Don't look now
but here comes Julie Christie in mourning;
Nick Roeg is a flash of colour in a gondola.
Those doe eyes of Donald Sutherland
beseeching flocks of birds up the canals
escaping his presentiments
reflected in mosaics
that shatter dreams of old sinking doges
in wet flannel palaces.
Your ticket will soon expire,
best drop it and clear out
before the end
lest you sink forever
like the upside down daughter
and the old lady in red.
excellent poem ray but you know something, having watched the film at least three or four times, i really dont care for it at all. i think i am quite apart in that opinion but it does nothing for me.
One of the most iconic of films, carefully considered here Ray. There's a dampness to these words that pick out Venice perfectly. Blacks and greys and that one vital, tiny splash of red! I think Peter might be right.
Hmmmmmmmm. Wet flannel palaces left me feeling almost as uncomfortable as did the original film.
Hi Ray,
the audio really works well with this poem – a gravelly god looking down at the crowd below, from time to time making more than meaningful observations on the better-than-most drama he has just spotted.
Would it be impertinent to suggest this is one of your best?
Peter T
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raypool
Fri 22nd Mar 2019 20:46
Thanks all you readers; just to say I enjoy describing films as they embody a whole continuum of ideas to let loose on. Peter, I seem to benefit with age as my voice starts to fray ; ending up maybe like Michael Gambon, haha. Yes your comment captures the element of voyeurism which I hope is an aspect of the film too. Your impertinence is most pertinent thank you!
Thanks Hazel. Yes uncomfortable it was, disturbing really. Limestone is porous of course, hence I thought of flannel.
Truly Graham thanks.
Sadly I've never been to Venice, a wonderful place for photography I'm sure. The film had that other worldly message, clever twists and turns with a disconcerting feel which I enjoyed! with trepidation.
May I just say Stu, that re watching this film just makes you feel more isolated I think as a spectator. A strange thing, which may account partly for your aversion to it. It still fascinates me though.
Thanks for liking it anyway!
Binte and Kate thanks for the additional likes.
Ray