Pandaemonium (2001)
Runtime: 2 hrs
Theatrical Release: Jun 29, 2001 Limited
Synopsis: In this biographical tale about the lives of late-18th Century poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Linus Roache) and William Wordsworth (John Hannah), director Julien Temple (THE FILTH AND THE FURY) and screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce (HILARY AND JACKIE) come together to present an... In this biographical tale about the lives of late-18th Century poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Linus Roache) and William Wordsworth (John Hannah), director Julien Temple (THE FILTH AND THE FURY) and screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce (HILARY AND JACKIE) come together to present an intriguing, dramatic, historical ode to two remarkable writers. Between political rallies, poetry parties, and other chaotic gatherings, Coleridge and his wife Sara (Samantha Morton) share an amusing, critical, intellectual, flirtatious friendship with Wordsworth and his sister, Dorothy (Emily Woof). Coleridge's opium habit plays a big part, as many of the scenes seem to drift and change with a dreamlike lucidity. While Coleridge gathers all who will follow to live in the country in what is meant to be a small bohemian utopia, Wordsworth enjoys his literary popularity. But when Dorothy begins to dote on Coleridge, Wordsworth's response is jealous and jaded, causing the beginning of the end of the friendship between the two poets. If not entirely accurate historically, PANDAEMONIUM is supremely entertaining, combining slick visuals with a saucy story with fascinating effect. [More]
Genre: Dramas
Starring: Linus Roache, John Hannah, Samantha Morton, Emily Woof, Emma Fielding
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Reviews
It's probably somewhat ironic that 'Pandaemonium' would have been far more appealing if its central characters were hoi-polloi poetic wannabes.
A watchable but silly biopic melodrama about the relationship between fellow romantic poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Linus Roache) and William Wordsworth (John Hannah)...
if one is to judge "Pandaemonium" on its own merits as a work of fiction, for the most part it succeeds.
Successfully gets to the heart of the obsessions that drive great writers -- and will have you dusting down your old school copy of the 'Lyrical Ballads'!
Well-intentioned and at the same time sadly indulgent as [Temple] modifies history to suit the MTV generation.
Goes a long way toward capturing the compelling delirium of opium among a crowd of freethinking British iconoclasts.
As a paean to the power of imagination, Pandaemonium is an impressive work.
As a visual counterpart to some of the most sublime verse ever written, it's often thrilling.
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by: Shaun 7/24/01


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