At the 2024 Grammys, Taylor Swift seized the moment. Accepting the Best Pop Vocal Album of the Year award for “Midnights,” she unveiled her next project: she announced her upcoming album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” slated for release on April 19th.
The singer has already released its track list, which includes a song named after silent film actress Clara Bow. Among the titles, there seem to be several references to her ex-boyfriend actor Joe Alwyn such as “Long, London.”
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Actually, the title itself might be a reference to Alwyn, Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott’s group chat called “The Tortured Man Club,” as the actors revealed to Variety in 2022. Either way, Swift’s love for poetry and literature isn’t a secret. So, we’re inspired by her to watch some films about some iconic poets.
Five poetry films you can stream in the US
Swift’s poetry references through the years include William Wordsworth in Folklore’s bonus track “the lakes” with the word play: “tell me what are my words worth?” Other references include Pablo Neruda’s poem ‘Tonight I Write the Saddest Lines’ in the Red album prologue.
In Folklore, she also makes a reference to Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” in the song “illicit affairs.” She has also been compared to Sylvia Plath (in a very general and respectful way), as both are famous for their confessional writing. So, which films can set the mood for the singer’s new album? Check out five films you can stream in the US.
Sylvia (2003)
Available to watch on: Plex.
Gwyneth Paltrow in ‘Sylvia’ (IMDb)
The film, directed by Christine Jeffs, follows the life of Sylvia Plath, including her tumultuous relationship with her husband, fellow poet Ted Hughes, and her struggles with mental illness. While Gwyneth Paltrow’s portrayal received praise, the movie received mixed reviews for failing to fully explore the complexities of the author’s life.
Neruda (2016)
Available on: Roku, Vudu, Tubi, Kanopy, PlutoTV, Plex.
Luis Gnecco as Pablo Neruda (IMDb)
Pablo Larraín’s “Neruda” is a biopic drama that follows the life of the famous Chilean poet, focusing on the time he spent as senator in the 1940s. It stars Luis Gnecco as the Nobel Prize winner, with Gael García Bernal as young policeman hunting him down after he joined the Communist Party. Through its poetic narrative and stylized visuals, “Neruda” showcases the poet’s complex persona.
Howl (2010)
Available to watch on: Fubo, Peacock, Kanopy, PlutoTV, Plex.
James Franco as Allen Ginsberg (IMDb)
Directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, “Howl” centers around iconic American poet Allen Ginsberg (James Franco). The film explores Ginsberg’s landmark poem “Howl” and the obscenity trial it sparked in the 1950s. Through a blend of animation, courtroom drama, and flashback sequences, “Howl” captures the essence of Ginsberg’s countercultural influence.
A Quiet Passion (2016)
Available to watch: Fubo, Prime Video, Hoopla, Tubi, Kanopy, Plex, Freevee.
Cynthia Nixon as Emily Dickinson (IMDb)
Terence Davies offers a compelling portrayal of the life of the celebrated American poet Emily Dickinson, played by Cynthia Nixon. Set against the backdrop of the 19th century, the film delves into Dickinson’s reclusive nature, her struggles with societal expectations, and her profound relationship with poetry.
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Paterson (2016)
Available on: Prime Video, Freevee.
Adam Driver in ‘Paterson’ (IMDb)
The only film on the list about a fictional poet, but a great exploration of the power of poetry to enrich human experience. Starring Adam Driver and directed by Jim Jarmusch, this film follows a week in the life of a bus driver and poet named Paterson, who lives in Paterson, New Jersey.
