James Joyce’s The Dead — John Huston’s Final Film

The Dead is a 1987 film directed by John Huston, based on the final story in Dubliners by James Joyce. It was Huston’s last completed film, released shortly before his death in 1987. The film is widely regarded as an important cinematic adaptation of Joyce.

The film takes place in Dublin in the early 20th century, primarily during an annual twenth night gathering hosted by two elderly sisters, Kate and Julia Morkan, and their niece, Mary Jane. The central character is Gabriel Conroy, a well-educated Dublin man who attends the party with his wife, Gretta. The evening initially appears to be a conventional socialc elebration. Music and dancing. Dinner and drinking. Political and cultural arguments. Storytelling and poetry. Memories of Ireland and Irish identity.