Pandaemonium (DVD, 2008, Canadian)

"Pandaemonium" is a remarkable movie based on the life and works of Samuel Coleridge whose "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is considered iconic. Linus Roache of "Law and Order" and "Priest" fame plays the troubled visionary; Samantha Morton plays his beleagured wife. If the director, Julian Temple, had just told the story of Coleridge's life, "Pandaemonium" wouldn't be much of a movie. However, the director has chosen to let the audience see Coleridge's inspirational, drug-induced visions and dreams and the self-sacrifice it takes to be an artist on this earth. Tennessee Williams wrote constantly of this, most successfully, I think, in "Orpheus Descending" and "Clothes for a Summer Hotel." I don't know to what extent Temple has been influenced by Mr. Williams, but the director has certainly carried the playwright's torch.

At the heart of "Pandaemonium" is the friendship of Coleridge and William Wordsworth (played by John Hannah). Wordsworth was able to leave the drugs behind and become poet laureate of England. Coleridge was greatly damaged by his drug-taking and Temple holds no punches there. Some of the final scenes illustrating his deterioration are deeply moving. It is only when Coleridge's sister (played by a riveting Emily Woof) breaks into the room does Temple show his cards. This woman's mind has also been ravaged by drugs, but in a moment of clarity she recognizes Coleridge and tells him his visions are true. In a remarkable and brilliant climax, the movie becomes an homage to those who take the undiscovered path and clear the way for a new world.

Don't miss this movie!