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IFI Irish Film Archive

The Best Man

Year1986 Duration1h 24m
A feature-length black comedy drama set in Derry about alcohol and relationships, as heavy drinking and hapless best man Billy tries to corrupt his newly sober friend, the groom, on his wedding day. Billy (Seamus Ball) is an inveterate drinker and gambler who lives with his mother. The last of his circle of friends is about to marry and, much to his annoyance, he has been asked to perform the duties of best man. Jamesie (Dennis McGowan) has sworn off alcohol under pressure from his bride, but the resulting tensions cause arguments between the couple. Billy’s drinking and joking act as a cover for some deep regrets about his past, and his determination to drag Jamesie away from his new wife and towards the bar will test the old and new relationships. Produced, shot and edited by Terence McDonald. This film is part of The Terence McDonald Collection.

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