The Poet's View: A Documentary

The Poet’s View is a film series written and directed by Mel Stuart and produced by the Academy of American Poets. Thus far, it has delved intimately into the lives and writings of John Ashbery, W.S. Merwin, Anthony Hecht, and Louise Glück.

Through conversations with the director, the poets offer stories from their own histories and seem to enjoy divulging a few of the friendly anecdotes about their craft. For instance, both Merwin and Hecht are fond of finding small pieces of scrap paper on which to jot down words or phrases that happen upon them in the course of a day -- neither owns (nor wishes to own) a computer. Somewhat humorously, Ashbery admits that he now resists revising new poems, adding that if it requires more than one draft, he’ll often throw the poem away.

Not intended as extensive biographies, the short films are instead warmly insightful portraits recorded mostly in the personal setting of each poet's home. The Poet’s View offers an up-close and honest invitation into the day-to-day life of the poet and a chance to hear a few poems read by the author.

Written and directed by Mel Stuart (1993). Not Rated.

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