2014 * Not Rated * 1h 37m It's refreshing to see Elijah Wood branch out from his "Lord of the Rings" days. And this was a pretty challenging role for him. I don't know how much you know about the poet Dylan Thomas, but he was an out of control drunk and madman. Just imagine being responsible for his behavior?!! That's exactly what Wood's character has to do.
The film is about Dylan Thomas's "Celyn Jones) first trip to the United States. John Malcolm Brinnin (Wood) is a professor of poetry and volunteers to keep the rowdy Welsh poet out of trouble before and during his poetry-reading tour of the country. Upon his arrival in NYC, Thomas gets in all sorts of trouble driving and carousing. Brinnin takes him to his family cabin in rural Connecticut. Even there, miles from the nearest big city, Thomas manages to find his fair share of liquor. I think I got a bit of a hangover watching the movie!
The film takes place in the late 1940s, and the B&W footage, perfect costuming, and excellent use of vintage cars and locations, really give one the feel for the time. And the acting is just remarkable. While I've long been a fan of the amazing poet, it sure shows the sad and hopeless side of him.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy and Hoopla. And to rent on Prime Video.
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