Michael Collins

Term Paper # 100156

Film > Analysis, Criticism, Etc.
Political Science > Terrorism

Michael Collins

This paper discusses the guerilla tactics used by Michael Collins in Ireland.

713 words () | 4 sources | APA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper shows how, like most controversial political figures, Collins was both admired and despised. The paper explains that loyal supporters of Collins saw him as a fighter for Irish freedom and independence, while the British and some in Ireland saw him as a violent radical. The paper discusses the film "Michael Collins" by Neil Jordan that illustrates Collin's tactics of guerrilla warfare and shows how violence inevitably has tragic consequences.

From the Paper:

"Like most controversial political figures, Michael Collins was both admired and despised. The adage that one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter definitely applies to Collins, for he was idolized across much of Ireland as a patriot, but was condemned by the British as a villain. Loyal supporters of Collins saw him as a fighter for Irish freedom and independence, while the British and some in Ireland saw him as a violent radical."
"In his film "Michael Collins" Director Neil Jordan (1996) portrays the violent final hours of the Easter Rising, during which British troops suppressed the rebellion and executed the Irish leaders by firing squad. Jordan's portrayal of the guerilla tactics of Michael Collins reveals why the British considered him a terrorist, for he targeted the British leadership in Ireland for assassination in order to create chaos and compel the British to grant the Irish independence."

Sample of Sources Used:

"A Socialist Labor Party Statement." SLPA. Online. Available: http://www.slp. org/res_state_htm/okla_city.html. 2 November 2006.
Barrett, Suzanne. (1997). "Michael Collins." Online. Available: http://www2. cruzio.com/~sbarrett /mcollins.htm. 3 November 2006.
Dorfman, Ariel. (1999). "Che Guevara." Time. June 14, 1999.
"Michael Collins." (1996). Dir. Neil Jordan. Perf. Liam Neeson, Julia Roberts, Ian Hart. Warner Home Video.