Sharp portrayal of Keane edge in Saipan
It has been reported that former Ireland football manager Mick McCarthy is unhappy with his portrayal by actor Steve Coogan in Saipan, the fictionalised dramatisation of 2002 events.
McCarthy may correctly be concerned that this film will emerge as the canonical version of events, despite the ‘fiction’ disclaimer which flashes up at the opening credits.
In truth, Steve Coogan’s always mercilessly mocking approach to his subjects is close to the bone in Saipan.
Saipan is as much about character as football. The prickly and driven Irish captain Roy Keane emerges as the more admirable of the pair, despite leaving the pre-World Cup training camp after explosive clashes with the Ireland manager.
The pair’s differences are in their values; the midfielder is portrayed as a flinty, uncompromising perfectionist, conscious that World Cup chances don’t come too often – George Best never played in one, Keane points out.
Those around him in Saipan, by contrast, seem more preoccupied with having a good time.
Keane is enraged by the ‘shambles’ – no footballs, low-quality catering, rock-hard training pitches, and team-mates more interested in banana boats and golf games than proper preparation.
But Keane’s intransigence is ultimately endearing in actor Éanna Hardwicke’s portrayal, because of his higher goal of excellence.
Even those with only a passing interest in football will find themselves drawn into Saipan, with its finely balanced performances from Steve Coogan and rising star Hardwicke.
This engagingly dramatic account deftly portrays the pair’s inability to relax in each other’s company.
Wounded pride drives the initial wedge deeper.
Many pivotal conversations between them occur in cramped, uncomfortable settings – a plane toilet, a hotel sauna, a restaurant table in full view of the rest of the squad – highlighting their inability to communicate properly.
Tense
McCarthy is presented as more conciliatory, yet at crucial moments also fails to yield, and these character weaknesses give the film its tense, compelling energy.
Saipan opens with news soundbites from the events that gripped the Irish nation in 2002. The directors reinforce the drama with montages of archival television coverage, sports commentary, and Vox pops from the period.
An emotive soundtrack featuring Bob Dylan, The Pogues, Walker Brothers, and Fontaines DC adds greatly to the entertainment value.
Saipan seems poised to find a receptive home audience. It opens in cinemas on 26 December.