In the Name of the Father was released in 1993 jointly by Hell’s Kitchen (IRL) and Universal Pictures (US). It is based on Gerry Conlon’s autobiography, Proved Innocent.
This Jim Sheridan film tells the story of Gerry Conlon and the Guilford Four. Conlon, a Belfast native played by Daniel Day-Lewis, emigrates to London to escape the IRA. Conlon and his friend Paul are implicated in the Guilford pub bombing, a brutal IRA attack that took place on October 5 1974. Both submit to signing a confession after days of torture and threats. Giuseppe, Conlon’s father, arrives at Gerry’s aunt’s house in London in an attempt to help his son, only to be arrested himself along with the rest of the family on charges of supporting the bombing. Both groups are ultimately convicted and sentenced to imprisonment. While in prison, Gerry Conlon discovers the identity of the real culprit, Joe McAndrews. Gareth Pierce, a British lawyer, has been investigating the case and uncovers documents deliberately withheld from the defense. This evidence leads to the exoneration of the Guildford Four.
Sheridan’s film displays the IRA as an antagonistic force to both the British and the Irish. They serve as a vigilantes that are often harsher on the locals than the British. Danny, Gerry’s friend, is kneecapped and later executed by the IRA for a petty crime that would have resulted in prison, not death, in the British system. After Gerry is caught stealing lead from roofs, the IRA threaten to kneecap him, as well. Giuseppe intervenes and sends his son to London more out of fear of the IRA than the British. Joe McAndrews, the IRA presence in the film, is depicted as a sinister and sadistic figure. He orders the bombing of the pub and doesn’t send out a warning.Yet, the British aren’t entirely free from blame in this film. Using brutal torture tactics reminiscent of internment, they forced confessions out of Conlon and his friends.
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