In 1984, I watched a John Lynch in the tragic film Cal - a story of forbidden love amidst the horrors of conflict in Northern Ireland. Lynch's first role, as a gaunt, confused and troubled youth, was gripping. And then he disappeared from view for six years, not returning to the big screen until 1990. Since then, he has compiled a fairly impressive list of credits.
In Angel Baby, Lynch has a role similar in depth and intensity to what he did in Cal. Lynch plays Harry, a man with mental illness who falls in love with another outpatient. Together, Harry and Kate (Jacqueline McKenzie) set out to make successes of themselves in the work-a-day world. Harry gets a job, they move in together, and begin to get rid of the reminders of mental illness - including their medication.
For the second half of the film, we watch the seemingly inevitable happen to Harry and Kate. Our joy over their love affair is replaced by foreboding. Harry's brother (Colin Friels) joins us in this painful task, doing his best to be supportive as things begin to disintegrate.
Angel Baby shows us that the mentally ill are people too. Strangely, the biggest strength of this film is also its greatest weakness. Angel Baby doesn't candy coat anything; nobody is made prettier than they would really be; we're protected from nothing. For 105 minutes it's unremitting. The happy moments, for me at least, are overshadowed by a feeling that it can't last - that simply deciding one is well just isn't enough.
If you're looking for fun when you rent a video, this is one to skip. If you're willing to learn something - to look for deeper meaning - then Angel Baby is worth the effort.
