Cardboard Gangsters is the brand new modern gangster movie about a group of young men going through the hardships involved with drug dealing in North Dublin. Written by John Connors and directed by Mark O’ Connor, the illustrates in an honest way how young men today can easily get into rough situations involving drug use, drug dealing and violence.
Winner of Best Film at Manchester Film Festival 2017, there are many reasons why the film is scooping awards. From the outstanding cinematography, beautifully threaded plot, and gritty visuals – it’s an ambitious movie that stretches what’s obviously a small budget to amazing lengths.
I caught up with Toni O’ Rourke the South Dublin raised actress who plays the role of Sarah, the protagonist Jay Connolly’s girlfriend. We talked about influences that helped her portray the part of a polar-opposite character to her in real-life; a feisty, temperamental and ‘rough’ girlfriend dressed in pink tracksuits and hoop earrings.
Headshot by Set Murray
Q: What is Cardboard Gangsters really about?
“John Connors who co-wrote and acted in the movie wanted to show the hardship that goes on in the rougher areas of North Dublin, rather than glorify it. He grew up in Darndale, which is where the movie is set. Cardboard Gangsters has been a few years in the works, and I only heard about it in August 2015!”
Q: How did you get into acting?
“I got into the industry when I was quite young and had my first professional gig was when I was thirteen. I really fell in love with the story-telling side of things and stayed on that path for a while. When I was filming abroad for Noble in 2012, I heard about the Gaiety School of Acting through one of my fellow actresses. So when I was back, I did a two-year course there, and Cardboard Gangsters was my first role since I finished that.”
Q: What drew you to the part of Sarah?
“When I first read the script I just loved the feistiness of her. There was a lot of freedom in the script, so I knew I had the opportunity to make her how I saw her which was feisty and strong. She was great; it’s a woman’s part told through the eyes of the protagonist, Jay Connolly. I’d say if the story were told from Sarah’s perspective it would be different. Her anger is not an emotion that I go to as a human being, so it was fun to get to explore that emotion in a safe place. That’s really what kind of got me. Also, working with the guys was great, John is a great partner.”
Q: How did you perfect your rough inner-city accent?
“I don’t know really, the shoot was on location, and all the lads were from that area, so of course you pick up accents. When I was younger, I was around people from all different parts of Dublin, so I got an ear for it. Sarah is from Darndale, so it was up to me to study that accent and do it justice.
Photo by Daire Legaspi
Q: Lack of respect towards women is an ongoing theme in the movie. Sarah is constantly deceived by Jay, do you think women nationwide can relate to this?
“I’m sure they may. It was a concern of mine when taking on the role. Hopefully, through her strength, the audience will find satisfaction in the fact that she doesn’t lie down and take the deception. I would call myself a feminist. Obviously, in this industry, you sometimes have to separate yourself from work.”
Q: How did it feel wearing trackies and hoop earrings for the role?
“It was really fun; it was like being put back into pyjamas! I didn’t have any makeup on for most scenes, so not being dolled up was nice. It’s great being in your trackies, and I am a fan of hoops. I was comfy.”
Q: Is there is a message behind the storyline?
“Because I was one of the most removed of the cast from those areas, I was quite ignorant to the violence that actually does go on in Dublin. I think the movie shows the real dangers out there, without glorifying them.”
Q: What sets Cardboard Gangsters aside from other modern gangster movies?
“The cinematography by DOP Michael Lavelle is so beautiful, and I think that sets the movie apart from other gangster movies.”
Q: Sarah has a violent temper- a contrast to her calm, romantic manner at the start of the movie. What would your advice be to someone like her?
“I think she was a product of her surroundings and she grew up around a lot of violence. Luckily, I’ve never been in that sort of situation myself- so I’m not really sure how to advise someone in that situation!”
Q: What was it like working in ‘rough’ estates?
“I’d never been to Darndale, and I can’t express how welcomed we were into the community. People were watching nearly every scene that was shot and were so involved and accommodating. I can only say that it was such a positive experience.”
Q: Where can we expect to see you next?
“Since filming Cardboard Gangsters I’ve filmed a short documentary directed by Hannah Quinn called Smithy and Dickey, and I just finished filming a short film called Hen, directed by Janna Kenpernan. They’ll both be released in 2018, and the two roles I play in them are a huge contrast to Sarah. I love the theatre storytelling side of things, so that is something I’m doing as well. I have an exciting Corps Ensemble project coming up that I can’t wait to do!
Cardboard Gangsters was released in cinemas nationwide on June 16th, 2017.
Cardboard Gangsters Official Trailer.
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