Michael Collins (1996)

Ireland, 1916. His Dreams Inspired Hope. His Words Ignited Passion. His Courage Forged A Nation's Destiny.

Michael Collins plays a crucial role in the establishment of the Irish Free State in the 1920s, but becomes vilified by those hoping to create a completely independent Irish republic.

Directed by: Neil Jordan

Written by: Neil Jordan

Music by: Elliot Goldenthal

Starring: Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea, Alan Rickman, Julia Roberts, Ian Hart, Brendan Gleeson, Stuart Graham, Sean McGinley, Gerard McSorley

Genre: War, Drama, Thriller, History

Released: 1996-10-25

Runtime: 132 minutes

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Michael Collins (1996): trivia & fun facts

Fun facts

• Jordan initially envisioned Stephen Rea playing Harry Boland, but then decided the role of Broy would give Rea more of a challenge.
• The Irish Film Censor initially intended to give the film an over-15 certificate, but later decided that it should be released with a PG certificate because of its historical importance.
• With a budget estimated at $25 million, with 10%-12% from the Irish Film Board, it was one of the most expensive films ever produced in Ireland.
• Jordan had first met Liam Neeson while on the set of the John Boorman-directed epic fantasy film Excalibur, where Jordan was credited as a creative associate and Neeson had a supporting role as Sir Gawain.
• The opening gross also included £442,867 from Ireland, which was a record opening for the country.
• Neil Jordan mentions in his film diary that Kevin Costner had also been interested in developing a movie about Collins, titled Mick, and had visited Béal na Bláth and the surrounding areas.
• Michael Collins opened in six theatres in the United States on 11 October 1996 and grossed $182,221 for the weekend.
• The film opened on 8 November 1996 in the UK and Ireland in 247 theatres and opened at number one at the box office with an opening weekend gross of £1,160,575, including £68,975 from previews in 45 theatres.
• I was unable to leave the cinema at its end, so profoundly moved and saddened was I; and I can understand why Neil Jordan has been so personally offended by criticism of the film in Ireland and in Britain.
• The censor issued a press statement defending his decision, claiming the film was a landmark in Irish cinema and that "because of the subject matter, parents should have the option of making their own decision as to whether their children should see the film or not".
• Filming took place in Dublin, and the score was composed by Elliot Goldenthal.

Source: Wikipedia

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