Unfortunately, 2020 has thrown movie releases into disarray but thankfully we have got a couple of Irish-focussed documentary films on the horizon that look like they'll be brilliant. Recently we highlighted the Jack Charlton feature that will be coming out in just over a week's time, but it's not the only upcoming documentary that will be profiling an Irish great.
The trailer for Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds With Shane MacGowan is out now, and the film looks like a cracker. Directed by Julian Temple (Glastonbury, The Filth and the Fury, London: The Modern Babylon) and produced by Johnny Depp, Stephen Deuters, Stephen Malit and Julien Temple, it is described as the "cinematic exploration of the legendary poet, punk and Pogue Shane MacGowan."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu51hqfXGrg&feature=youtu.be
The synopsis reads:
Combining interviews, previously unseen archive footage and specially commissioned animations with an impressive soundtrack, the documentary details Shane’s explosive existence from his early days growing up in Ireland, to time spent on the mean streets of London and embracing the punk scene, to forming The Pogues. We discover MacGowan’s passions, humour, and deep knowledge of music, history, spirituality, and popular culture.
The film is a vision of the world through the eyes of the great punk poet himself and an intimate cast of close friends and family members, all channelled through Temple’s inimitable and eternally vibrant lens.
Its world premiere took place at the San Sebastian International Film Festival in September, where it won the Special Jury Prize. Speaking at the festival, Johnny Depp explained his long friendship and fascination with the Irish musician:
"I've been very very lucky to have a long history with Shane. Before I met him I was fascinated by his language; his ability to make these incredibly moving, powerful songs that were so prolific, and yet, at the same time, living on the heels of the devil. 35 years ago, when I met Shane, he was exactly how he has always been and will always be."
"I really wanted the world to see definitively who Shane MacGowan is and what his legacy is. He is, for me, one of the greatest poets of any time. If you read Shane's lyrics and then go back and read Francois Villon, the great French poet, you'll see similarities. Shane is one of those people. He's special."
The documentary releases in UK cinemas on 20 November, before coming out on DVD and digital on 7 December, and will be scheduled for release in Irish cinemas once they reopen. You can sign-up for updates on its Irish release date on the movie's website here.
See Also: Shane MacGowan Performs 'Fairytale Of New York' On The Late Late Show
