The Wind that Shakes the Barley

In our most recent discussion of The Wind that Shakes the Barley, two main questions were asked (or there were two main questions that I remember and wanted to comment on): 1) what causes the change in Damian from healer to murderer? And 2) How do the readings of space play into the spaces of the movie?

In terms of the change from healer to murderer the progression was not an easy one for Damian to make, but in the fight for civil rights and one’s home violence is inevitable. Throughout history when we see people being oppressed or torn apart by colonizing monsters, those affected react in violent ways to get their message of disapproval to those in power. When savages like the black & tans are running around terrorizing people and killing them for simply not saying their name in the right language, peaceful protest is most definitely not an option. Also a cause for Damian’s transformation is the national idea, which consumed him and caused him to forget about his long-term plans of doctoral bliss and starting a family of his own. At times like this the short-term is what is (or what seems to be) most important, keeping loved ones safe while voicing opposition to the powers that be - wouldn’t violent behavior sort of be expected? I wonder if Damian’s future plans would even be feasible if he had gotten on that train to London (that’s where he was going right?)? Would something else awful and possibly fatal have happened to Sinead? What would have happened in his town had he gotten on that train?

In terms of spaces, what really stuck out to me was the fact that there really were NO safe spaces. Throughout the movie homes, which are usually safe havens, are invaded, community spaces are invaded, and any other places (train stations, bars, forests…) are ultimately invaded and terrorized on the regular. That’s a bit unsettling, there’s usually always somewhere safe and free of violence, what are people to do when there literally is nowhere? Its like the ultimate psychological slap in the face, much like what happens in horror movies. Another aspect of space is that while we cannot tell exactly what/where Ireland is, the members of Damian and Teddy’s army embody what their Ireland was and are fighting to keep it alive. I believe this idea of keeping the old Ireland alive is also seen in our latest reading on spaces. Casey explores the idea of subjection, which basically says that we are subject to places we have been because they are in us, whether is was a place we didn’t like, a place we enjoyed, or a place we frequented like home, places stay with us(688). I didn’t quite get it when I first read it, but thinking about the movie puts in into perspective.