Will DiCaprio depict Brian Boru, in the upcoming Movie?

[setanta]

Thanks Riadach - I take your points. I was, of course, giving a somehwhat less nuanced version for our CGG-informed colleague, Joel.

One of the issues that I was interested in when I was doing my degree was the extent to which the Viking thalassocracy ever seriously viewed Ireland as a candidate for political/military conquest in the way, for example, that England and Northern France were. It's this almost half-hearted approach (general mayhem aside, of course) on the part of the Vikings over the two centuries before Clontarf that suggest to me that even had BB lost the battle there would not have been any appreciable change in the dynamic of Irish-Viking interaction in the politico-military sphere at that time.

[Riadach]

It is a possibility, however they would have various factors mitigating against them. Unlike northern france, Ireland lacked a central administration to deal with or to conquer, yet had kings that, when required like Maelseachlainn Mac Mael Rúnaid, could assemble vast armies to defeat any strong threat of colonisation. Whereas in northern England the killing of one king meant that one could take over the administration of vast amounts of territory, the same could not be said for Ireland, where conquest would have been a much more complicated process.

As for any appreciable change, it would depend on how Sigtrygg was then viewed by his allies after the battle. Remember Brian Bóraimhe, Imperator Scottorum was able to muster just about the same number of men to battle that day as Sigtrygg. Therefore, Sigtrygg had the power of a powerful Irish provincial king for one short moment, captain of an Irish-Sea province. This, I think, could have been the beginning of true Norse contention, in Irish form of course, to the High-Kingship, and they may have focussed their attention on removing certain obstacles, like munster, from the picture. However, it is a rather large what-if.

[setanta]

I need to reflect on what you've written, Riadach. However, your final point does have the quality of a point being stretched quite some distance

[Riadach]

It is clear however that Mr Barelegs did indeed view Ireland as being part of his sphere of influence (if he can be considered a true embodiement of a Viking thalassocracy, as I'm not sure any other leader could command such authority over the differing kingdoms). Thankfully, he was bought off with a fine Irish woman, and as such, we never had to suffer his wrath (though we still managed to kill him).

[Riadach]

I need to reflect on what you've written, Riadach. However, your final point does have the quality of a point being stretched quite some distance

Too much free time I guess. Large victories however, do have a tendency to unite (consider lechfeld and the franco-prussian war), so I don't think, though overstretched, that the above was completely beyond the realms of possibility.

[Cerque]

Any news on the film? it has been 2 years since we have heard anything

[FutureTaoiseach]

One of my heroes (Boru). But they should do 1798. Strange it hasn't been done yet.

[iartaoiseach]

Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio is expected to confirm this week that he will play Irish High King Brian Boru in a new epic film.
The Titanic star has been heavily tipped for the lead role in Freedom within the Heart - scripted by Mark Mahon from Cork.

It tells the story of Boru's battle against the invading Vikings. Insiders are describing it as an "Irish Braveheart". It's understood that negotiations with DiCaprio and his agents are in the final stages.

Mr Mahon's film, Strength and Honour, won awards for the best leading actor and best picture at the Boston Film Festival last week. Talking about Freedom within the Heart, Mr Mahon said that it had the potential to be an Irish version of "Braveheart".

He told the Sunday Independent: "It is a fantastic story about an incredible time in Irish history and I am very excited about the whole project."

DiCaprio, 32, has been in negotiations for the past six months and a decision on the contract is expected this week. The film will tell the story of Boru's rise to become a powerful leader and will culminate in the Battle of Clontarf between his Irish army and the Vikings.

There are plans to shoot the film on location in Ireland in early 2008.

Is an American Actor the best choice?

I hope he isn't playing boru at the battle of clontarf -about 30 years too young. pity richard harris is no longer with us he would have been spot on for that part.

[Oppenheimer]

The Holywoodisation of Irish history continues. A couple of points about this Ború fella:

(a) The Vikings that BB and his army fought at Clontarf were not invaders. The Nordy feckers had been here for several generations long before that upstart and usurper got his gander up.

(b) Irish armies fought on both sides at Clontarf. The Vikings were joined by the Leinstermen who had little truck with BB's attempts to set himself up as emperor of the Irish, whatver his propagandist biographers might have claimed.

The Battle of Clontarf was more akin to a civil war fought primarilly for politico-military supremacy within Ireland. I do hope, vainly I am sure, that we don't get some latterday freedom-paen from Hollywood of the plucky, Christian Irish defeating pagan, barbarian Vikings!

But that's what we need - don't you know there is a recession on!!? This could finally be the Brian that gives the people hope!!

[mild]

Any news on the film? it has been 2 years since we have heard anything

Looks like it died on the vine. There was a rumour that filming was going to start during the summer of 09, but Mark Mahon is currently working on the sequel to Strength and Honour with Michael Madsen, so it doesn’t look likely.