Belfast Director Kathryn Ferguson Discusses Big Mother Wound with Bogart

Kathryn Ferguson, known for her award-winning documentary on Sinéad O’Connor, has shifted her focus to Hollywood legend Humphrey Bogart in her latest film, Bogart: Life Comes in Flashes. This documentary explores the parallels between these two iconic figures, both of whom found themselves challenging the status quo in their respective industries.

Sinéad O’Connor used her superstardom in the early 1990s to speak out against abuse within the Catholic Church in Ireland, while Bogart stood up to the Red Scare in post-war America by creating The Committee for the First Amendment. However, Bogart’s courage wavered when it came to fully committing to the cause, as he distanced himself from the campaign to protect his burgeoning career.

Bogart’s life story was marked by late success and personal struggles. Born on Christmas Day in 1899, he didn’t find significant fame until he was 42, with his portrayal of Sam Spade in The Maltese Falcon. Ferguson’s film delves into Bogart’s relationships with the important women in his life, including his mother and four wives, shedding light on his personal struggles and triumphs.

Bogart’s early years as a struggling actor in New York and Hollywood are explored in Bogart: Life Comes in Flashes, showing how he finally made his mark with The Petrified Forest in 1936. Despite initial challenges and typecasting as a tough-guy actor, Bogart’s career took off with iconic films like Casablanca and The Big Sleep, where he starred alongside Lauren Bacall, who would become the love of his life.

The documentary also delves into Bogart’s tumultuous relationships with his wives, including his fiery marriage to Mayo Methot. Despite their turbulent union, Mayo played a significant role in reigniting Bogart’s passions and shaping his career. Bogart: Life Comes in Flashes offers a revealing look into the life and legacy of this Hollywood icon, now available to stream on Apple TV+.