The adaptation of the novel by Sebastian Barry, created by the director and co-author of the script Jim Sheridan, in 2016 caused an mixed reaction from the public. The film "Tablets of Fate" is an excellent example of a tart and aftertaste-rich movie, with a skilful visual implementation and an incredible story at the core. The picture, which tells of suffering and the power of all-consuming love, can both inspire and drive into depression. But even the most inveterate cynic will not leave indifferent.
Criticism
Many film critics claimed that the tape should be watched at least for the sake of chic acting: Rooney Mara shines in the main female role, except for her, the attention of the audience is focused on Eric Ban, Theo James, Vanessa Redgrave and Jake Raynor. But according to reviews, “The Tablets of Fate” are interesting by an extraordinary story told in a fascinating way, with a fair amount of drama. Having at the disposal of an emotional, burning, rich in detail material, director Sheridan and his screenwriter Ferguson left nothing from the literary source except the melodramatic component. The authors only partially cover the Anglo-Irish conflicts, superficially mention the overwhelming role of the Catholic Church, paying more attention to the unenviable position of women in the mid-twentieth century and the love triangle, which, by the way, is completely absent in the novel. Project rating IMDb: 6.60, among the merits of the picture, reviewers mentioned the actors of the "Tablets of Fate".
Leading Actresses
The skill demonstrated by the performers Rooney Mara and Vanessa Redgrave, who embodied on the screen the images of the key character in youth and old age, causes genuine delight. In “The Tablet of Fate” the actors were selected exclusively, but it was these two amazing women who played the first violin. Rooney is recognized by the film community as one of the best actresses of her generation, she is known to the public for her work in "Girl with a Dragon Tattoo" by Fincher and Tod Haynes's project "Carol". The American actress, who played in the remake of the cult Nightmare on Elm Street, gets a carte blanche in The Tablets of Fate. Her task may have been simpler than that of her distinguished British colleague, but Rooney managed to create on the screen a vivid, memorable, holistic image of a strong-willed beauty capable of ignoring prejudice and the prevailing public morality.
British actress Vanessa Redgrave more than convincingly portrays the unfortunate half-crazy old woman, the main character of Rosanna in old age. Her heroine is deprived of everything except her last hope. Her game is so subtle that it ennobles the whole action. The winner of the Oscar won respect among the actors of the Tablets of Fate.
Male characters
No less characteristic were the male actors making their characters in “Tablets of Fate”. Initially, the role of Gaunt's father was intended for Jonathan Rhys Myers, but as a result, Theo James played it. Looking at his hero, who became the forerunner of the misfortunes of Rosanna, who forgot about his duty and dignity because of the fatal passion, you begin to believe in the possibility of what happened. The performer, known for the Divergent franchise, got a difficult role - his character does vile things, but the charisma and charm of James are so great that you involuntarily feel sympathy for the villain. Some reviewers called the priest in the most tragic way, because at his end of the way the light did not glimmer.
The beloved of the main character was embodied on the screen by the American-Irish actor Jack Raynor, best known for the film "Transformers: Age of Extinction".
Eric Bana (Black Hawk, Troy, Hulk) appeared in front of the audience in the guise of Dr. Green.