Watch A Poet in New York

A Poet in New York is a dramatic portrayal of the final few years of the life of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, played with intensity and emotion by Tom Hollander. The series covers the period leading up to his untimely death in 1953 at the young age of 39. It explores his life in New York, where he spent his last days, and his relationships with an array of complex characters.

Tom Hollander shines in the role of Dylan, capturing his charm, wit, and self-destructive tendencies with skill and subtlety. His performance brings to life the many facets of the poet's personality, from his creative genius to his reckless behavior and his struggle with alcoholism. Hollander perfectly captures the intensity of Dylan's poems and monologues, delivering them with conviction and emotional depth.

Phoebe Fox plays Dylan's wife, Caitlin, with sensitivity and charisma. She portrays the tumultuous nature of their relationship with conviction, conveying the pain of their love and the destructive forces at work in their lives. Fox and Hollander have exceptional chemistry on screen, delivering performances that are both intense and captivating.

Ewen Bremner plays John Malcolm Brinnin, the American academic who invites Dylan to New York to perform a series of readings. Bremner provides an excellent foil to Hollander's Dylan, portraying a man who is reserved, analytical, and cautious, in contrast to Dylan's wild and unpredictable nature. Bremner's performance captures the determination and pragmatism that drove Brinnin's efforts to bring Dylan to New York, and the conflicts that arose in their relationship.

The show features a strong supporting cast, including Essie Davis as Liz Reitell, a woman from Dylan's past who reappears in his life in New York, and Phyllis Logan as Vera Phillips, a former girlfriend who has settled down and established a family. Each of these characters serves to highlight different facets of Dylan's personality and the challenges he faced in his life.

The series is beautifully shot, capturing the vibrant energy of New York City in the 1950s, as well as the more somber and introspective moments of the story. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring a range of music from the period that helps to transport the viewer back in time.

A Poet in New York offers a poignant and powerful portrait of a tortured artist in his final days, exploring the creative genius and destructive impulses that defined Dylan Thomas's life and work. The show provides a window into the world of literary giants in the mid-twentieth century, and a glimpse into the challenges and complexities of life as an artist. The performances are exceptional, the writing is strong, and the direction is masterful. This is a must-watch show for anyone interested in poetry, literature, or the human condition.

A Poet in New York is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between May 18, 2014 and on BBC America