Conspiracy of Silence (2003)

A can of worms is opened within the Irish Catholic Church following two controversial incidents, the suicide of Frank Sweeney, a parish priest and the expulsion of Daniel McLaughlin, a ... See full summary »

Director:

John Deery

Writer:

John Deery

Stars:

Jonathan Forbes, Brenda Fricker, Niall O'Brien

2 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jonathan Forbes	...	Daniel McLaughlin
Brenda Fricker	...	Annie McLaughlin
Niall O'Brien	...	John McLaughlin
Catherine Cusack	...	Mary McLaughlin
Elaine Symons	...	Marie McLaughlin
Tommy Carey	...	Sean McLaughlin
Paudge Behan	...	Niall McLaughlin
Jason Barry	...	David Foley
Olivia Caffrey	...	Liz Foley
Anna Rose Fullen	...	Martha Foley
Hugh Bonneville	...	Father Dowling
John Lynch	...	Father Francis
Jim Norton	...	Bishop Quinn
Sean McGinley	...	Rector Cathal
Harry Towb	...	Father Doherty

Storyline

A can of worms is opened within the Irish Catholic Church following two controversial incidents, the suicide of Frank Sweeney, a parish priest and the expulsion of Daniel McLaughlin, a young trainee priest from a nearby seminary, on the grounds that he was open to the sexual advances of a male colleague. A local journalist, David Foley, is convinced that Sweeney's death and Daniel's expulsion are linked. Desperate to clear his good name and be re-instated, Daniel agrees to talk to Foley. As the story gathers momentum, the Church closes ranks.

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Plot Keywords:

expulsion | church | priests | irish | suicide | 

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Taglines:

There's a price to pay...for everything

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 January 2006 (Mexico)

Also Known As:

Conspiration Du Silence

Filming Locations:

Callington, Cornwall, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$3,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,598, 5 December 2004, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$2,598, 5 December 2004

Company Credits

Production Co:

Little Wing Films, Flick Features, Mogirl Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

First feature film role for Chris O'Dowd (as Christopher O'Dowd), who portrays James.

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Quotes

Daniel McLaughlin: Ya, I was celibate... from the moment I joined the seminary... until last night.

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Soundtracks

Blue Mountain River
Written by Cara Dillon and Sam Lakeman
Published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd
Performed by Cara Dillon
Rough Trade, Licensed courtesy of Sanctuary Copyrights Ltd

User Reviews

Very good for a Debut

I saw this film on holiday in Galway. It was a headliner at the Galway Film Fleadh. The experience was rather surreal because most of the starring cast were present for the premiere.

John Deery examines the question of celibacy in the Catholic church with pride and skepticism. The viewer doesn't quite know which side he stands on, but he is clearly a devout Catholic as well as a fighter for a more just way of treating priests. Although a much less controversial treatment, this film is in the same vein as 1994's Priest. This film may be a little more universal and pleasing to one's own beliefs, though.

Actors Jonathan Forbes and Brenda Fricker have many pointed moments together on screen, but frankly that should come as no surprise. After all, what has Brenda Fricker ever been in that has been bad? All of the other actors do a fine job, as well.

I recommend that if you come across a screening of this film, to see it...especially if you are Catholic. If not, rent it.