Read Time:2 Minute, 13 Second
Shortly before his death in 1953, famed Welsh poet Dylan Thomas (known for poems such as the haunting “Do Not Go Gentle Into that Good Night”) presented a reading of Under Milk Wood, which he subtitled “A Play for Voices.” Originally intended as a radio play, Under Milk Wood was brought on-screen in this 1972 film adaptation.
Under Milk Wood tells of one spring day in the life of a small Welsh village called Llareggub (try reading it backwards). Narrated by another famous Welshman, Richard Burton (as Voice One), and Ryan Davies (as Voice Two), it follows the townspeople from night, as they lie in their beds and dream, into day, as they go about their business, and once again into the night. Viewers meet the neighborhood gossips, the lying butcher, the brow-beaten husband who’s trying to kill his wife, the postman who knows everyone’s business, the inn-keeper who shuns boarders for fear that they’ll mess up her beautiful rooms, and the blind sea captain (Peter O’Toole), who takes it all in from his second-floor window while he dreams of his long-dead love, Rosie (Elizabeth Taylor). Viewers see the townspeople’s dreams, and they share their secrets.
Under Milk Wood is an unusual film, to put it plainly. On one hand, it’s strong and poetic. On the other hand, it’s quirky—with an almost Monty Python-esque feel at times. It isn’t a film for the everyday casual moviegoer. It’s definitely an art-house kind of film. It’s full of poetic imagery and language that will most likely soar right over the heads of the average viewer. But if you appreciate poetry, you’ll find it beautiful and even hypnotic—even though you may have to play it a few times before you’re able to take it all in.
The film takes a few liberties with the original play, and there are a few added scenes (especially a strange scene depicting a fully-clothed threesome involving a woman from town and two passing strangers) that just don’t fit with the film’s overall feel. But, that aside, Under Milk Wood is a surreal experience. If you’re feeling especially arty, in a deep and poetic kind of way, pick up a copy of this recently-released DVD. It’s like a 90-minute poetry reading—with pictures.
And if you’re a fan of Dylan Thomas (of if the movie intrigues you enough to want to learn more about him), don’t miss the DVD’s special features menu, which includes a feature-length documentary on the poet.
Kristin Dreyer Kramer has been writing in some form or another (usually when she was supposed to be doing something else) since the ripe old age of ten—when she, her cousin, and their two Cabbage Patch Dolls formed the Poo Authors’ Club. After a short career in advertising, Kristin got sick of always saying nice things about stuff that didn’t deserve it—so now she spends her days criticizing things, and she’s much happier for it.
Since creating NightsAndWeekends.com in February of 2002, Kristin has spent her life surrounded by piles and piles of books and movies—so many that her office has become a kind of entertainment obstacle course.
As if her writing and editing responsibilities for N&W.com weren’t enough to keep her out of trouble, Kristin also hosts a number of weekly radio shows: Reel Discovery, Shelf Discovery, and On the Marquee. She’s also a proud member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (CriticsChoice.com), the Central Ohio Film Critics Association (COFCA.org), the Online Film Critics Society (OFCS.org), and the Women Film Critics Circle (WFCC.Wordpress.com).
Kristin lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband, Paul, and their daughter, Anna. She welcomes questions, comments, and fan mail at kdk@nightsandweekends.com.
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Kristin Dreyer Kramer has been writing in some form or another (usually when she was supposed to be doing something else) since the ripe old age of ten—when she, her cousin, and their two Cabbage Patch Dolls formed the Poo Authors’ Club. After a short career in advertising, Kristin got sick of always saying nice things about stuff that didn’t deserve it—so now she spends her days criticizing things, and she’s much happier for it.
Since creating NightsAndWeekends.com in February of 2002, Kristin has spent her life surrounded by piles and piles of books and movies—so many that her office has become a kind of entertainment obstacle course.
As if her writing and editing responsibilities for N&W.com weren’t enough to keep her out of trouble, Kristin also hosts a number of weekly radio shows: Reel Discovery, Shelf Discovery, and On the Marquee. She’s also a proud member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (CriticsChoice.com), the Central Ohio Film Critics Association (COFCA.org), the Online Film Critics Society (OFCS.org), and the Women Film Critics Circle (WFCC.Wordpress.com).
Kristin lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband, Paul, and their daughter, Anna. She welcomes questions, comments, and fan mail at kdk@nightsandweekends.com.
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