re:mote voices

Title: Inside I’m Dancing

Cast: Steven Robertson, James McAvoy, Romola Garai

Director: Damien O’Donnell

Inside I’m Dancing is a new comedy drama from Ireland. In some ways it is a romantic comedy, but given that the two central characters of Michael and Rory are handicapped and wheelchair bound, then that has to be a factor. Rory is a mouthy and rebellious man, who as a result finds himself put into a new home for people with special needs. Michael is a long term resident, and due to his handicap he finds it difficult to communicate with people. Much to Michael’s surprise he realises that Rory can actually understand what he is saying without difficulty.

So these two very different characters become friends, such that Michael becomes caught up and propelled by Rory’s desire for freedom – his need to live in the community and experience real life. This struggle for freedom is the core of the film, but along the way they meet Siobhan out clubbing, and manage to persuade her to become their home help. Of course Michael has never encountered someone like Siobhan and quickly finds himself with confusing emotions.

Inside I’m Dancing has apparently received some criticism for not having cast disabled actors in the two lead roles. However, admittedly not knowing much about the issues, it seems that Inside I’m Dancing goes some way to bringing to life the situations these characters find themselves in, particularly with the ability of the two actors who have been cast. Inside I’m Dancing is a comedy and quite a good one on those terms, but it also covers the spectrum – managing to achieve a certain balance by avoiding too much predictability or cliché, though those are there.