Hibernia: Flatley on Film

By Irish America Staff
August / September 2000

Never one to shy away from publicity, Michael Flatley won some laughs at this year’s Cannes Film Festival when he joked about potential titles for an upcoming movie he’s working on. Flatley has teamed up with scriptwriter Shane Connaughton, who won an Oscar for My Left Foot, and jokes that they “were thinking of calling the movie ‘My Two Feet’.” But seriously, adds the dancemeister, filming is set to begin on the project this fall.

“The movie has nothing to do with Lord of the Dance,” he told Ireland’s Sunday Tribune newspaper. “It’s nothing to do with my life story. It’s about succeeding against adversity. People will leave the cinema with their hearts lifted up.”

Director Tony Palmer, who has helmed biopics of such classical musicians as Wagner and Puccini, got a laugh of his own when he revealed his strategy for dealing with Flatley on set. “Don’t forget, I’ve worked with Maria Callas,” he said. “Michael, for me, is another Callas.”

When asked about being a first-time actor Flatley replied, “The only acting I’ve done is making deals with local producers. They think I’m the best. I get many Oscar nominations, mostly with George Washington on the front.” ♦

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