Michael Dwyer, 58, film correspondent of the Irish Times
Matthew Kruk
Saturday, 2 January 2010 22:06
The film correspondent of the Irish Times, Michael Dwyer, has died after
a short illness. He was 58.
A native of Tralee, Co Kerry, he was one of the founders of the Dublin
Film Festival and was honoured by the French government for his
contribution to French cinema.
He is survived by his partner Brian, his sisters Anne and Maria, and his
mother Mary.
AdvertisementIrish Times editor Geraldine Kennedy said Mr Dwyer's death
will be a loss to the film industry.
Speaking to RT� News, Ms Kennedy said that Michael had 'devoted his
whole lifetime to films'.
She added that he was an enthusiastic advocate of cinema from all around
the world and recalled that Michael described himself as 'one of those
lucky people in life who was able to pursue his interests and call them
work'.
Minister for Art, Sport and Tourism Martin Cullen described Mr Dwyer as
the most singular, significant influence on cinema in Ireland for more
than three decades.
Mr Cullen said the film community both in Ireland and abroad 'will miss
this distinguished, knowledgeable and popular journalist'.
Film director Neil Jordan has expressed shock at the 'terribly sad' news
of Mr Dwyer's death.
Mr Jordan said that, when Michael entered into film criticism, he
brought a 'totally different energy' to the discipline than had been
usual at that time, and 'made himself into an international figure',
giving film criticism in Ireland 'a level of depth and integrity that it
hadn't had before'.
He said Michael Dwyer always 'managed to establish a personal contact
with whoever he was talking to....whether it was Brad Pitt, or Bruce
Willis'.
Film producer, and recently retired as the Director of Film
Classification John Kelleher, has described the death as 'a huge loss
for the world of Irish film', adding the Mr Dwyer was 'hugely admired
and liked'.
Describing Michael Dwyer's contribution to Irish film as 'really
significant', Mr Kelleher said that, unlike many film critics, Michael
'was held in a particular affection'.
Story from RT� News:
http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0102/dwyerm.html