The Hopeless End of a Great Dream
Declan Clarke
Artist's biography
Synopsis
Co commissioned by TBG+S, Belfast Exposed, Centre Cultural Irlandais Paris and Trinity Creative, this film was shot entirely on the grounds of Trinity College Dublin, using the diversity of architecture within Trinity’s walls as a backdrop and metaphor for the last 100 years of Irish history. Taking a number of overlooked episodes in Irish history as its starting point, the film works along a fragmented narrative which sees unexplained actions taking place in academic and historical surroundings. Clarke grounds these episodes in the political present, so that they function as commentaries on the causes, effects, and ongoing ramifications of the past on the current political climate. Visually and thematically referencing the tropes of post war European cinema, Clarke blurs real and fictional stories to create a film with a complex palimpsest of narrative development, compelling characters and mysterious events.' (Sourced from http://www.templebargallery.com/gallery/exhibition/the-hopeless-end-of-a-great-dream on August 15th 2016)
Images
Details
Title
The Hopeless End of a Great Dream
Year
2016
Form
Feature
Key phrases
college, espionage, reflexive, mystery, trinity college (dublin, ireland), irish literature, history and culture
Language
English; German
Duration
01:05:00
Original formats
Physical: Film: 16mm
Aspect ratio
16:9
Colour
Colour
Sound
Yes