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Article: `Michael Collins': The Irish Stew; Patriot? Traitor? Terrorist? The Subject Of Neil Jordan's Film Still Vexes His People
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- October 27, 1996
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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There are several ways to look at Irish revolutionary Michael
Collins. He was a mythic figure who led the struggle for
independence from the British, or he was a terrorist.
He helped found a nation, but some of his countrymen viewed
him as a traitor.
To this day, more than 70 years after his death, the events
surrounding Collins's life continue to resonate in the current
conflict in Northern Ireland.
"Inevitably," says Irish director Neil Jordan, "he gives
rise to argument of some form."
Indeed. Months before Jordan finished making his new movie,
"Michael Collins," it had already provoked what he calls a "kind of
press insanity."
"There seemed to be articles every second day ...