MovieChat Forums > The Butcher Boy (1998) Discussion > Eamon Owens performance is just breath t...

Eamon Owens performance is just breath taking


I watched this movie again the other evening, having seen it some years back and i have to say Eamon Owens performance is just amazing. For a young kid the depth and range of emotions he has to convey as Francie are huge - hurt, tragedy, darkness, madness and the sometimes very humerous moments in this movie - he is just wonderful.

Having read the book before I saw this movie - I didnt think it would be possible to make this wierd and wonderful story into a movie. Neil Jordan however did a great job but its Eamon Owens mesmorizing on screen performance in what is a very difficult role (a young hopeful boy ultimiately descending into madness) makes Francie Brady one of the most memorable characters ever!


Work is the curse of the drinking classes....

reply

I just came on here to post about Owens' performance! I don't think I've ever seen a child (or even an older teenager) have so much depth and presence. He dominated every single scene with his intense, manic energy.

reply

Incredible performance in an incredible film.

(I just discovered THE BUTCHER BOY - where has this movie been all my life? My hat's off to Neil Jordan and Eamonn Owens)

reply

I agree. I put it right up there, neck and neck, with Christian Bale in Empire of the Sun, which I used to think was completely unparalleled for a child performance. Both great movies, too, primarily because of those performances -- or at least, it is impossible now to imagine anyone else in those roles.

Bronagh Gallagher/The Commitments: runner up to Joe Pesci for times f* was said in a movie.

reply

[deleted]

I agree! His performance absolutely blew me away. Much better than many adults who have been acting for decades can do. I wish I could see him in more, he's amazing.

reply

He did a very good job with a nearly impossible role.

reply

I agree. He was fabulous.

reply

Absolutely, I was so caught up in the movie it only gradually dawned on me how incredible that performance was for a child.

reply

[deleted]

He actually came to my school today to reenact scenes from Macbeth with two other actors for my English class it was really cool.

This signature needs more cow bell.

reply

Cool.

reply