Exploring the Film ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’
The trailer of the movie ‘Wild Mountain Thyme,’ filmed in Ireland, has gone viral, generating much hilarity and confusion among viewers. The lead characters’ “Oirish” accents, oddly old-fashioned clothing, and an abundance of Irish clichés have attracted significant attention. Directed by John Patrick Shanley, the film is based on his play, ‘Outside Mullingar,’ and was shot in Crossmolina, Mayo.
This romantic film revolves around a love story interwoven with a family dispute over a farm. It features a notable cast including English actress Emily Blunt, US stars Christopher Walken and Jon Hamm, alongside Jamie Dornan from Northern Ireland. While the film evokes the aesthetic of 1940s Ireland through its use of Aran cardigans, crocheted shawls, and traditional coracles, modern references, such as discussions about egg freezing, signal a contemporary setting.
Dublin Airport humorously commented on the film through a tweet, questioning the existence of “accent police” and highlighting the beauty of Ireland depicted in the film. The National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland also joined in on the fun, stating, “Even we think this is a bit much.” In contrast, the Irish Embassy in the US defended the film, suggesting that Irish accents are challenging, while acknowledging the movie’s beautiful portrayal of Ireland.
Despite some criticism regarding its clichéd elements, ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’ portrays the stunning landscapes of Ireland, likely endearing viewers to the country. While responses from the Irish audience range from bemusement to frustration, some have offered a defense of the film, which is set to be released in December.
In a response piece for the Irish Independent, journalist Tanya Sweeney defended ‘Wild Mountain Thyme,’ highlighting the cultural differences between Irish natives and Irish-Americans. She expressed appreciation for the film’s whimsical portrayal of romance, commenting that it resonates with those who hold an affection for the “Old Country,” even if the reality is quite different.
