Christopher Eccleston and Madeleine Madden star in Chasing Millions, a character-driven dark comedy inspired by the 2004 Northern Bank robbery in Belfast. The film, directed by Stephen Burke, arrives in cinemas on Friday, Oct. 9, focusing on the aftermath of one of the largest bank robberies in British and Irish history. RTÉ reported that the production utilized locations in Dublin and Dundalk to recreate the setting of Northern Ireland.
Community Integration in Dublin and Dundalk
Lead actors Christopher Eccleston and Madeleine Madden described a strong sense of community support during filming in Ireland. Madden recalled a scene in Dundalk where her character, Diana, and Eccleston’s character, Crayford, interacted with local children, noting that residents in both Dundalk and Dublin suburbs frequently came out to watch and participate in exterior scenes.
Eccleston contrasted this experience with previous productions in England, stating that while some UK sets face disruption from locals seeking payment, the Irish communities expressed a desire to be part of the process. He noted that this local engagement gave the film a documentary-like quality, particularly during scenes involving children on bikes in Dundalk.
The production’s approach to its environment was a point of emphasis for Eccleston, who observed that director Stephen Burke avoided an exploitative relationship with the filming locations. He credited the crew for integrating the communities they came from into the production rather than treating the environment as a separate entity to be used.
The Legacy of the 2004 Northern Bank Robbery
The plot draws from the December 2004 Northern Bank robbery, where £26 million was stolen. While the robbery occurred after the peace process was established, the film explores a period when mistrust and tensions remained prevalent in Northern Ireland. Eccleston plays veteran detective Crayford, while Madden portrays Diana, an ambitious young Australian police officer.
Madden stated that the film carries an underlying message about embracing peace, a theme she believes remains relevant 20 years after the actual event. Eccleston added that the film serves as a reinforcement of the need to preserve the peace process, especially in light of current issues that may threaten it.
Using Comedy to Process Trauma
Because the film is a comedy-drama based on a traumatic historical period, the cast discussed the role of humor as a coping mechanism. Madden explained that director Stephen Burke handled the subject matter sensitively, suggesting that laughter often serves as a way to process grief and find closure.
Eccleston linked this professional approach to his personal experience with profound loss, stating that finding comic elements in the depths of grief can make a person more approachable and welcome help from others.
Chasing Millions Production Details
| Role/Entity | Name |
|---|---|
| Director/Writer | Stephen Burke |
| Producer | Jane Doolan |
| Lead Actor (Crayford) | Christopher Eccleston |
| Lead Actor (Diana) | Madeleine Madden |
| Release Date | Oct. 9 |
Common Questions About Chasing Millions
Is the movie a true story?
The film is inspired by the 2004 Northern Bank robbery in Belfast, but it is presented as a character-driven dark comedy rather than a conventional crime thriller or a strict historical reenactment.
Where was the movie filmed?
Although the story is set in Belfast, the production shot much of the film in Dublin and Dundalk.
Who are the main characters?
The story follows Detective Crayford, a veteran Northern Irish investigator played by Christopher Eccleston, and Diana, an ambitious Australian police officer played by Madeleine Madden.
Chasing Millions opens in theaters on Oct. 9.
Worth a look