The bold choices and visual flair which characterise the work of Steve McQueen (Widows, 12 Years a Slave) are very much in evidence in his 2008 debut feature Hunger about the Irish republican Bobby Sands who along with nine fellow inmates of Maze Prison died on hunger strike in protest at the British Government’s decision to withdraw “special category status” for convicted paramilitary prisoners – thus depriving them of prisoner of war rights such as not to wear a prison uniform or do prison work.

None more so than in the tension-filled opening which bar a brief thunder of metal against concrete as street protesters bang bin lids on tarmac silently juxtaposes the domesticity of prison officer Raymond Lohan’s (Stuart Graham’s) morning routine of sausage, egg and bacon with the chaos of Bobby Sands’ (a terrific Michael Fassbender’s) desperate existence in a shit-smeared and urine-stained cell from which he is dragged for a daily round of beatings and baton-wielding cavity searches.

Though the standout scene is a lengthy two shot and fiery locking of horns between Father Dominic Moran (Liam Cunningham) and Bobby Sands as they debate the morality of embarking on a hunger strike. The latter’s unwavering belief that a United Ireland is “right and just” driving his decision to lay down his life for a greater cause. A move which nullifies the priest’s impassioned attempt to conduct “business of the soul” and talk him into negotiating with the prison governor and by extension the Thatcher-led government.

Like the Iron Lady, Sands was not for turning and after 66 excruciating days, which is laid out in unflinching detail by McQueen, his co-writer Enda Walsh and long-term cinematographer Sean Bobbitt, he became the first of ten prisoners to die from “starvation, self-imposed”. Several months later, their demands were met, though “special category status” was not restored. A pivotal moment in Irish-British relations told with balance and brilliance.

Director: Steve McQueen
Writers: Enda Walsh, Steve McQueen
Stars: Stuart Graham, Laine Megaw, Brian Milligan
Peter Callaghan
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