We've recently had Ted and Sylvia - which I have to admit I haven't seen - but which sounded a rather flawed and simplistic portrait of the deadly duo.
But now we may be in for a real treat as Johnny Depp is going to play John Wilmot (Earl of Rochester) in a new film entitled The Libertine. Wilmot was the bad boy of English poetry who made Lord Byron look like a chartered accountant. Johnny Vegas will play Charles Sackville his boozing buddy.
Anyone know of other films about poets?
I've always thought that Dryden's spat with Shadwell would make great drama. However, a movie about the reclusive Emily Dickinson could rank as the most boring of all time???
Cam
Wilmot Goes To Hollywood (Or Poets on Film)
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Bombadil
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Let's see...
There's "The Bell Jar" which loosely follows Sylvia Plath's life pre-London. (A bit melodramatic, but well done to be sure). "The Hours" which tails the suicide of Virginia Woolf, more an author than poet, but not to be discounted.)
I know there are more...but that's all I have for now.
There's "The Bell Jar" which loosely follows Sylvia Plath's life pre-London. (A bit melodramatic, but well done to be sure). "The Hours" which tails the suicide of Virginia Woolf, more an author than poet, but not to be discounted.)
I know there are more...but that's all I have for now.
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camus
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Well there are a few that I know of, both writers and poets:
Wilde, of course starring Stephen fry, it was ok. I much prefered Dorian Gray.
Il Postino, which is a wonderful film, about Chilean poet-in-exile Pablo Neruda.
Shadow lands, which I really enjoyed, about the love affair between C. S. Lewis (played brilliantly by Anthony Hopkins) and American poet Joy Davidman (played by Debra Winger). A real tear jerker I'd say. One of those films that makes you long for the quaint english life of Oxford.
Barfly, based on the life of Charles Bukowski played by Mickey Rourke, supposed to be excellent, I hired it once but didn't end up watching it.
Any more for anymore?
Wilde, of course starring Stephen fry, it was ok. I much prefered Dorian Gray.
Il Postino, which is a wonderful film, about Chilean poet-in-exile Pablo Neruda.
Shadow lands, which I really enjoyed, about the love affair between C. S. Lewis (played brilliantly by Anthony Hopkins) and American poet Joy Davidman (played by Debra Winger). A real tear jerker I'd say. One of those films that makes you long for the quaint english life of Oxford.
Barfly, based on the life of Charles Bukowski played by Mickey Rourke, supposed to be excellent, I hired it once but didn't end up watching it.
Any more for anymore?
I just read these posts about poets of film and was really interested as I was just thinking about whether there were any films about poetic figures
which were especially brilliant.I can't really recall any outstanding film about real poets but have heard about ones featuring fictional poets or characters interested in poetry,such as the well-known Dead Poets Society,which had fairly good reviews.
I have actually recently seen a new film reviewed on an Australian show which is meant to be about the S.T Coleridge.The art house film is called Pandemonium and from what I saw it details his earlier years with fellow poet William Wordsworth.Young ''Sam'' travels around England and befriends Wordsworth and they later publish their joint volume,Lyrical Ballads and settle in Somerset.The film also shows(from the scenes I saw) how Coleridege becomes addicted to laudanum and the intense realtionship formed with Dorothy,who is Wordsworth's sister.I have no idea if this film is worthy as I have not seen it ,but it was the only one I have heard of been made recently,apart from the 2003 film Sylvia(as in Sylvia Plath),which most people seem to already know about,and which received its fair share of criticism at the time of release.
The other day I came across this short piece in an Australian newspaper which features a commemt about a new film been made about a poet(a fictional one-though it is the only film I've heard actually been made about poetry at all)which is rather curious and certainly taking poetry to a new perspective.
From the newspaper:
THE PORNOGRAPHER'S POEM:
Fresh from playing Tom Cruise's son in War of the World's, Justin Chatwin scruffs up his image by playing a poet who moonlights in the murky world of skin flicks.
*Hmm...well this is sure to be one to look out for and I'm sure many poets and poetry lovers will be rushing out to the cinema to see this one!;)
Can't wait!lol
P.S:after writing this I've come to wonder if there is actually ANY film about an Australian poet.Anyone?I can't even name one single film(Australian or International) which features an Aussie poet or an Australian character interested in poetry.It seems only English and American poetic figures are popular choices,but Australian poets are left behind.
-Aurora
which were especially brilliant.I can't really recall any outstanding film about real poets but have heard about ones featuring fictional poets or characters interested in poetry,such as the well-known Dead Poets Society,which had fairly good reviews.
I have actually recently seen a new film reviewed on an Australian show which is meant to be about the S.T Coleridge.The art house film is called Pandemonium and from what I saw it details his earlier years with fellow poet William Wordsworth.Young ''Sam'' travels around England and befriends Wordsworth and they later publish their joint volume,Lyrical Ballads and settle in Somerset.The film also shows(from the scenes I saw) how Coleridege becomes addicted to laudanum and the intense realtionship formed with Dorothy,who is Wordsworth's sister.I have no idea if this film is worthy as I have not seen it ,but it was the only one I have heard of been made recently,apart from the 2003 film Sylvia(as in Sylvia Plath),which most people seem to already know about,and which received its fair share of criticism at the time of release.
The other day I came across this short piece in an Australian newspaper which features a commemt about a new film been made about a poet(a fictional one-though it is the only film I've heard actually been made about poetry at all)which is rather curious and certainly taking poetry to a new perspective.
From the newspaper:
THE PORNOGRAPHER'S POEM:
Fresh from playing Tom Cruise's son in War of the World's, Justin Chatwin scruffs up his image by playing a poet who moonlights in the murky world of skin flicks.
*Hmm...well this is sure to be one to look out for and I'm sure many poets and poetry lovers will be rushing out to the cinema to see this one!;)
Can't wait!lol
P.S:after writing this I've come to wonder if there is actually ANY film about an Australian poet.Anyone?I can't even name one single film(Australian or International) which features an Aussie poet or an Australian character interested in poetry.It seems only English and American poetic figures are popular choices,but Australian poets are left behind.
-Aurora
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seeksthebalance
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Has anyone seen... and I hope the answer is yes 'The Doors' starring val kilmer, who gives the performance of his life as Jim Morrison... call him a songwriter, call him a poet, call him whatever you will there is a lot to be learned about what inspired him from this film. Check out 'An American Prayer' too, which is some of his best poetry set over the music of The Doors.
I am anxious to see someone make a film out of the short but eventful life of Percy Shelley, who is one of the biggest inspirations I have found in the entire history of poetry. Does anyone know of one and if so where can I track it down?
I am anxious to see someone make a film out of the short but eventful life of Percy Shelley, who is one of the biggest inspirations I have found in the entire history of poetry. Does anyone know of one and if so where can I track it down?
Les Murray is currently the leading Australian poet whose name would be most known in the public conscience.Australia has less of a history of poetic excellence as we are still a young country,but the poet most familar to Australians today is probably Banjo Patterson(1864-1941)
His song "Waltzing Maltida" has a national appeal and is the "unofficial anthem" which is often recited by individuals who have no real interest in poetry.He also wrote the famous work "The Man From Snowy River" which is his second most popular piece.The title is at least known in the general public,especially as it has been made into an Australian film and formed the basis for other artistic works on stage.
I would confidently state that Henry Lawson(1867-1922)is the other historic poet familar to the general populace,as his works are often read in english class at school and many children would at least know his name.
Other Australian poetic figures include Charles Harpur(1813-1868)who is universally regarded as the first Australian-born poet.Female poets feature less in the history of Australia,but a few became distinguished or gained a level of recognition,and in recent years many have been noted with other male poets on many sites about Australian poetry and the history of literature.Aboriginal poets(the natives of Australia)have also seen a promotion of their work over the last thirty years,with the public becoming more aware of their poems which have been published in various anthologies.
My personal view is that poetry is generally not as valued in Australia as it may be in other countries with a longer history of poetic brilliance.I think the "average Aussie" couldn't care less about poetry or modern poets and the public conscience is not renowned for the promotion of these figures.Australia has a strong literary heritage but it is usually believed that it pays less attention to its poets,and from an historical perspective pure novelists have always remained more famous and popular in public opinion.Today it is highly likely that many Australians do not regard the contribution of poets as very important to the history and development of Australia.They probably ignore the possible cultural influence of even modern poets here and may not be aware of any legacy to the past.Poetry has never been such a compelling force in Australia,but it still remains an enlightening realm for those who both enjoy reading it and writing their own.
Originally poets here tried to form their own style to reflect the "new surroundings" away from mother England,though early poets such as Harpur were influenced by English Romantic poets such as Shelley and Keats.Gradually Australian poets tried to emerge with a style that was uniquely Australian,but soon even the traditional approach was criticised.
Eventually a cultural revolution meant that it was no longer necessary
for Australian poets to have to conform to the stereotypical view of the "Aussie style" which seeked to represent the exact nature of major poets.Today Australia is a multicultural society which welcomes people from hundreds of nations around the world so the need to define the old "Aussie style" has become more than outdated.I believe it's best if contemporary Australian poets draw influence from many different styles and don't restrict themselves to one particular image.It's inevitable that the most widely read and known Australian poets are going to be those who take a internationalistic approach to their work.With the internet revolution,and the digital expansion,it's only natural that Australian poets will want to be read and understood by those overseas.
We are so lucky to be the first generation to benefit from positive developments and to have access to this technological innovation as bearly fifteen years ago a forum like this would not even have been possible.Previously a poet(or someone keen on poetry) would have to travel around the world and cross many seas regularly just to meet with fellow like-minded poets and discuss various poetry or even to explain their own poems.Now with the innovative web it is all so easy to just post on any topic that interests you.The internet is celebrating ten years,since the dot com boom,of mass expansion so I say a huge three cheers for this great innovation which has allowed anyone from around the world to share their thoughts and connect in the web of humanity.
Best Wishes(and just imagine how it may be in another ten years!).
His song "Waltzing Maltida" has a national appeal and is the "unofficial anthem" which is often recited by individuals who have no real interest in poetry.He also wrote the famous work "The Man From Snowy River" which is his second most popular piece.The title is at least known in the general public,especially as it has been made into an Australian film and formed the basis for other artistic works on stage.
I would confidently state that Henry Lawson(1867-1922)is the other historic poet familar to the general populace,as his works are often read in english class at school and many children would at least know his name.
Other Australian poetic figures include Charles Harpur(1813-1868)who is universally regarded as the first Australian-born poet.Female poets feature less in the history of Australia,but a few became distinguished or gained a level of recognition,and in recent years many have been noted with other male poets on many sites about Australian poetry and the history of literature.Aboriginal poets(the natives of Australia)have also seen a promotion of their work over the last thirty years,with the public becoming more aware of their poems which have been published in various anthologies.
My personal view is that poetry is generally not as valued in Australia as it may be in other countries with a longer history of poetic brilliance.I think the "average Aussie" couldn't care less about poetry or modern poets and the public conscience is not renowned for the promotion of these figures.Australia has a strong literary heritage but it is usually believed that it pays less attention to its poets,and from an historical perspective pure novelists have always remained more famous and popular in public opinion.Today it is highly likely that many Australians do not regard the contribution of poets as very important to the history and development of Australia.They probably ignore the possible cultural influence of even modern poets here and may not be aware of any legacy to the past.Poetry has never been such a compelling force in Australia,but it still remains an enlightening realm for those who both enjoy reading it and writing their own.
Originally poets here tried to form their own style to reflect the "new surroundings" away from mother England,though early poets such as Harpur were influenced by English Romantic poets such as Shelley and Keats.Gradually Australian poets tried to emerge with a style that was uniquely Australian,but soon even the traditional approach was criticised.
Eventually a cultural revolution meant that it was no longer necessary
for Australian poets to have to conform to the stereotypical view of the "Aussie style" which seeked to represent the exact nature of major poets.Today Australia is a multicultural society which welcomes people from hundreds of nations around the world so the need to define the old "Aussie style" has become more than outdated.I believe it's best if contemporary Australian poets draw influence from many different styles and don't restrict themselves to one particular image.It's inevitable that the most widely read and known Australian poets are going to be those who take a internationalistic approach to their work.With the internet revolution,and the digital expansion,it's only natural that Australian poets will want to be read and understood by those overseas.
We are so lucky to be the first generation to benefit from positive developments and to have access to this technological innovation as bearly fifteen years ago a forum like this would not even have been possible.Previously a poet(or someone keen on poetry) would have to travel around the world and cross many seas regularly just to meet with fellow like-minded poets and discuss various poetry or even to explain their own poems.Now with the innovative web it is all so easy to just post on any topic that interests you.The internet is celebrating ten years,since the dot com boom,of mass expansion so I say a huge three cheers for this great innovation which has allowed anyone from around the world to share their thoughts and connect in the web of humanity.
Best Wishes(and just imagine how it may be in another ten years!).
I am always on the look out for films about writers fact or fiction, most art really. I have seen The Doors, it's a class film. Morrison was amazing person, Val Kilmer played a great role.
Anything with Johnny Depp in is worth watching more than once. Looking forward to him playing the part of a poet. I have just bought the book of the poet he is playing but it is not near me and I know i can not spell his name. I have not read anything in it yet as I am reading some of Rudyard Kipling.
Pandemonium is my favourite film. I love to watch it or just have it on behind me at times in my daily routines.
Most poets seem to be at their best when life is not so sweet. They seem lost and troubled and their poetry fills us with most of what was missing from their own lives. I like to read biogragraphies too.
I did not like the film Sylvia, it was one sided, Ted is blamed for her madness. I know madness is a part of being a poet, I find I worry too much about worrying too little.
I hear too that there is a film going to be made about Robert Burns, the Scottish poet. But as always, they are never going to be for the big screen and get very little advertising so it may even be out.
Thanks to you all for these pages. I have once again enjoyed being a part of something and knowing there are people interested in poetry. I only know people who read Spike Milligan and Roald Dahl, nothing wrong with that, all I am saying is that they are the only two poets they know.
Anything with Johnny Depp in is worth watching more than once. Looking forward to him playing the part of a poet. I have just bought the book of the poet he is playing but it is not near me and I know i can not spell his name. I have not read anything in it yet as I am reading some of Rudyard Kipling.
Pandemonium is my favourite film. I love to watch it or just have it on behind me at times in my daily routines.
Most poets seem to be at their best when life is not so sweet. They seem lost and troubled and their poetry fills us with most of what was missing from their own lives. I like to read biogragraphies too.
I did not like the film Sylvia, it was one sided, Ted is blamed for her madness. I know madness is a part of being a poet, I find I worry too much about worrying too little.
I hear too that there is a film going to be made about Robert Burns, the Scottish poet. But as always, they are never going to be for the big screen and get very little advertising so it may even be out.
Thanks to you all for these pages. I have once again enjoyed being a part of something and knowing there are people interested in poetry. I only know people who read Spike Milligan and Roald Dahl, nothing wrong with that, all I am saying is that they are the only two poets they know.
Just found on the internet that Johnny Depp is in the film about The Earle Of Rochester called The Libertines. It was out last year.
Johnny Depp .... Rochester
Samantha Morton .... Elizabeth Barry
John Malkovich .... King Charles II
I hope this is helpful. We can all watch it now and say what we think, set a date and enjoy it together in our own homes.
Johnny Depp .... Rochester
Samantha Morton .... Elizabeth Barry
John Malkovich .... King Charles II
I hope this is helpful. We can all watch it now and say what we think, set a date and enjoy it together in our own homes.