A Prayer for the Dying (1987)
MGM DVD (region 1)
d. Mike Hodges; pr. Peter Snell, Samuel Goldwyn Jr.; scr. Edmund Ward, Martin Lynch; novel. Jack Higgins; ph. Michael Garfath; m. Bill Conti; ed. Peter Boyle; cast. Mickey Rourke, Bob Hoskins, Alan Bates, Sammi Davis, Liam Neeson (105 mins)
The Irish “troubles” began to worm their way into cinema in the mid to late 1970s, the same time when in English film there emerged a spate of gritty, urban crime thrillers spear-headed by Mike Hodges’ Get Carter. Over a decade later, there was still much expectation when Hodges took on a project dealing with the fallout of the IRA experience in A Prayer for the Dying. Based on the popular novel by Jack Higgins, the project managed to attract an American star, Mickey Rourke (then arguably at the peak of his career), who initially felt so committed to the film that he waived his high salary. The film’s problems, however, began in post-production. Director Hodges duly delivered his cut of the film, which the actors were reportedly all pleased with. Subsequently, the producers and distributors led by Peter Snell re-cut the film to emphasize the more lurid and sensationalistic violence, shifting it to favor action over character and atmosphere. Both Hodges and Rourke were furious: Rourke publicly renounced the film and Hodges in turn virtually disowned the released version. Soon co-stars Alan Bates and Bob Hoskins also went on public record stating that they preferred Hodges’ original cut. Critics were thus expectedly unkind to the released version, claiming that it was a ludicrous and overblown thriller which cheapened the Irish predicament. In light of this decided hostility the film soon disappeared.
Mickey Rourke plays an IRA terrorist and hired assassin who is involved in an incident which results in the accidental detonation of a bomb under a busload of schoolchildren. Disillusioned with his involvement in any cause that would kill innocents, Rourke wants out. However, he is too caught up in the crisis and his fellows say that if he will do one more job they will arrange for his safe transport to America. Rourke is reluctant, especially when he realizes that the “hit” is not a political matter but a criminal one organized by a thuggish crime boss (Alan Bates). Nevertheless, he carries it out, but with one slight problem; there is a living witness, a Catholic Priest (Bob Hoskins). Rourke sneaks into the confessional and discloses his involvement, with Hoskins thus bound to secrecy by the sanctity of Confession under Catholic doctrine. Bates, however, wants even this witness completely eliminated and sets about intimidating Hoskins and his blind niece (Sammi Davis). Rourke gradually forms a bond with Davis, much to Hoskins’ dismay. Yet Hoskins is torn between protecting this murderer and believing in the possibility of Rourke’s redemption. As the time grows closer for Rourke’s exit, Bates has a horrible plan to eliminate them all and blame it on the IRA. Rourke now may believe in his own redemption if he can save the innocents placed in jeopardy by their very association with him. read more