The saying goes, “Behind every successful man there is a woman,” or in Samuel Beckett’s case: Four. In this cleverly constructed biopic, the ever- charming Gabriel Byrne plays the Nobel prize-winning Irish writer bantering with himself while reviewing his life and his mistakes, primarily with women. Shot in black and white, the film begins in childhood with his abusive mother; then the young Beckett escapes to Paris and is educated by James Joyce. Beckett’s time in the French Resistance is covered along with his return to London with his wife and the ascent of his acclaimed career, making the case that professional success isn’t always accompanied by personal happiness.

US 2023 (100 minutes)

Honoring Mostly British Volunteers