‘Saipan‘ Film Captivates at London Film festival with Intimate Keane-McCarthy Portrayal
LONDON - The new film Saipan, offering a deep dive into the infamous 2002 World Cup dispute between Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane and manager Mick McCarthy, premiered at the London Film Festival too critical acclaim. The film distinguishes itself from a typical sports drama, focusing instead on the psychological complexities of the two central figures.
Steve Coogan and Éanna Hardwicke deliver “blisteringly good” performances as McCarthy and Keane, respectively, according to reviews. Saipan eschews dramatic physical confrontations, opting for “tender examinations of Keane and McCarthy’s psyches.” Coogan is praised for capturing McCarthy’s “gravitas, passivity, confidence and down-to-earth nature,” while hardwicke provides a “sympathetic portrait” of Keane, portraying a man “totally overwhelmed” by the situation.
The film utilizes stylistic elements, including evocative lighting and a “mesmeric soundtrack” by David Holmes, to convey Keane’s internal struggle as he contemplates his future with the team. A scene featuring Hardwicke in an elaborate chair observing fighting lizards, with Saipan’s landscape in the background, is noted for its visual impact. The film also contrasts Keane’s isolation with scenes of the rest of the Irish team enjoying themselves,highlighting the fractured dynamic.
Reviewers emphasize Saipan’s potential to resonate with audiences beyond dedicated football fans, describing it as a “fascinating character study” that elicits ”buckets of empathy” for both men, “despite their objective muck-ups.” The film premiered at the London Film Festival alongside other notable releases; a full list of recommendations can be found here.
