Watch By Our Selves

By Our Selves is a 2015 film directed by Andrew Kotting, which blends elements of fiction, documentary, and visual art to explore the life and work of British poet John Clare. The film features a cast of well-known actors, including Toby Jones, who plays John Clare, and Freddie Jones, who portrays the legendary figure of the Straw Bear.

The movie begins with an introduction to John Clare, a poet who lived in the early 19th century and is considered one of the greatest nature poets in the English language. The film focuses on Clare's journey from the confines of a mental asylum to his home in Northborough, a village located in the heart of rural England. Along the way, he encounters various characters, both real and imaginary, including a group of farm laborers, a hooded figure from his past, and the Straw Bear, a mythical creature from English folklore.

One of the key themes of the film is the relationship between the individual and the landscape. This is explored through Clare's deep connection to the natural world and his intense feelings of displacement and alienation when removed from it. The film contrasts the lush, picturesque countryside with the bleak, institutional setting of the asylum, highlighting the stark contrast between Clare's inner and outer worlds.

Another important aspect of the film is its commentary on mental illness and the treatment of the mentally ill. By Our Selves underscores Clare's experiences inside the asylum, showing the harsh conditions and mistreatment he and other patients were subject to. The film uses this to shed light on the wider societal attitudes towards mental illness at the time, and how these attitudes continue to shape our understanding of it today.

The film also incorporates elements of visual art, with some of the most striking scenes featuring a giant Straw Bear costume. The character of the Straw Bear is an ancient English folkloric figure, often associated with the harvest season. The film uses the Straw Bear as a metaphor for the way society tends to 'other' and ostracize those who do not conform to cultural norms. At the same time, the Straw Bear also represents the wild, untamed aspects of nature that Clare was so drawn to.

Throughout the film, we see Clare reciting poetry, such as his famous 'I Am' sonnet. These recitations are interspersed with interviews and commentary from a range of literary and cultural figures, such as Simon Armitage and Iain Sinclair. The combination of these elements creates a dense, layered narrative that invites the viewer to engage with multiple facets of Clare's life and work.

By Our Selves is a challenging and thought-provoking film that explores a range of themes relating to nature, madness, and cultural identity. It is at once visually beautiful and emotionally devastating, drawing on the rich history of English literature and folklore to create a haunting portrait of one of the country's greatest poets.