Zonad

In this article we are going to explore the impact of Zonad in our current society. From its origin to its evolution, Zonad has played a key role in different aspects of our daily lives. Throughout history, Zonad has been a source of debate and interest, awakening passions and generating reflections on its influence in various areas. Through this article, we will analyze the relevance of Zonad today and how it has shaped our perceptions, behaviors and decisions. In addition, we will examine different perspectives regarding Zonad, presenting a comprehensive and critical vision that invites reflection and deep analysis of its role in our society.

Zonad
Directed by
Written by
  • John Carney
  • Kieran Carney
Produced by
CinematographyPeter Robertson
Edited byPaul Mullen
Music byBrian Byrne
Release dates
  • July 2009 (2009-07) (premiere)
  • March 19, 2010 (2010-03-19) (general release)
Running time
75 minutes
CountryIreland
LanguageEnglish

Zonad is an Irish comedy film by John and Kieran Carney that premiered in July 2009 at the Galway Film Fleadh.[1] The film went to general release in Ireland March 19, 2010.[2]

Premise

An escaped convict fools a whole Irish village into thinking he's a visitor from outer space. Zonad, a strange visitor comes to the town of Ballymoran, is taken in by the Cassidy family and accepted by the locals as an extraterrestrial. His comfortable existence is spoiled when Bonad arrives to replace him.

Unreleased short film version

In 2003, John Carney co-wrote and co-directed an earlier version of Zonad, a short film, with Kieran Carney and Tom Hall. Starring Simon Delaney and Cillian Murphy, Zonad was low-budget and was never released.[3] Murphy played the role of Guy Hendrickson, later played by Rory Keenan.[4]

Cast

  • Simon Delaney as Zonad, Liam Murphy.
  • David Pearse as Bonad, Francis O'Connor. Bonad is Zonad's superior officer.
  • Geoff Minogue as Dick Cassidy
  • Donna Dent as Mary Cassidy
  • Janice Byrne as Jenny Cassidy
  • Kevin Maher as Jimmy Cassidy
  • Rory Keenan as Guy Hendrickson
  • David Murray as Benson, Guy Hendrickson's loyal manservant.
  • Don Wycherley as a police sergeant

Production

It was filmed in Avoca, County Wicklow, with many of the outdoor scenes filmed in the garden of Kilqueeny House in the village.[5] The interior bar scenes were filmed in The Harbour Bar in Bray, County Wicklow, which was also used in Neil Jordan's Breakfast on Pluto.

Reception

Critical response

The Irish Times wrote "We laughed like the proverbial drain".[6] Variety writer John Anderson describe it as a "nutroll of a comedy" made from equal parts Pleasantville, The Quiet Man and the old Carry On films. [7]

The Evening Herald wrote "Awful, and with a disturbingly sleazy undercurrent to boot". [8]

Awards and recognition

Shortlisted for an Irish Film and Television Award (ITFA)[9] with Brian Byrne winning for Best Original Score.[5][10]

References

  1. ^ Dagny (2009-07-10). "Galway Film Fleadh: John Carney's Zonad".
  2. ^ Donald Clarke (2010-01-22). "Reel News: Carney set to direct new film". The Irish Times. Zonad, the bizarre low-budget comedy Carney directed with brother Kieran, has been scheduled for release on March 19th.
  3. ^ Adam Dawtrey (2007-08-17). "Once director remains close to roots: Carney to make Zonad before Fox's House". Variety. Retrieved 2010-03-14.
  4. ^ Paul Byrne. "Zonad - Behind the scenes with director John Carney". Movies.ie.
  5. ^ a b "'Zonad' Crash Lands into Irish Cinemas".
  6. ^ "Culchies vs aliens". The Irish Times. 2009-07-31.
  7. ^ John Anderson (2009-07-16). "Zonad". Variety. Retrieved 2010-03-14.
  8. ^ "Zonad". Evening Herald. 2010-03-19.
  9. ^ Pamela Newenham (2010-01-11). "Nominations for Iftas announced". The Irish Times.
  10. ^ "Irish Film & Television Awards Winners Announced". 2010-02-21.