By Dane Marti
“Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.”
Sometimes it’s wonderful to write film reviews. Some folks enjoy tearing a film to shreds. Me? I love praising first-rate films and SET FIRE TO THE STARS is definitely one of them: Based on events concerning the brilliant poet Dylan Thomas and his wild and revelatory misadventures while visiting America, I was easily enthralled and taken back to the nineteen fifties. However, as visually beautiful as the movie is, the film stays focused on two main characters: powerful acting.
Elijah Wood is John Malcolm Brinnin, an academic and poet who was instrumental in bringing the legendary poet to the United States. He is quite good, erasing, for the time being, his iconic performance as Frodo in The Lord of the Rings films.
Actor/co-screenwriter Celyn Jones, giving a portrayal of the poet that is obviously something special for him, gives a compelling, in-depth performance. Like many poets, writers and artists, Dylan is in love with the bottle. His is a tortured and romantic vision of the world, free of much of the academic drivel that many characters in the film float around in. For me, it was very entertaining watching Dylan shock the literati of New York.
The film really works when, in desperation, Brinnin, realizing that the situation is about to unravel, takes his hero to a hidden, boyhood cottage, ostensibly to keep Dylan from going on another insane bender, but also, I believe, to really have time to learn about his hero. What follows changes the young academics life and, I imagine broadens his life and a writer, poet and human.
There is also gorgeous jazz and folk music throughout the film, conveying the poetically human dimensions of the film.
As for this reviewer and writer, a dude that loves the written word and the art of poetry and fiction, this film, directed by Andy Goddard, cleverly conveys the era with honesty and truth. Andy Goddard will have a great future as a film director, I believe. Oh, and although, off hand, I haven’t seen the truthful acting of Celyn Jones before, there is no doubt: He can handle very difficult performances.
The real Dylan Thomas was not only brilliant, but also a bit of a Looney. While my friends in the Midwest would probably enjoy having some drinks with him, the poet could easily offend upper crust folks with more delicate sensibilities.
Visually, the black and white cinematography gives a magical sheen to the east coast, in particular the New York City skyline, but also interiors that often appear to be enhanced with a super real effect. As a person interested in visuals, this didn’t distract from the film. So, although it is first and foremost a character study of two great men, the film does have a rather cool and stylish look to it.
Subtle, simple, yet powerful, SET FIRE TO THE STARS is easily the best film I’ve seen this year: Passionate, Heartbreaking and true.
Opens June 12 in Select Theaters; in Los Angeles on June 19, 2015 at Laemmle’s NoHo 7
