The Edge of Love
Dir: John Maybury
2008
****
2008's The Edge of Love, takes you to Dylan Thomas' literal world and is a thing of beauty. It just doesn't take you to his literary world so much, so it doesn't really feel like it is his words that are coming to life. Your enjoyment of this film will depend somewhat on where you stand on the poet and his words, I'm a fan but was surprised, not by how he was portrayed but how he wasn't. I think a film that focused purely on him would have been a mistake, as the two women of his desire, Vera Philips and Caitlin Thomas, were great characters themselves. This is a great essay on passion and the self-destructive nature of genius but without the usual cliches. Visually, the film is absolutely gorgeous and the performances do it great justice. Matthew Rhys is perfect as Thomas and Sienna Miller and Keira Knightley play off each other brilliantly. In many respects Cillian Murphy had the trickiest part to play, and for my money it is one of his best performances yet. Apart from maybe a little more of Dylan's words, it's a near perfect portrayal of the great mans loves and faults.