'' The Commitments '' is the first book in Doyle 's series known as '' The Barrytown Trilogy '' , followed by '' The Snapper '' ( 1990 ) and '' The Van '' ( 1991 ) . While all three novels focus on the Rabbitte family , Doyle expressed that he was not interested in writing or producing sequels to the 1991 film adaptation , stating , " I hope it 's never made . I just think that , whereas '' The Commitments '' was very much a labour of love , '' Commitments 2 '' is definitely an act of cynicism . " Doyle was given creative freedom by the BBC over the adaptation of '' The Snapper '' , for which he wrote the screenplay . Lynda Myles returned to produce the film and hired Stephen Frears as its director . Colm Meaney returned in a supporting role . The adaptation was originally planned as a television film before Frears suggested that it be transferred to film . Doyle disagreed with the change , stating , " I did n't like it on the big screen — I thought it was grainy . " '' The Snapper '' ( 1993 ) premiered at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival , where it received a standing ovation . It was a critical success , receiving largely positive reviews
1993 Cannes Film Festival
1993 Cannes Film Festival
The Commitments (film)