‘Michael Collins’ Wins Venice Film Festival Film Prompted British Protest For Depiction Of Ira Leader

“Michael Collins,” a film that stirred opposition in Britain for its depiction of the short, bloody life of an IRA founder, won the best picture award Saturday at the Venice Film Festival.

Liam Neeson was named best actor for his performance in the film.

Although “Collins” has yet to open in Britain, politicians have objected to it - contending it would portray the Irish Republican Army with sympathy and possibly touch off more violence in Northern Ireland.

Director Neil Jordan, a 46-year-old Dubliner previously acclaimed for “The Crying Game” and “Interview with the Vampire,” defended the film’s depiction of Collins as a complex figure capable of violence and peacemaking.

Accepting the Golden Lion award, Jordan praised Warner Bros. for backing a film that “deals with difficult subjects and gives rise to arguments.”

Later, reporters asked if he thought the movie would help peace efforts. Jordan replied, “I made it with this hope in mind, because of the history of my country.”

Collins led the IRA against the British, taking part in the 1916 Easter Rebellion. In 1921, he signed the treaty dividing the island between an independent south and Britishcontrolled north. Extremists outraged by his support of the treaty assassinated him.

Aidan Quinn, who portrays Collins’ best friend in the film, accepted the best actor award on behalf of Neeson. The Irish actor, acclaimed for his role in “Schindler’s List,” is being treated in nearby Padua for an intestinal blockage.

Four-year-old Victoire Thivisol was named best actress for her role in “Ponette,” a French film about a girl’s obsession with her mother’s death.

Festival-goers jeered the jury’s choice of Thivisol, apparently because of her young age. However, jury president Roman Polanski said the selection was the panel’s only unanimous one.

“If you have better proposals, next time you can be on the jury,” he said.

The award for best supporting actor or actress went to Chris Penn for his role in the gangster film “The Funeral,” by American director Abel Ferrara.

The other American entries, Julian Schnabel’s “Basquiat” and Tom Di Cillo’s “Box of Moonlight” were shut out.

Special awards went to Georgian-born director Otar Iosseliani’s “Brigands” and “Carla’s Song,” by Briton Ken Loach.