Director/writer: Steve McQueen | Rated: n/a (violence) | Review date: 20-Mar-2010

English artist Steve McQueen makes his feature film debut with Hunger, the historical drama focused around Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) prisoners during the 1980s. The prisoners in the Maze prison, where the film takes place, were denied political status and branded simply as criminals. The film is broken down into three acts, but ultimately focuses on one character and his bold acts taken for a greater good. Though the story revolves around political turmoil, it would be a great mistake to avoid this movie for that purpose, as the film itself touches very little on the actual political context.

The first part follows prison guard Raymond Lohan (Stuart Graham) in his daily routine. Checking his car for bombs, holding his cut and bruised hands under water, and depressingly smoking a cigarette under a miserable snow sets the bleak tone for the rest of the movie. The second part introduces us to two cellmates, Davey and Gerry (Brian Milligan and Liam McMahon). Davey protests by refusing to wear the uniform of a criminal, while Gerry makes his statement by smearing his feces over every inch of their cell. The two, along with many other inmates, refuse to bathe. The final act introduces Bobby Sands, played by the talented Michael Fassbender (Fish Tank, Inglourious Basterds). Bobby makes his mark by initializing a hunger strike.

While this film is based on a true life political situation, it really takes no side as far as political beliefs go. Rather, the film focuses on the prisoners and their struggles, as well as the behavior and state of those working in the prison. The film captures every ounce of human emotion with mind-blowing realism. From the guards and riot officers roughing up the inmates (and even one so disturbed by what he’s seen that he hides and cries) to the inmates never backing down, the film is intense all the way through. What’s impressive is that it goes almost 45 minutes in with saying barely a few words. What the first half of the film lacks in dialog, it more than  makes up for in superb acting performances and powerful visuals. In my opinion it’s quite difficult to make a political or historical film without seeming biased in some way, however McQueen manages to do so by placing emphasis on the people involved rather than attempting to spark political debate.

The longest part of dialog hits when Bobby Sands is discussing the hunger strike with a priest. In this nearly stationary shot, the two go into great discussion about the outcomes of such a protest. It is here we see Sands’ dedication to his cause and his willingness to put his own life on the line for it. From here on out we sit by and watch as Sands’ health declines and his body dwindles down to nothing. Perhaps the most touching parts of the film involve Sands’ parents having to observe their son in such a state. Much is to be said about Michael Fassbender’s performance; his near silent presence after his discussion with the priest spoke volumes through his facial expressions and body language.

After viewing this piece, it is not hard to believe that McQueen is trained in the fine arts. The film takes a more minimalist approach. Limited dialog, stationary camera shots, slow zooms, and sound effects in place of music are the main elements used. However, it is filmed so beautifully that it reminds us that a great film doesn’t need to have non-stop action or witty dialog to be watchable. McQueen has true talent behind the camera, and though the story of which this film is based is powerful enough on its own, he really makes it a visually stunning thing to watch without sacrificing story for art (or vice versa). The acting tops this film off outstandingly well with solid performances by all. While Hunger is based on a piece of Irish history, it’s subject matter is still very relevant in today’s world. Bobby Sands and many after him died for their cause, but their sacrifices played a large role in getting what they desired and have not been forgotten.
IMDb/trailer | Official site

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