Watch Dylan Thomas

Dylan Thomas from 1961 is a biographical drama film that depicts the life and legacy of the famous Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas. With Richard Burton as the lead actor, the film portrays the writer's rise to fame and his tragic decline, exploring the conflicts and controversies that surrounded his work and his personal life. The movie starts with a young Dylan Thomas, standing on a stage and reciting his poetry to an enraptured audience. From there, it delves into his formative years, painting a vivid picture of his youth in Wales and the influences that shaped his creative vision. This includes his relationships with his parents, his love of language and literature, and his personal struggles with identity and ambition.

As Thomas grows older, the film follows his journey to becoming one of the most celebrated poets of his time, with numerous public readings and book releases that cement his place in literary history. During this time, however, he also struggles with alcoholism, infidelity, and a series of personal conflicts and crises that threaten to derail his career and his personal life.

Throughout the film, Richard Burton delivers a powerful and nuanced performance, bringing Thomas to life with all of his idiosyncrasies and complexities. From his piercing intellect to his raging ego, Burton captures Thomas in all his contradictions, creating a character who is both captivating and deeply flawed.

In addition to Burton's performance, the film's production design and cinematography are also noteworthy. Shot in black and white, the movie captures the mood and atmosphere of Thomas' life and work with a poetic and impressionistic style. The scenes in Wales and New York, in particular, are beautifully realized, providing a sense of time and place that complements the film's central themes of nostalgia and isolation.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is its exploration of Thomas' relationships with the women in his life. From his devoted wife Caitlin (played by Sybil Williams) to his mistress Vera Phillips (played by Liz Fraser), the movie depicts a complex web of love, jealousy, and betrayal that illustrates the ways in which Thomas' personal life influenced his art.

Overall, Dylan Thomas from 1961 is a captivating and emotionally resonant film that celebrates the life and legacy of a great poet. With its superb lead performance, strong supporting cast, and stunning visual style, it offers an intimate and insightful portrait of one of the most fascinating and influential writers of the 20th century.