My Left Foot

  • Jim Sheridan
  • Ireland, Great Britain
  • 1989
  • 103' / 98'

Biographical drama based on the life of legendary Irish writer Christy Brown, who was born with cerebral palsy. When he was a child, the society cast him aside as a helpless vegetable, but his mother refused to accept it. With her help, Christy gradually learned to use his only functional limb – his left foot – and became a renowned writer and painter. Daniel Day-Lewis won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his powerful and unsentimental portrayal of the cantankerous artist, and Brenda Fricker was awarded Best Actress in a Supporting Role for playing the mother. The movie is famous for its naturalistic scenes depicting the hero’s suffering, alleviated by characteristically cheerful Irish humor.

Jim Sheridan

Theater and film director, screenwriter, and producer whose oeuvre is characterized by social awareness and a penchant for melodrama. His debut, My Left Foot, has won Oscars for Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Actress in a Supporting Role. He has also directed In the Name of the Father (Golden Bear), In America, Brothers, and Dream House.

My Left Foot

Director
Jim Sheridan
Writer
Jim Sheridan, Shane Connaughton
Production
Granada
Cast
Alison Whelan, Brenda Fricker, Daniel Day-Lewis, Declan Croghan, Kristen Sheridan
Photography
Jack Conroy
Montage
J. Patrick Duffner
Producer
Noel Pearson
Festivals & Awards
Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role, Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, 1990; BAFTA Award for Best Actor, BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, 1990

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