Friday, December 11, 2009

The Mix: Anne Sexton on Film



Anne Sexton (11/9/1928-10/4/1974) in the 1960s. Made available by "poesiaenobrasa" (a Spanish or Italian poet?). After her reading, the film transforms into a montage at about the 2:25 mark.

At some point, I'd like to investigate her papers and art collection at the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center, University of Texas at Austin. HRC website: http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/

Today's Rune: Fertility.  

5 comments:

Charles Gramlich said...

The ransom center is indeed a wonderous place to explore.

JR's Thumbprints said...

What is poetry without confession?

jodi said...

Oh Erik, I am not cool or deep enough to appreciate Anne. I have trouble with such a depressing theme and go for more uplifting and beautiful ones. She does, however, do a cool reading..Thanks for the hundredth time for exposing me to stuff I wouldn't otherwise pay attention to.

the walking man said...

Is there something in the chronic depression poetry that makes us feel affirmed or less alone?

I will nod to Sexton's skill with words but to me what of her 200 pieces I have read it seems she never got past her teen angst and was subject to psychological buffoonery of her day. While constantly encouraged in her oft times violent behavior towards kith and kin and multiple suicide attempts by her editors, doctors, "friends" and fans.

Which in my mind allows that her continuing confession of her addiction to pain somewhat commercial and disingenuous.

Erik Donald France said...

Charles, I saw a lobby exhibit there once, and was intrigued. JR, sounds about right. Jodi and Mark, just thought it was good to see her as a person, rather than printed words only. Interesting.

Cheers all'