What Three Recent Films Reveal About How We View Poets and Poetry

Three recent films offer insight into the way society perceives poets and poetry. Ira Sachs' Peter Hujar's Day depicts the life of an artist grappling with the AIDS crisis and the ever-changing artistic landscape. The film captures the dailiness of a working life, showcasing Hujar's struggles, ambitions, and relationships within a community that may or may not help him achieve his goals.

Similarly, South Korean director Hong Sangsoo's What Does That Nature Say to You follows a poet named Donghwa as he navigates tensions between his poetic pursuits and familial obligations. The story explores the delicate balance between personal fulfillment and the expectations of those around him.

The second film, Colombian director Simón Mesa Soto's A Poet, focuses on the experiences of another poet, who faces challenges as he attempts to make a living from his craft. The protagonist is confronted with financial pressures from his father and the need to adapt his artistic vision to gain acceptance from his family. Throughout the narrative, the poet encounters alcohol, rivalries, and humiliations while striving to find his place in the world.

While these films offer nuanced portrayals of poets and their journeys, they also reflect the inherent clichés and tropes often associated with poetic characters in cinema. The protagonists, all men, are given the task of seeking connection amidst a backdrop of alcohol, rivalries, and humiliation. Despite the hardships faced, the poets' dreams persist, but it remains unclear whether their efforts will ultimately bear fruit or lead to further disillusionment.