BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY OF FILM

New edition of this book and author David Thompson mentions two of our top (only?) directors. Jordan is described as a 'beginner' for every film he makes. Which is probably true. Sheridan (Jim not Kirsten!) is described as losing his way. Which is also true. However, what's sad is that in the last two decades no new Irish director has broken through internationally to be mentioned in the same league as the above names. Whose fault is that? The Film Board? Our film schools? The pathetic obsession here with making shorts? The rise in television drama? Like U2 we keep latching on to the above two directors' reputations even though their best work is behind them. Where did it go wrong?