Breakfast on Pluto (film)

Breakfast on pluto poster

Breakfast on Pluto is a 2005 film directed by Neil Jordan, based on the novel of the same name by Patrick McCabe. The screenplay, co-written by Jordan and McCabe, tells the story of Patrick "Kitten" Braden, a transgender woman exploring her gender identity while searching for love and her long-lost mother in 1970s London amidst the backdrop of the Irish Troubles. The film stars Cillian Murphy in the lead role, with a supporting cast that includes Liam Neeson, Stephen Rea, and Brendan Gleeson.

Plot

The narrative follows Patrick "Kitten" Braden, born in a small town in Ireland, who is abandoned by her mother as a baby and left in the care of a foster mother. As Patrick grows up, he becomes increasingly aware of his gender identity, preferring to live as a woman and adopting the name Kitten. Facing intolerance and violence in Ireland, Kitten moves to London, hoping to find her mother and a sense of belonging. Along her journey, Kitten encounters a variety of characters, experiences the highs and lows of life, and becomes embroiled in the political turmoil of the time.

Cast

• Cillian Murphy as Patrick "Kitten" Braden
• Liam Neeson as Father Liam
• Stephen Rea as Bertie
• Brendan Gleeson as John-Joe
• Gavin Friday as Billy Hatchet
• Ruth Negga as Charlie

Production

The film's production involved significant research into the period and the experiences of transgender individuals during the 1970s. Cillian Murphy underwent a notable transformation for the role, including extensive makeup and costume sessions to portray Kitten authentically. Filming locations included various sites in Ireland and London, chosen to accurately reflect the settings of the novel.

Reception

Breakfast on Pluto received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for Murphy's performance, which was seen as a breakthrough role for the actor. The film's handling of sensitive themes such as gender identity and political violence was also noted. However, some critics found the narrative disjointed, reflecting the episodic nature of the source material.

Themes

The film explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the search for love and family. Kitten's journey is marked by her resilience in the face of adversity, reflecting broader issues of transgender rights and acceptance. The backdrop of the Irish Troubles adds a layer of complexity, examining the impact of political conflict on personal lives.

Awards

Cillian Murphy received several award nominations for his role as Kitten, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy.

See Also

• Transgender representation in film
• Cinema of Ireland
• Neil Jordan
• Cillian Murphy