(5)The Field
The Field (1990)
Discover the epic filming locations of The Field with the Connemara Film Trail Map
When a field farmed by the McCabe family for generations goes up for auction, its patriarch (Bull McCabe) fights to stop a wealthy American (Tom Berenger) from buying it. Filmmakers shot the film in and around Leenane. The film is based on a play by John B. Keane. Richard Harris earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Bull McCabe.
Starring: Richard Harris, John Hurt, Tom Berenger, Sean Bean, Brenda Fricker and Brendan Gleeson
Directed by: Jim Sheridan
Famous Association: Brenda Fricker won an Oscar for her role in My Left Foot, and Brendan Gleeson, who stars in Banshees of Inisherin and The Guard played a role as the Quarry Man in the film.
Quotation:
‘It’s my field. It’s my child. I nursed it, I nourished it I saw to its every want. I dug the rocks out of it with my bare hands and I made a living thing of it. My only want is that green grass, and you want to take it away from me, and in the sight of God, I can’t let you do that.’
Bull McCabe (Richard Harris), whose family had rented the field for generations
‘’There’s another law stronger than the common law. The Law of the Land.’’
A famous quote in the film.
Trivia:
Richard Harris gained a reputation as a hellraiser together with Peter O’ Toole (who had a house on the Sky Road near Clifden), Richard Burton, and Oliver Reed in the 1960s. Harris, who starred on stage and screen, is also known for his role as Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films.
Filming Locations in Connemara
Location:
Much of the film was shot around Leenane, a small village on the south side of Killary Harbour. Gaynor’s pub in the village now trades as the Field Bar. Aasleagh Falls features in the film, and the actual field that is shown in the film is located a few miles from Leenane in Co. Mayo
Links:
The Field and The Quiet Man both showcase the Irish passion for land. Filmmakers filmed the race scene in The Quiet Man on Lettergesh Beach. While in The Field Bull McCabe and Tadhg gathered seaweed on the beach. The cast stayed at Renvyle House Hotel.
