Conspiracy of Silence (2003)
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33% of critics liked it
(24 reviews) -
53% of users liked it
(513 ratings)
U.K. filmmaker John Deery makes his writing and directing feature debut with the religious drama Conspiracy of Silence, dealing with the controversial topic of reforming the Catholic Church. At an Irish seminary school, student Daniel McLaughlin (Jonathan Forbes) is caught in a compromising position… More U.K. filmmaker John Deery makes his writing and directing feature debut with the religious drama Conspiracy of Silence, dealing with the controversial topic of reforming the Catholic Church. At an Irish seminary school, student Daniel McLaughlin (Jonathan Forbes) is caught in a compromising position with fellow male student Noel (Owen McDonnell). He is subsequently kicked out of school and considers marrying his ex-girlfriend Sinead (Catherine Walker). Meanwhile, reporter David Foley (Jason Barry) investigates the suicide of HIV-positive priest Father Sweeney (Patrick Casey). Foley learns that Sweeney was romantically involved with former priest Matthew Francis (John Lynch), but Monsignor Thomas (Fintan McKeown) resorts to unjust tactics in order to cover up the story. Brenda Fricker also appears as Daniel's mother. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi
- Directed By
- John Deery
- Written By
- John Deery
- Genres
- Art House & International, Drama
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Dec 3, 2004 Wide
Critic Reviews
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Connie Ogle, Miami Herald
Isn't quite up to the task of intelligently advocating for change.
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Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
A good cast (Brenda Fricker, Hugh Bonneville and assorted veterans of British and Irish film and TV) gives Deery's film weight and credibility.
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Ruthe Stein, San Francisco Chronicle
The need to portray the powers-that-be at all levels -- from the Vatican to the local parish -- in the worst possible light intrudes upon the movie, making it feel like a personal vendetta.
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Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger
Certainly a debate over the church's tradition of an unmarried clergy ... could be a good and worthy one. But a quick, clumsy melodrama -- complete with awkward, pop-scored sex scenes -- isn't the best venue.
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V.A. Musetto, New York Post
While the subject of enforced priestly celibacy is important, here it is dealt with in a workman-like manner lacking vibrancy.
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Cast
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Jonathan Forbes
as Daniel McLaughlin
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Jason Barry
as David Foley
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Brenda Fricker
as Annie McLaughlin
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Hugh Bonneville
as Father Jack Dowling
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John Lynch
as Matthew Francis
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Jim Norton
as Bishop Michael Quinn
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Sean McGinley
as Rector Eamonn Cahill
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James Ellis
as Jim O'Brien
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Hugh Quarshie
as Father Joseph Ennis
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Catherine Cusack
as Mary McLaughlin
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Catherine Walker
as Sinead
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Patrick Casey
as Father Sweeney
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Fintan McKeown
as Monsignor Thomas
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Owen McDonnell
as Noel Kinahan
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Gay Byrne
as Himself
- Harry Towb
- Jason Kavanagh
