Films about Poetry
Films about poetry often delve into the lives of poets, the creative process of writing poetry, or encapsulate the essence of poetic storytelling through their narratives. These movies can be biographical, historical, fictional, or a blend of these elements. They often explore deep emotions, philosophical ideas, societal issues, and personal struggles, mirroring the intense and evocative nature of poetry itself. From biopics of renowned poets to fictional tales that weave poetry into their core, these films celebrate the art form and its impact on both the creators and the audience.
“Total Eclipse”, 1995
Director: Agnieszka Holland
This biographical film depicts the turbulent and often destructive relationship between two 19th-century French poets, Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud, played by David Thewlis and Leonardo DiCaprio, respectively.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, David Thewlis, Romane Bohringer, Dominique Blanc, Félicie Pasotti, Nita Klein, James Thierrée, Emmanuelle Oppo, Denise Chalem, Andrzej Seweryn;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 111 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “Total Eclipse” on the website imdb.com
“The Basketball Diaries”, 1995
Director: Scott Kalvert
Based on the memoir of the same name by Jim Carroll, this film follows the story of a promising high school basketball player and poet whose dreams are derailed by his spiraling addiction to heroin.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Wahlberg, Ernie Hudson, Lorraine Bracco, James Madio, Patrick McGaw, Bruno Kirby, Juliette Lewis, Michael Imperioli, Marilyn Sokol;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: drama, crime, biography, sport;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “The Basketball Diaries” on the website imdb.com
“Pandaemonium”, 2000
Director: Julien Temple
Directed by Julien Temple, the movie is a semi-fictional historical drama about the friendship and collaboration between the two early 19th-century English poets, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth.
Starring: Linus Roache, John Hannah, Samantha Morton, Emily Woof, Emma Fielding, Andy Serkis, Samuel West, Michael Harbour, William Scott-Masson, Clive Merrison, Dexter Fletcher, Guy Lankester, Andrea Lowe, Jacqueline Defferary, Andy de la Tour, John Kane, Colin McCredie, Glyn Owen, Peter Harkness, Niall Vincent, Jason Quick, Miles Quick, Eleanor Russell, Juno Temple, Leo Temple, Rowena Gaukroger, Erik McKay, John Standing, Mark Tilley;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 124 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “Pandaemonium” on the website imdb.com
“Before Night Falls”, 2000
Director: Julian Schnabel
This film is a depiction of the life of Cuban poet and novelist Reinaldo Arenas, from his childhood in Cuba to his persecution and exile in the United States. It stars Javier Bardem in an Academy Award-nominated performance.
Starring: Javier Bardem, Olivier Martinez, Andrea Di Stefano, Johnny Depp, Michael Wincott, Diego Luna, Sean Penn, John Ortiz, Olatz Lopez Garmendia, Giovani Florido;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 133 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Before Night Falls” on the website imdb.com
“The Edge of Love”, 2008
Director: John Maybury
This film, featuring Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller, is a semi-fictional take on the life of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, his wife Caitlin MacNamara, and the complex relationship they had with a friend and her husband during the tumult of WWII.
Starring: Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller, Cillian Murphy, Matthew Rhys, Alastair Mackenzie, Camilla Rutherford, Simon Armstrong, Ben Batt, Geoffrey Beevers, Rachel Bell;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama, melodrama, war, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,1;
Films about poetry often resonate with audiences because they reveal the profound connections between art, emotion, and the human condition, showcasing poetry as a timeless and universal language of expression.
In exploring the nuanced realm of films about poetry, we navigate a vast landscape where the beauty of verse meets the visual spectacle of cinema. These films, ranging from the deeply biographical to the fervently fictional, not only illuminate the lives and struggles of poets but also delve into the transcendental power of poetry itself. Through scenes that capture the tumultuous process of creation, the agonies of unappreciated genius, and the moments of transcendent inspiration, cinema offers a unique lens through which to examine the poet's psyche and the societal contexts that shape their works. As viewers, we are invited not just to observe but to feel the rhythm and flow of words that have the power to transform both the individual and the collective human experience. Thus, films about poetry do more than tell stories; they serve as a bridge, connecting the realm of the spoken and written word with the visual and auditory tapestry of film, reminding us of the enduring power and relevance of poetry in our lives.
