What a difference a few thousand dollars makes. Martin McGartland, the former IRA informer whose memoir
Fifty Dead Men Walking
inspired the drama of the same name at this year's TIFF, has withdrawn his threat of legal action against the film's producers after having seen the film and getting a nice little cheque. Good thing, too: the legal tussle had threatened to hold up tomorrow night's red carpet gala, at which the stars Jim Sturgess, (Sir) Ben Kingsley, and Kevin Zegers are slated to appear alongside Kari Skogland, the film's Canadian director. The Hollywood Reporter and others are reporting that McGartland, who was rumoured to be considering a trip to TIFF to confront the filmmakers in person, dropped his objections after producers sent him a copy of the film and then doubled their payoff offer to 20,000 pounds. "As a result," read a statement he released today, "I can confirm I am happy with the film." And, presumably, his bank account.
