Watch Pandaemonium

Pandaemonium is a British historical drama film from 2000 directed by Julien Temple. The film tells the story of the friendship between two of the greatest poets in British history, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth, and how their relationship was tested and ultimately ruptured. Linus Roache stars as Coleridge, a troubled and opium-addicted genius, while John Hannah plays Wordsworth, a more grounded and practical poet who looks down on Coleridge's drug use. Samantha Morton stars as Sara, Coleridge's long-suffering wife, who is often left alone while her husband and his friends engage in literary discussions and romantic entanglements.

The film is set against the backdrop of the Romantic era and the political upheavals of the time, including the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. While Wordsworth becomes more conservative as he grows older, Coleridge becomes increasingly radical and appears to be losing his mind.

The film features stunning cinematography and a haunting musical score, which captures the mood of the era and the struggles of the two poets. Temple does an excellent job of recreating the settings and characters of the time, from the pubs and streets of London to the forests and hills of the Lake District.

Throughout the film, the poets engage in debates and discussions about the nature of poetry and the role of the artist in society. Wordsworth advocates for a more populist style of poetry, while Coleridge emphasizes the importance of the imagination and the supernatural.

As the film progresses, Coleridge's addiction takes a toll on his health and his relationships with those around him. Meanwhile, Wordsworth's conservative views lead him to distance himself from Coleridge and his radical ideas.

The film is a fascinating exploration of the lives and works of two of Britain's most celebrated poets, and the tensions and conflicts that arose from their friendship. Roache gives a standout performance as Coleridge, capturing both his brilliance and his descent into madness.

Overall, Pandaemonium is a beautifully crafted film that manages to bring to life an important period in British history and literature. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Romantic poetry or the social and political events of the time.