PHILOMENA – STEPHEN FREARS

Falling pregnant as a teenager in Ireland in 1952, Philomena was sent to the convent of Roscrea to be looked after as a “fallen woman.” When her baby was only a toddler, he was taken away by the nuns for adoption in America. Philomena spent the next fifty years searching for him but with no success. Then she met Martin Sixsmith, a world-weary political journalist who happened to be intrigued by her story. Together they set off to America on a journey that would not only reveal the extraordinary story of Philomena’s son, but also create an unexpectedly close bond between Philomena and Martin. The film is a compelling narrative of human love and loss that ultimately celebrates life.

VENEZIA 70

Philomena by Stephen Frears – UK, 94'

language: English – s/t Italian

Judi Dench, Steve Coogan

Director’s Statement:

I was intrigued by the subject matter and the prospect of working with Judi Dench again was very exciting. With my appetite whetted, I worked with Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope on the screenplay achieving a fine balance, a delicate mixture of a tragic story with a good deal of humour, there is a sadness and happiness at the same time.

It is an odd couple film, an extraordinary road trip taken by a wily journalist and an elderly lady. Judi is absolutely wonderful to work with and I believe gives the performance of her life, contrasting with Steve Coogan who plays with an extraordinary pitch perfect depth. He is interesting and clever with tremendous moral intelligence.

Meeting the real Philomena Lee I was surprised that she wanted to visit the set, which she did on the day of the profoundly upsetting laundry scene. She is a magnificent woman with no self-pity, a very straightforward person who took the scene in her stride. Despite all the injustices she has suffered she still retains her religious faith.

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