Breakfast on Pluto

Plot synopsis:
The film is divided in over 30 chapters. In the fictional Irish town of Tyrellin, near the border of Northern Ireland in the late 1940s, cartoon robins narrate as Patrick Braden's mother, Eily Bergin, abandons him on the doorstep of the local parochial house where his father, Father Liam, lives. He is then placed with an unloving foster mother. Biologically male, a young Patrick is later shown donning a dress and lipstick, which angers his foster family. Patrick is accepted by his close friends Charlie, Irwin, and Lawrence, as well as by Lawrence's father, who tells Patrick Eily looked like blonde American movie star Mitzi Gaynor.
The story moves to Patrick's late teen years. Patrick gets into trouble in school by writing explicit fiction imagining how he was conceived by his parents and by inquiring about where to get a sex change. Patrick comes out as transgender and renames himself Kitten, also using the name Patricia. She approaches Father Liam in confession, asking about Eily, but is rebuffed. Kitten soon runs away from home, catching a ride with a glam rock band, Billy Hatchet and the Mohawks, and striking up a flirtation with leader Billy. Billy installs the lovestruck, homeless Kitten in a trailer home where she discovers he's hiding guns smuggled for the Irish Republican Army. Meanwhile, Irwin has begun to work with the IRA, much to the dismay of his now-girlfriend Charlie. Kitten dismisses Irwin's politics as "serious, serious, serious," but after Lawrence is killed by police detonating a suspected IRA car bomb, she tosses the IRA gun cache into a lake. Billy abandons Kitten to flee the IRA, while Kitten plays crazy, so that she won't be shot.
Kitten next journeys to London to search for Eily, but initial inquiries prove fruitless. Penniless, she finds shelter in a tiny cottage in a park, only to find that it's a children's entertainment park for The Wombles. Kitten gets a job as a singing, dancing Womble, but immediately loses it when her sponsor and co-worker punches their boss. Forced into prostitution, she is violently attacked by her first client, saving herself from strangulation by spraying him in the eyes with Chanel No. 5 perfume. At a diner, magician Bertie Vaughan asks her what she is writing in her notebook. She explains that it's the story of "The Phantom Lady" who was "swallowed up" by the big city, then reveals it's about the mother she is seeking. Bertie hires her to be his magician's assistant, turning her life story in to a hypnosis act. The two take a romantic day trip, but Kitten explains that she's not biologically female when Bertie tries to kiss her. Bertie says that he already knew this. Soon, Charlie finds Bertie's show and takes Kitten away.
Kitten goes to a club frequented by British soldiers and dances with a soldier, only to be injured when the club is bombed by the IRA. When police discover that Kitten is biologically male and Irish, she is arrested as a suspected terrorist. Beaten and prevented from sleeping, she writes a hyperbolic statement, shown in a fantasy spy film spoof sequence. The police's attitude soften, realizing she is innocent, and they release her. With no place to go, Kitten begs to stay in the police station, but is tossed to the street. Kitten is again forced to turn tricks, but is saved by one of the cops who interrogated her. He brings her to a peep show where she transforms herself into a blonde. Her repentant father finds her and in a scene that mirrors their confessional scene, professes his love and tells Kitten where to find Eily. She goes to her house posing as a telephone company market researcher and discovers a younger half-brother whose name is also Patrick. She faints upon meeting Eily, but after reviving does not reveal her identity.
When Irwin is killed by the IRA, Kitten goes home to tend to a pregnant Charlie and reconcile with her priest father. The town reacts against the unwed mother and her transgender friend living with the priest by firebombing the parish house. Kitten and Charlie flee to London. In the final scene, they run into pregnant Eily and little Patrick at the doctor's office, where Charlie is getting prenatal care. Kitten is friendly, but still doesn't reveal who she is.

Tags: avant garde, fantasy, murder, violence, flashback, psychedelic, romantic

Review:
Just as the film is committed, so is Cillian Murphy committed to being the best Kitten he can, and he succeeds to an almost uncomfortable point, which I think is part of the storytellers goal.Who does not want to be loved?
Murphy oozes sensual vitality and is a world class flirt, but he's also genuinely kind and compassionate toward everybody.The story is divided into 35 brief, fast paced "chapters" following Kitten's life over several years, first in a village near Belfast, later in London.
What could have been a one-dimensional caricature becomes a three dimensional movie in the hands of a good director like Neil Jordan, and actors such as Liam Neeson, Stephen Rea, and Cillian Murphy (who is magnificent).Cillian Murphy imbues Patrick "Kitten" with growing dignity as he/she matures through the film, and at the end she has become a self-assured woman, who has 'found' family, her mother and father, and a meaning in life.The film does not shy away from the Irish-English conflict, either, and the prejudice directed against "Paddy" is appalling, reminiscent of "In the Name of the Father." It is not for the faint-hearted, be aware!
This film is fabulous- and has nothing to do with the solar system (haha!) Cillian Murphy is AMAZING in his complicated role as a trans-sexual man growing up in Ireland in the 1970's and his quest to find what he wants in his life.
(Do not judge Mr. Murphy's acting skills from just watching Batman Begins or Red Eye this level of acting falls more in the type of his earlier works such as On the Edge and Disco Pigs) Liam Neeson, Stephen Rea, and Brandon Gleeson are far more than excellent in supporting roles.
Don't want to spoil anything about the plot but if anyone has read the book DO NOT expect the same situations or ending.This film is tender, sweet, funny, has an amazing script and has actors that made this (to some) far-fetched (not to me or anyone I know but one could have that impression) fairy-tale like story excellent.
In the enjoyable end are the film's layered performances, fluent narration and, arguably its goldmine, the music...The opening of 'Breakfast on Pluto' sees a lively Cillian Murphy strut down the street to Sugar Baby Love by the Rubettes, with long blonde hair, red lipstick and a killer dress, playfully exchanging sass with onlookers and flirting with life.
The baby is Kitten and the bishop is Liam Neeson, whom upon discovering this new 'gift' adopts a confused, troubled expression that he wears well for the rest of the film.Where the good ol' Bishop stays the same  patient but troubled  Kitten shifts onto a path that undoubtedly deviates from the strict conventions of the Irish community; he develops a fondness for cross-dressing in ladies' clothes, writing racy stories and expressing himself creatively.
There are some awesomely filmed scenes, great 70's music, superb acting, transformations, quick pace, yet lots of ground covered, talking birds but most of all it's the unexpectedness, the resilience displayed, the costumes...oh my god, the dreamy guy Kitten dances with, the story reenactments.
If Candide had been born a trannie Irishman from the 1960's through Thacherite England, he would be Cillian Murphy in "Breakfast on Pluto." Neil Jordan draws on several genres to create an original view point of politics, music and human relationships -- takes on "the troubles" from "Bloody Sunday" and Jim Sheridan's films; the cultural changes in the period like Milos Forman's "Hair" and "Forest Gump"; drag queens from "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" and "The Naked Civil Servant" and the gender-bending combination in his own "The Crying Game."But the story, direction and most of all the central performance create a complete person at a specific time that has renewed contemporary relevance.
This is the first film I can think of with no revelation of childhood sexual abuse for such a character, but rather an orphan's lack of parental love from birth.Jordan marvelously pulls off the trick of seamlessly integrating for the viewer the gritty, tumultuous reality with "Kitten"s amusing talent for turning a sordid life into the best of all possible worlds as a romantic musical romantic fantasy.
However, I have never seen the theme been brought to me in such ensuring way than in this film.Superb directing, well written story (although presenting nothing new) and a-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-l-y- marvelous acting make this film extremely enjoyable viewing experience.Mr. Murphy gives an unforgettable performance.
In every way this is a tender, sensitive, sweet story, full of hope, faith, indefatigable courage and persistence that is embellished by a first class performance by the gifted Cillian Murphy.Ireland, late 50s early 60s, and a child is left abandoned on the doorstep of the local priest (Liam Neeson).
The priest hurriedly places the infant with a foster mother and we watch the little boy Patrick Braden slowly grow into a cross-dressing child with outsider friends, loathed by his adopted mother to the point where he is unable to cope with life as a lie and makes off to London as a transvestite gay man (now going by the name 'Kitten Braden').
He hopes to find his birth mother and his search leads him through the dregs of London, the city that 'swallowed up' his real mother, becoming involved with the seamier side of the city, jailed mistakenly, becoming an apprentice to a magician (Stephen Rea), a cabaret singer, etc until he finally makes the discovery of his beginnings - his true parents - and his journey to find happiness ends sweetly.The entire cast of this long (over two hours) film is so fine that never for an instant does the pace of the tale let up.
The self-damaging behaviors receive mixed responses by the various people who enter his/her life, and the negative treatments are well-deserved for someone who is so in-your-face obstinate and disruptive.We found no sympathy or attachment to the character played by Cillian, regardless of whatever fascination other reviewers seem to have with his performance.In all, the movie was barely tolerable by the :38-minute mark, drudgingly boring at the 1:10 mark, and then it seemed to become more fragmented and less defined in plot, soon afterward.If you're interested in trans-gender or gay lifestyles or issues, you might wish to watch this movie.
The main feeling I personally got from the movie is that the whole world has gone nuts and Patrick (Cillian) is the only good one in the ''gone-bad'' basket, yet people think he is abnormal.
First let me start off by saying, I had every hope for this film being amazing, seeing as I am hopelessly in love with Cillian Murphy and have NEVER been disappointed in any of his movies.
In my opinion.'BreakFast On Pluto', brings light to the darker,dramatic aspects,and the all too familiar tragedy's that most anyone can relate to wrapped into a mix of unexspecting,heart warming comedy..I suppose its 'that sort of film', with an alternative to todays overwhelmingly 'modern' flicks..At times, the main character,"Kitten'played by the wonderful 'Cillian Murphy,seems to find himself in rather unbearable,often humiliating circumstances..Meaning no disrespect towards the character,He truly delivers a naive charm,and often sad ignorance...Though,he never fully established a relationship with a 'certain' highly pivotal person,But still on toward the end,I believe he was able to walk with much more confidence ..I enjoy the film very much...
But this sugarcoated view is bittersweet, because we see the horrors, too: the war, discrimination, sadness, loneliness, and realize Kitten's forced optimism is the only way she can handle the real world around her.Cillian Murphy is always good, but with this role he proves to be one of the best actors of his generation.
He makes us love Kitten with all our heart.Supporting characters are also excellent, and, given the fact they're all viewed through Kitten's point of view, they are all equally unique and colourful.This film has it all, except widespread popularity: an interesting script, great acting, compelling story and, above all, a lovable, unique protagonist..
Our guide for the occasion is one Patrick "Kitten" Jordan, a hopelessly romantic transvestite who finds himself looking for love in all the wrong places.The story begins in 1956 Ireland, when Patrick, as an infant, is left on the doorstep of a local priest who may just possibly be the father of the child.
But all of these travails are just brief downpours in Patrick's life experience, and while they may dampen his mood at times, they can't extinguish his spirit.Writer/director Neil Jordan has turned McCabe's novel into a fast paced (if overlong) film filled with warmth, humor and a sort of cockeyed optimism that helps to counterbalance some of the grim social issues (prejudice, child abandonment, terrorism) that lie along the story's periphery.
This unusual and chronically upbeat person is Patrick/Patricia "Kitten" Braden (Cillian Murphy), who goes to London in his twenties to find his birth mother  "The Phantom Lady," he calls her  who abandoned him as a baby on the doorsteps of a parish priest (Father Bernard, Liam Neeson).
"Pluto" is a whirl of theatrical experiences  including stints as a rocker's "squaw" and a magician's assistant, not to mention street-walking and political violence which Kitten tries  not altogether successfully  to escape to live a fairytale life like the one described in Bobby Goldsboro's saccharine "Honey" and a lot of other bad pop songs that provide the movie's soundtrack.
Lots of other good actors, including Stephen Rea, Brendan Gleeson, Liam Neeson, Gavin Friday, Ian Hart and Bryan Perry, keep him from succeeding completely in that aim, but the movie isn't up to Jordan's best work, such as "Mona Lisa" and "The Crying Game." I'd rather watch it than "Interview with a Vampire," though, and it's another big notch on Cillian Murphy's ladder to fame..
Breakfast on Pluto is one of those beautiful packets with not a very interesting content could have benefit the movie.Patrick (Cillian Murphy) is an abandoned child raised by a foster family in the very catholic very conservative Ireland of the sixties.
Historic events are so over sighted that barely register in the public (unless of course you lived there or know Ireland conflictive history).Directed by one of the most brilliant Irish directors and populated by the cream of Ireland's cinema (Neil Jordan, Liam Neeson, Stephen Rea, Brendan Gleeson and Cillian Murphy) the movie feels like a big disappointment.
Burdened with a set of the most irritating mannerisms Murphy sails through the film playing an idiot savant and it's like Jordan took a back seat in directing him Lacking any of the bite seen in Butcher Boy, the whole thing is a mess from beginning to end.
I wish there were more films being produced as good as this one.The story follows a young orphan, fathered by the local priest, as he grows up,and leaves his small town to head for London in search of his mother.The lead actor Cillian Murphy plays the role of transvestite Kitten and was fabulous in the part.
Playing the lead role, Cillian Murphy sweeps you through Kitten's journey with such fantastic heart and conviction, expressing real convincing emotions like a spectacular firework display.
Emotive, funny, poignant , colourful and sad all at the same time - a movie that left a smile on my face and that I can watch again and again without it losing its power.Cillian Murphy delivers a stunning performance and the rest of the cast is brilliant as well (Liam Neeson, Brendan Gleeson, Liam Cunningham).I haven't read Patrick McCabe's novel which was the basis for this, but the movie was so good that it's now on my reading list.The selection of music is a joy in itself, I bought the soundtrack as well and even though the CD is not perfect (some tracks are missing) I really like it and listen to it a lot.
as my heading this really declares om what i believe is true.Cillian Murphy has delivered yet another amazing performance.this young Irish actor deserves all the credit that is given to him recently.He will sore into the spotlight for sure after this movie.I for one do not think this movie as my best cillian performance..Disco pigs rates high up in my charts,so does the Character Jim in 28 days later which i do believe to be his best acting yet,he was great in intermission,also red-eye and batman..which I'm sure he will be in the new batman due out in 2008 BTW.
Cillian Murphy gives a brilliant and compelling performance as Patrick into Kitten, but I wish that I could have liked his character more and had more empathy with "his/her" journey in the film.The music and the costumes take you back to those "glam rock" days of VELVET GOLDMINE with Murphy sashaying through scenes with various men that leads to London.
Through all her trials, she befriends the right people at the right time, but it is always on her own terms.I had the fortune of seeing this movie twice in one weekend (at its first official screening in the US) and loved both Cillian Murphy (his performance, in the words of a fellow fan, was "flawless") for the way he not only slipped into the role, but stopped it from becoming comic by over-the-top acting and loved Neil Jordan (the man makes some brilliant movies!) - and Stephen Jordan and Liam Neeson positively sparkle.
Like that other Jordan/McCabe collaboration "The Butcher Boy", 'Kitten's' view of the world is skewered by his/her over-ripe imagination just as "The Butcher Boy's" Francie's was, though where that ended in tragedy this ends happily.From his first appearance as the adult Patrick, Cillian Murphy is hardly ever off the screen and it's a career making performance, (a close up of Murphy's face seems to allow you to know what is going on inside his head), and the supporting cast, without exception, are superb.
Jordan revisits the ambiguous sexuality theme of Crying Game but this time we know it all along and we follow Patrick at a trip alternating between fantasy and reality.Cillian Murphy is the defining performance of 2005, hands down.
With "Breakfast on Pluto," Neil Jordan attempts a whimsical picaresque tale but creates instead a pale and glaringly underdeveloped movie.Cillian Murphy tries with all of his might to inject some vitality into the character of Patrick Braden, an effeminate boy who grows up to be a cross-dressing gamine, a sort of modern-day Scarlett O'Hara who wants to prance through life without getting his feet dirty in any of the world's messiness.
cillian Murphy plays patrick " kitten " braden , a dreamy , beautiful and flamboyant orphan who rediscovers himself slowly and begins the journey of his life with the hope of meeting with his long lost mother but his journey turns out not just a vehicle and it becomes his destination.
Neil Jordan spins the tragic-comic tale of an Irish boy in the late 60s and early 70s, Patrick "Kitten" Braden, who having found his home village in County Cavan somewhat intolerant toward young lads who like dressing up in ladies' costumes, goes to London to find a future  and his mother, who abandoned him on the church steps when he was a few weeks old and set off herself to that great metropolis.Patrick wanders around Ireland first, meeting various oddball characters and also some very nasty ones who use politics as an excuse for homicidal behavior.
Cillian Murphy, assisted by a terrific set of cheekbones and big blue eyes, puts in the performance of a lifetime as Patrick and is utterly convincing as a gorgeous woman.There are many other good performances in the film, particularly Stephen Rea as a seedy magician Patrick goes to work for, Liam Neeson as the parish priest who turns out to be a father in more ways than one and Ruth Negga as Charlie, a black girl who eventually gives Patrick a purpose in life.The storyline reminded me of Lindsay Anderson's "O Lucky Man", a wide-eyed innocent reeling from one dodgy situation to another.
Cillian Murphy stars as Patrick (Patricia) Kitten Braden, an Irish transvestite who goes on a journey to England to find his estranged mother.
This film is the best Jordan has done for ages and it has a stunning central performance from Cillian Murphy as kitten.
Breakfast on Pluto (2005), written and directed by Neil Jordan, is the story of Patrick "Kitten" Brady (Cillian Murphy), a young man growing up and trying to survive in Ireland in the 1960's and '70's.
Set in 1970's Ireland the film chronicles the slightly bizarre life of Patrick "Kitten" Braden (played with sublime soft spoken campiness by Cillian Murphy), as eccentric a character as goes his appearance by the standards of the time.
Jordan's adaptation of Patrick McCabe's book (I've never read it, so I can only go by Jordan's screen work) is much in the same impressionistic, seemingly shapeless form as a John Rechy novel: Everything has its own little universe, the main character realistically searches through the honest depths of his and everyone else's emotions and worlds, different cities and different cultural scenes, different lifestyles, directions, romantic interests, and friendships, some recurrent and some fleeting, to find what he is looking for.Breakfast On Pluto is very funny, very different, and very well-acted, with a cast of many great Irish actors including Murphy, Brendan Gleeson, Liam Neeson, and Stephen Rea, and it has a wonderful soundtrack of 1960s and '70s classic rock and R&B.
When the moment comes, Kitten is not resentful of the way he was left behind as he discovers that his mother has made a life for herself and her new reality.The film is a delight because the work of Cillian Murphy.
The film is not about a person discovering himself (as so many coming-of-age movies are); it is about a Kitten knowing who she is and not changing her ways to please the world at large.The direction and cinematography are amazing, but then this is Neil Jordan.