Ondine (2009)
Jordan’s most recent venture into Irish-themed films, Ondine adapts Celtic faerie lore to its own ends with this story of a ‘selkie’ who appears in the nets of Cork fisherman Syracuse (Colin Farrell). Believing the young woman, Ondine (Alicja Bachleda) to be a sea-nymph, Syracuse finds her presence has led fortune to smile on him as his nets and pots fill up with catch. Outside his fishing his life remains difficult, as his daughter Annie (Alison Barry) battles kidney failure and ex-wife Maura (Dervla Kirwan) fails to control her alcoholism. The conflict between the legends that seem attached to Ondine and Syracuse’s gnarled world come into conflict, as Ondine attracts dangerous figures to Syracuse’s small town. Jordan attempts the near-impossible in crafting a story that’s ethereal and tough at the same time and Ondine is certainly a distinctive entry in his filmography, shot in hues of rich marine green by cameraman Chris Doyle.
Director
Neil Jordan
Writers
Neil Jordan
Stars
Colin Farrell
Alicja Bachleda
Alison Barry
Dervla Kirwan
AWARDS
2010 IFTAs – Winner, Actor Leading Role in a film (Colin Farrell), Supporting Actress in a film (Dervla Kirwan), Production design (Anna Rackard), Sound (Brendan Deasy, Tom Johnson & Sarah Gaines) | Nominated, best film, best director for film, best script for film, best costume design
2010 San Diego Film Critics Society awards – Winner, best actor (Colin Farrel) | Nominated, Best screenplay
2010 Shanghai International Film Fest – Winner, best cinematography (Christopher Doyle) | Nominated, Best film