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by Robert McCourt | september 17 , 2001

Pandaemonium

Caught amidst the explosive atmosphere of the French revolution the famous poets Samuel T. Coleridge and William Wordsworth seek to revert to an imagined rural ideal. Drunk on hallucinogenic apple cider Pandaemonium initially appears to be an early vision of Lewis Carol's mad hatter's tea party. Yet these early days of hedonistic pleasure are soon mired by rivalry jealousy and envy, as Wordsworth (John Hannah) feels increasingly overshadowed by the enigmatic, and passionate Coleridge (Linus Roache). Immersed in a haze of opium Coleridge uses the drug to unlock his creative talent, bringing to life vivid images and dreams of the Ancient Mariner and Kubla Khan. Yet his addiction soon becomes a dangerous self-destructing vice, that destroys both himself and Wordsworths sister Dorothy (Emily Woof)


Director Julien Temples plays heavily on the idea of the poets being the pop stars of their day, - Lennon and McCartney type characters, surrounded by fainting and hysterical female fans. Coleridge and Wordsworth are seen as radical forward thinking revolutionaries championing the causes of liberty, and peace, with considerations for feminism. Not so worried about historical consistency the film is shot in a contemporary style which aims to transform the often dreary poetry of the classroom into awe inspiring drama. Coleridge is therefore seen as a heroic visionary, and recitals of his poetry are accompanied with stirring music and stunning visuals. However references to the modern world, intended to reinforce the meanings of the ancient Mariner appear bizarre and out of place, and add little to the film.

Brilliant cinematography combined with a lose story of friendship, love and betrayal creates a fairly compelling and absorbing film.

Optimum Releasing/BBC Films Present
PANDAEMONIUM
Directed by Julien Temple
Written by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Produced by Nick O'Hagan
Starring John Hannah, Linus Roache, Samantha Morton, and Emily Woof

Certificate 15
Ruunning Time - 119 Minutes
Release date - September 14th 2001

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Last Orders
EMERGEANDSEE
The Hidden Fortress
Serendipity
Mulholland Drive
Back Against the Wall
The Bank
Dark Blue World
Beginners Luck
Gosford Park
Injustice
Promises
The Pledge
The Center of the World
The Man Who Wasn't There
Enigma
Baby Blues
The Score
The Circle
The Navigators
Mike Bassett:England Manager
George Washington
Pandaemonium
Shower
Unbreakable

Groove
The Man Who Cried
Crime and Punishment in Suburbia

The Way of The Gun

Green Desert

Three Below Zero

Requiem For A Dream

The King is Alive

Duets
The House Of Mirth
The Luzhin Defence
Timecode

One Day In September
There's Only One Jimmy Grimble
Miss Julie

Purely Belter
Ring 1
Ring 2
Dancer In The Dark

Angels of the Universe

The Exhibited

Billy Elliot

Books
The Guerilla Film Makers Handbook (2nd Edition)
The Filmmakers Handbook
Imagining Reality - the Faber Book of Documentary
Before You Shoot

Soundtracks
American Beauty

 

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