Watch Set Fire to the Stars

Set Fire to the Stars is a 2014 biographical drama film directed by Andy Goddard and stars Elijah Wood, Celyn Jones, and Kelly Reilly. The movie was released on June 12, 2015, in the United States. The movie is set in 1950 and revolves around the poet Dylan Thomas (played by Celyn Jones) who is invited by his American tour organizer to New York. The young poet is quite popular in his country, and this is his first visit to America. He is accompanied, on this voyage, by his host and mentor, John Brinnin (played by Elijah Wood).

Set Fire to the Stars is a black-and-white film and is artistically shot to capture the essence of 1950's America. The visual and musical representation of 1950's New York is stunning, and the filmmakers have done an excellent job in creating the atmosphere for this era.

As the movie progresses, tension rises between Dylan and John as Dylan becomes more interested in indulging himself in the pleasures of the city rather than working on his poetry. He is constantly partying, drinking, and staying out late, which is in stark contrast to the puritanical and sober life that John is living.

The conflict between the two characters builds up, and it's only on the final night of Dylan's stay in New York that the two make peace. This occurs as Dylan struggles with his inner demons and the possibility of failure in his artistic career.

Celyn Jones's portrayal of Dylan Thomas is what makes this movie stand out. He has done an excellent job capturing the character's nuances, his charm, wit, and the self-destructive tendencies that eventually led to his untimely death.

Elijah Wood also gives an excellent performance as John Brinnin. Wood's portrayal of the reserved and careful host is noteworthy. He plays his part with sincerity, and you can see he has put a lot of thought into his character's portrayal.

The supporting cast of this movie is also remarkable. Kelly Reilly, who plays Shirley Jackson, a woman who meets and interacts with Dylan Thomas in New York, is excellent in her role. Steven Mackintosh, who plays the party-loving music critic, gives a brilliant performance too.

Set Fire to the Stars is not just a biographical drama; it's also a commentary on the creative process and the sacrifices one has to make to be successful in their artistic career. The movie highlights the fact that the creative process is convoluted, and artists are not always driven by pure inspiration. They also face inner turmoil, doubts, fears, and external factors that could distract them from what they are trying to achieve.

The movie has some beautiful cinematography and lighting, especially the scene where Dylan and John share a moment in the woods. The use of black and white is also fitting for this movie as it creates a nostalgic and timeless look that serves the story well.

The movie's pacing is a bit slow at times, which may be off-putting for some viewers, but it's a deliberate choice, as the story is more about the characters' interpersonal dynamics than any action or plot twist.

Overall, Set Fire to the Stars is a well-acted, well-directed, and sharply written movie that explores the turbulent mind of an artist and the sacrifices they make to produce their work. It captures the mood and atmosphere of 1950s America beautifully and is a must-watch for those interested in the creative process and the lives of artists.

Set Fire to the Stars is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 49.