THE PARTING GLASS

US, 2018, 95 minutes, Colour.

Denis O'Hare, Anna Paquin, Cynthia Nixon, Melissa Leo, Edward Asner, Rhys Ifans, Kevin Vidal, Paul Gross.

Directed by Stephen Moyer.

This is a film about death, a suicide, the impact on a family, their gathering, bewilderment, memories, each looking at the dead woman through their own particular “parting glass”. The title of the film comes from an Irish song which is sung at the end of the film.

The screenplay was written by actor, Denis O’Hare, who plays the central role of the brother of the dead woman. In the dedication at the end of the film, it is clear that this is a personal story for O’Hare.

The film has an eclectic vital cast. Ed Asner, of film and television prominence, made this film in his 80s. He is the father of the family, the father of the dead woman. He gives an interesting, crusty performance. Then there are the two sisters, middle-aged, played by Cynthia Nixon and, in a humorous, rather restrained role for her, by Melissa Leo. They are certainly strong presences.

The bereaved husband is played, unexpectedly, by Rhys Ifans. He is trying to come to terms with the death, memories of his love for his wife, but always feeling somewhat on the outer with her family, which is certainly the case now at the time of her death. The dead woman is played in flashbacks, scenes with each of the characters, by Anna Paquin. (And the film is directed by her husband, Stephen Moyer, with whom she worked in True Blood.)

The screenplay is something of a road movie, the assembling of the family, introductions, tensions, three cars in an expedition to visit the dead woman’s apartment, their not being permitted in for a time, discussions with a policewoman, the mystery of the death, the issue of an accident, the mental condition of the dead woman, and a note that she left – ironically revealed as a letter to her dogs.

There is a range of emotions in the grieving family, a great deal of camaraderie, a great deal of grief, the impact of memories, Danny exploding against Karl, some reconciliation.

The film is to be so seems to be something of catharsis for the sad experiences of Denis O’Hare.

1. The title? In the Irish song? The perspective on looking at the departed?
2. The midwest setting, the small towns, travelling the roads, diners, apartment blocks? Parking lots? The musical score?
3. The work of Denis O’Hare, his writing the screenplay, appearing as Danny?
4. The situation, the death of Colleen, the family gathering, her depression, marriage to Karl, separation, impending divorce? Psychological condition? Medication? Her death, accident, suicide, the police procedure, lack of information, the note? And revealing that the note was addressed to her dogs?
5. Colleen, seen in flashback episodes with each member of the family, the relationship, marriage to Karl, youngest daughter, filming and coaching Danny, the visits from her sisters, the discussions with her father, the possibility for shock treatment?
6. A road film, the family gathering at the diner, the three cars, disputes about leading, stops along the way, Danny changing cars as passenger, the breakdown and fixing it? Arriving at the apartment, not allowed in, the later return, the issue of the note, the liaison with the police, her explanations, letting them have Colleen’s bag, the note?
7. Danny’s story, second youngest, acting, his career, his relationship with Philip? The news that they could adopt, the scenes at the centre, Philip’s attitude? Danny, emotional, tensions with his father? Relationship with his sisters, his conversation with them? Tensions with Karl? Journey, talking? His father telling him about the note? At the apartment, the feeling, his outburst against Karl, knowing Colleen longer than Karl? The joking atmosphere, calming down, the singing, Karl singing, Danny leaving? The final memento on his phone, Colleen and his performance?
8. Tom, age, father, crusty personality, attitude towards each of his children? Towards Karl? Driving the car, the note? His relationship with each of his children? The diner, the conversations? The apartment, his memories of Colleen?
9. The sisters, their personalities, in the car, happy, sad, the diners, meals, travel? Discussions with Danny? With their father? Each in their memories of Colleen? Trying to help? Mare and her talking about seeing Colleen before her death, the separation?
10. Sean, late arrival, the discussions, the phone call to Philip, on screen?
11. Karl, on the outer, his marriage to Colleen, love for her, the flashbacks, her getting out of the car, happy times together, the reaction of the brothers and sisters, liking him, but suspicious of him? His feeling that he was ousted from the family? The travels, driving, eating? Discussions with each of the family?
12. At the apartment, the goods, the different attitudes, changes of moods, Karl, the attack, his leaving? With the group finally on the final night, drinking, somewhat at home, singing the song?
13. Think about death, mental condition, suicide, the effect on the family, different ways of grieving and perspective on the deceased?