The Brothers McMullen

The Brothers McMullen was Edward Burns' first feature film. Made for around $25,000, it won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 1995. The movie was picked up by Fox Searchlight films and given a national theatrical release, where it grossed $10 million. A story about three Irish Catholic brothers trying to reconcile their religious beliefs with their romantic/sexual desires, The Brothers McMullen is both funny and insightful.

CAST:

  • Edward Burns as Finbar "Barry" McMullen
  • Mike McGlone as Patrick McMullen
  • Jack Mulcahy as Jack McMullen
  • Connie Britton as Molly
  • Maxine Bahns as Audry
  • Jennifer Jostyn as Leslie

    Interesting Facts:

  • The house used in the film is the Burns family home. If you look closely at the bedroom shared by Barry and Patrick, you will see the name "Eddie" on one wall.
  • Actress Connie Britton (who plays Molly) is now a regular on the TV show Spin City.
  • While working as a Production Assistant for Entertainment Tonight, Burns slipped a videocassette of The Brothers McMullen to Sundance founder Robert Redford during an ET interview.
  • Production of the film was often delayed because the cast members had day jobs.
  • Burns saved money on catering by having his mother cook for the cast and crew.

    Memorable Dialogue:

  • "Promise me you won't make the same mistake I made." - Mrs. McMullen to Barry, right before she runs off to Ireland to be with the man she's always loved
  • "I guess it was about five years ago. My dad finally died. We were all very excited about that." - Barry relating a happy memory to Audry
  • "Writers live in Manhattan, Barry. Joey Buttafuocos live on Long Island." - Barry's manager, attempting to convince his client to move into the more prestigous part of New York
  • "The key is finding the right place. I mean, I like to meet them at work. Because, you know, there's usually a lot of people around, she's not gonna make a big scene. You know, and then you don't have to worry about driving them home after you just broke their heart." - Barry's advice on how to break up with a woman
  • "So instead of living down in the village, I'm out here on Long Island with, you know, you and Amy Fisher and the rest of the gang." - Barry disparaging his hometown
  • "Speaking of our favorite wife-beating, child-abusing alcoholic... I, uh, I went down to the grave this morning and I'm happy to report that he's still dead." - Barry on the topic of his father
  • "A man is like a banana..." - The beginning of Barry's theory on men and women.

    More on The Brothers McMullen:

    The Aisle Seat Review

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