Big Red Engine’s editor, Emer O’Clery, worked with director Gerry Hoban on the first part of this 2 part documentary, “A Fanatic Heart: Bob Geldof on WB Yeats”. The show then went on to win an IFTA for Best Specialist Factual. Musician and advocate Bob Geldof examines the life and work of one of the 20th century’s greatest poets, William Butler Yeats. Geldof argues that as a poet and statesman Yeats brought about immense change in Ireland’s struggle for independence, without firing a bullet.
Written by Bob Geldof and Roy Foster, this incisive and moving documentary features readings by Bill Nighy, Van Morrison, Richard E Grant, Colin Farrell, Bono, Edna O’Brien, Ardal O’Hanlon, Noel Gallagher and Liam Neeson.
The documentary was described as “a hugely engaging, informative and thoughtful piece of television… the best literary documentary I’ve seen for a very long time.” (The Spectator)
Originally broadcast on RTE in 2 parts, and adapted into a feature length single episode for BBC. It is also available on DVD.