Many have a cursory knowledge of the legendary 19th century American poet Emily Dickinson from their school days. But what personality traits underpinned this solitary individual often regarded as one of America's greatest poets?
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A Quiet Passion is an intensely luminous, delicate and moving portrayal of this brilliant and prolific poet who incorporated the ideals of Romanticism and Realism. Born into privilege in 1830, Dickinson spent most of her life on her parents’ estate in Amherst, Massachusetts. While part of an important family with strong ties to the local community, Dickinson chose to live most of her life in reclusive isolation.
In her youth, the introverted Emily is depicted as a fiercely intelligent young woman who exchanges forthright opinions on life, art and religion; and, more particularly, on the place of women in a patriarchal society. “You are alone in your rebellion, Ms Dickinson,” a headmaster tells a young Emily, who dared question some aspects of religion, despite her strong faith. This vignette captures Dickinson's enquiring mind.
Emily becomes more and more reclusive as the years pass, gradually withdrawing from society. She seldom left her home and entertained few visitors. However, those with whom she did have contact had an enormous impact on her poetry. Her most intimate life-long relationship was with her sister-in-law Susan Gilbert (Jodhi May) a former maths teacher who read and critiqued virtually all of Dickinson's poems.
Dickinson remained single but had significant friendships with several men who were mentors and confidantes. In her cloistered existence she is consumed by poetry, but the lack of recognition – fewer than a dozen of her nearly 1800 poems were published in her lifetime – and her frustrations regarding gender inequality.
Conceivably Dickinson's most celebrated work, Because I Could Not Stop for Death is considered to be one of the great masterpieces of American poetry: 'Because I could not stop for death; He kindly stopped for me'.
Writer-director Terence Davies combined with the scintillating acting of Cynthia Nixon – as she delivers a career-best performance as Dickinson – create an intimate, contemplative film overflowing with incessant wordplay, wit and wry observation.
A Quiet Passion allows us a glimpse into the life of this genius who explored society's stifling puritanical rigidness and decorum that increasingly made her feel so painfully out of place. Even when obstinate, Dickinson looks vulnerable. “I'm nobody! Who are you?” she says to her brother's new baby.
As the movie traverses Dickinson's early years you discern that her life is quietly slipping away; early exuberance lost and experience gained.
And herein is the conundrum which the film so deftly explores: the vigour of feeling alive coupled with the melancholy that comes with the passing years. And through this journey we gain an insight into Dickinson's innermost thoughts through the use her own writing in voice-over by Nixon.
The cinematography is exquisite which along with the classical soundtrack implies Dickinson's connection to a creative force. A Quiet Passion is an exceptional narrative of a life lived quietly but emotionally deeply.
