the only one willing to take it on. Quinn's sensitive portrayal is engaging and sincere. He holds dual citizenship and his Irish roots helped him to really feel the story. Stephen Rea plays Michael Beattie, another of Desmond's attorneys who is not as battle hungry as Nick, but willing to stick it out only after Nick joins the fight as the point man. Alan Bates makes a memorable appearance as a retired family law attorney who joins the team as a consultant. And Sophie Vavasseur, a wonderfully talented young Irish girl, plays the part of Evelyn Doyle.
Both Brosnan and Quinn have Irish backgrounds, and could identify with their roles and the story. But the movie doesn't need the luck of the Irish. It can stand on it's own. With awards season just around the corner, you'll undoubtedly be hearing a lot about this movie.
The soundtrack is a beautiful collection of music. "Sitting on Top of the World" by Van Morrison might find its way onto the Awards lists next year. As mentioned earlier, Brosnan sings in the film, and the songs are included in the soundtrack. With a rather large Irish community in Santa Monica, Brosnan decided to go to the pubs there to learn some authentic Irish folk songs. Two of those songs made it into the movie and onto the soundtrack. Also on the soundtrack is the hauntingly beautiful song "Angel Rays" performed by Sissel. MGM is hoping the original score by Stephen Endelman will capture the attention of the awards voters. The stunning soundtrack exemplifies the music of the Emerald Isle with its distinctive Irish flair.
Desmond Doyle's fight reminds us all it is our duty to stand up for justice, compassion, and what is right. It is a universal story and one that gives us all hope. So the next time someone tells you, "You can't fight City Hall," remember Desmond Doyle.
Evelyn is rated "PG" for thematic material and language. It is the truest of love stories - not between two people but between a father and his children.
© 2002 Francine Brokaw
All pictures are ©MGM. All rights reserved.
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