The Butcher Boy
Dir: Neil Jordan
1997
****
The Butcher Boy bridges the gap between rebellious child and psychopath as if it were a normality. That is quite a feat for any director and/or actor, so Jordan and Owens both did really well. I'm a big fan of Neil Jordan's anyway, his visual flare and seamless balance of ordinary and extraordinary is always a pleasure. This is a much darker film than I anticipated but to pack in so much story and so many contrasting visuals (old Irish town and countryside/50's style Sci-fi/Post apocalyptic earth etc) takes real talent. He's a very overlooked director in my mind, everyone knows and loves his films but many just don't realise they were all directed by the same guy. Anyway, highly recommended.