Nora

2000 Drama

This period drama is based on the real-life relationship of the great Irish novelist James Joyce and his longtime lover, Nora Barnacle. Aspiring writer James (Ewan McGregor) meets Nora (Susan Lynch) in Dublin in 1904. While she lacks James' interest in literature, she shares his frustrations about the limitations of life in Ireland, and she encourages him in both his work and in his desire to try his hand in Europe. Nora also shares James' potent sexual appetite, and James finds himself at once thrilled by her enthusiasm for lovemaking and troubled by suspicions that she may be unfaithful to him. When James decides to relocate to Trieste, Nora joins him, and they eventually have two children together, but their relationship is often stormy -- James angrily suspects that Nora is having affairs with his brother Stanislaus (Peter McDonald) and their close friend Roberto (Roberto Citran) as he struggles with his writing and battles censors over his masterwork, Ulysses. However, while they have troubles keeping their relationship together, they find that it's even harder for them to live apart from one another. Ewan McGregor served as both star and co-producer for Nora, which was backed in part by his production company, Natural Nylon Entertainment. more..

Director: Pat Murphy

Starring: Susan Lynch, Ewan McGregor,Peter McDonald, Aedin Moloney, Roberto Citran

Reviews

  • The filmmakers' special triumph lies in the inspired way that in the nick of time it draws its story to a close, with Nora and Joyce struggling toward a new level of understanding.

    Kevin Thomas - Los Angeles Times

    26 April 2013

Awards

  • Susan Lynch

    Cherbourg-Octeville Festival of Irish & British Film (2000)

  • Best Foreign Actress

    Flaiano International Prizes (2000)

  • Best Actress

    Irish Film and Television Awards (2000)

  • Pat Murphy

    Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (2000)