My Left Foot

Eventually, he learns to write with his left foot and crudely composes the word "mother" with chalk on the floor. It's an astonishingly emotional scene. And yet, first-time director Jim Sheridan manages to keep the inherent sentiment of the story to a minimum. (Sheridan should also get credit, of course, for pulling the performances from Day Lewis and O'Conor — as well as the rest of his incredible cast.)

Christy grows up, falls in love and is rebuffed — more than once — and sinks into alcoholism as he vents his frustrations in paintings that are at once evocative and painful, full of dark secrets.

Through his art and later through his published autobiography, Christy gains prominence — but not necessarily acceptance. And he feels that pain, despite his frequently displaying a wicked sense of humor.

In fact, some of his pain is so vivid that a couple of scenes here are hard to take, as when he must confront a shattering truth in a restaurant. If your heart doesn't go out to him in this scene, you're made of stone.

But do not misunderstand. This is not a relentlessly downbeat film about disappointment. Christy Brown had many triumphs, and the film's emphasis is on his ability to transcend his disability and live a full life, from playing soccer with his brothers as a teenager to falling in love and eventually marrying.

"My Left Foot" is remarkable filmmaking by Sheridan and stupendous acting by Day Lewis. Both are nominated for Oscars — and both deserve them immensely, as does Brenda Fricker, nominated for the role of Christy's mother. Too bad they couldn't find room for young O'Conor, who is every bit as deserving, or McAnally, who makes us feel for a character who could have been completely unsympathetic.

The film is rated R for profanity. There is also some violence and a quick shot of a nude photo.

-JIM SHERIDAN, in a telephone interview from his office in Dublin, Ireland, the day before the Oscar nominations were announced, said he had high hopes that Daniel Day Lewis would be nominated as best actor for "My Left Foot." But he wasn't even considering a nomination for himself as best director.

The next day it was announced that Day Lewis was nominated as best actor, which was no surprise. But the film also had four other nominations — Brenda Fricker as best supporting actress, the film as best picture, and yes, Jim Sheridan as best director. Sheridan was also nominated for co-writing the screenplay.

It was one of those rare moments when the Oscars recognize a worthy movie despite its lacking a major star, a major studio and a major theatrical release.

There's a perception that not enough voting Academy members will see a movie like "My Left Foot" to nominate it — but apparently there were a lot of people who not only saw it, but recognized its worthiness as an important award-worthy production.

But during this interview the day before all the hoopla, Sheridan, a veteran playwright and stage director, was modest and cool as he discussed his first cinematic venture.