The incomparable John Hurt delivers another excellent performance as the world-weary ex-con Poole, who owes a former gangster boss a ton of money. On the run, he soon finds a room in a quiet suburban home run by Alice (Brenda Blethyn) and her irascible mother. Less a film about gangsters and crime than about finding love and making choices in life, Night Train’s central character finally has to decide whether he’s going to remain the eternal adolescent or finally grow up. Director John Lynch does a magnificent job in exploring the world of an irresponsible, ageing charmer who is growing tired of running away from life’s problems and opportunities.
The annual Bealtaine Arts Festival strives to make the arts more accessible to older people throughout Ireland. Co-ordinated by Access Cinema and the IFI, this year’s film tour will travel to over 26 venues around the country. More information about the tour can be found on the following websites: www.accesscinema.ie/ www.irishfilm.ie