Pandaemonium (2000)

Pandaemonium
Part drama, part biographical. A story of two writers battling each other as they vie for words and glory. Somewhat dark at times, but nevertheless tells the story of their struggles.

Let's get high and write some poems
I watched this movie in one of my classes and I loved it. I did not know that John Hannah was in it, and when I saw him in it I knew I would like it. It is a crazy drug adventure that is beautifully done. If you liked Fear & Loathing you will enjoy this movie, if not...don't bother. No, the movie is not historically accurate. I don't think they wanted it to be, but what they did do is make a great movie. The dialogue is great, and the acting superb.

Pandaemonium is a stellar modern day adaptation of the life of Coleridge and Wordsworth!
Linus Roache and John Hannah shine in their portrayal of Samuel Coleridge and William Wordsworth (respectively). This BBC adaptation may alter some factual matters, as this usually is inherant within the dramatic confines of cinema to smooth out rough edges and sharpen the story's singular focus on the lives of the two poets and their accomplishments while leaving a few minor details unmentioned.

One aspect of the film that outshines even the performances is the cinematography, which is first rate. The film's director, Julien temple did a stellar, bravura job of shooting this film, which is set during the French Revolution. The photography of the English landscape is a rich, lush palette of colors. The rolling green hills were expertly shot. One thing I did sadly miss on this DVD is it's lack of a widescreen option, which would have further embellished Julien Temple's photography. From viewing the pan-and-scan version, I would assume that this film is a flat 1.85:1 film, not a scope 2.35:1 due to the picture not feeling too cropped.

The camera moves which show multiple wine glasses falling in slow motion, and also the hallucinogenic effects of opium are very effective. The movie runs at a nice edited, well paced 124 minutes. This allows sufficient time for good character development, but still brief enough to hold its' viewers attention. The movie doesn't try to capture Coleridge and Wordsworth entire lifespans, it simply captures the creative period that occurred during their time spent in close proximity together. Highly Recommended!