Behind: Brooklyn (2015)

‘Brooklyn’, directed by John Crowley, explores the emotional complexities of a young Irish woman attempting to establish a new life in America. Through Eilis’s journey, the film examines how leaving your homeland can create a conflict between the identity of an individual that has been shaped by the past and the person that an individual hopes to become. As Eilis gradually develops a sense of belonging in Brooklyn, her connection to Ireland remains an important part of who she is. The film challenges the idea that home is simply geographical, instead presenting it as something that is shaped by relationships, memories, experiences and personal identity.

An important turning point for her character is seen when she meets Tony at an Irish dance. Initially, Eilis is left without a dance partner, but Tony approaches her, and the two begin to form a relationship. Meeting Tony encourages her to step outside of her comfort zone throughout the film. This marks an important stage in her development as she begins to make decisions by herself rather than simply following others and leaves the audience wondering whether she will eventually return home or stay in Brooklyn, where she has finally found herself. Her arc of transformation is again highlighted when she eventually returns home and confronts Miss Kelly. At the beginning of the film, Eilis struggles to stand up to Miss Kelly when telling her that she is leaving for America; however, when she later confronts her about interfering in her personal life, Eilis confidently reminds her that she is married now. This is a significant moment in the film as it demonstrates how much more independent Eilis has become since living in America.

Colour and lighting further reinforce the differences between Ireland and Brooklyn. Ireland is often coated with early morning darkness and muted surroundings, which create a soft atmosphere. This can reflect Eilis’s family life, which is filled with sadness and loss, particularly following the deaths of her father and sister. Brooklyn, on the other hand, is presented through brighter surroundings and a livelier atmosphere. However, the film also shows that Brooklyn is not immediately a place of happiness for Eilis. When she first arrives, she experiences intense homesickness. This contrast demonstrates that a new beginning can be exciting while also being emotionally difficult.

The narrative structure follows Eilis establishing a new life in Brooklyn. The journey allows the audience to witness the development of her identity and understand how her experiences influence the person she becomes. At the beginning, Eilis is uncertain of her future and struggles; however, as she becomes more settled, she develops meaningful relationships and begins to feel as though she belongs. Following her sister’s death, she returns home and initially enjoys being reunited with her family and friends and begins spending time with someone that the town has paired her up with, Jim Farrell. However, she realises that she has changed since living in Brooklyn and cannot return to the life she had before. This becomes clear with the confrontation with Miss Kelly when she decides to return to Brooklyn. This reinforces the film’s central theme: home is not necessarily where someone was born but where they feel they belong.