Sylvia

It’s coming soon—not quite next week, but it’s on the horizon... one of my absolute least favorite actresses, Gwyneth Paltrow, is set to play one of my all-time favorite writers, Sylvia Plath...

I can see it playing out in my mind so clearly: Gwyneth portraying her as this anemic, almost semi-autistic, frazzled neurotic constantly being manipulated by Ted Hughes...

Has anyone actually seen it yet? Please, I am dying to hear your impressions...
(And honestly, please try to talk me out of my cynicism! Though, if we're being real, I rarely expect much from these Hollywood dramatizations of literary lives... at that point, it stops being about the author or the literature and just becomes some sugary, sentimental melodrama...)

Is anyone else out there listening?
Well, here is the latest update I’ve gathered: everything is set to arrive on March 11th.

Then just calm down a bit 🙂

I found the film to be quite exceptional; it avoids being overly sentimental, which I appreciated. It’s already available on DVD here, which is a nice touch.

Perhaps my impressions are colored by the fact that someone I hold very dear once spoke to me about Sylvia Plath, and then, several years later, I happened to watch the film about her...
And from there, I found myself drawn into reading her poetry! It is nothing short of phenomenal.

The cinematography is breathtaking, and the art direction is simply sublime... every single hue feels meticulously placed within even the smallest detail of the set design.

By the way, did you happen to hear that someone described Gwyneth Paltrow as the "Walmart generation's Grace Kelly," or something to that effect?

Perhaps I will elaborate on that later.
To truly "watch," as Zivorad Tomic might say.

Hmm... I wonder if it will actually be that much of an impact on me, since I already have her poetry practically memorized by heart... I usually prefer to watch the film first before diving into the verse.

Plus, I really can't stand Gwyneth Paltrow, if you know what I mean...

And why on earth would she even attempt to tackle the classics of English literature? Grrrrrrr!

There really should be a full reimbursement involved here...

goldberry said:And she actually goes and tries to pass herself off as some icon of classic English literature! Grrrrrrr!

It’s funny because so many people actually assume she’s a British actress. Honestly, I can see why—she doesn't exactly give off a typical American vibe either.

Does it truly have to be Gwyneth Paltrow occupying every single space, from being the modern Emma to appearing in a romantic Shakespearean play, or even drifting through those grand expectations and the haunting verses of Sylvia Plath?

Please, do feel free to add anything else if I have perhaps overlooked a detail or two...

goldberry said:She should just stick to the English literary classics! Grrrrrrr

I don't want to get too nitpicky right now, and I'm not even entirely sure who they mean by "English literary classics," but Sylvia Plath was American—born in Boston. Sure, she married a Brit, but that doesn't make her English.

Anyway, I really love Sylvia, so I'm actually a little nervous about this movie. Usually, when it comes to adaptations like this, I end up disappointed because I just let my expectations get too high...

On another note—why on earth does Gwyneth show up in British films so often? It’s not like she’s *that* great. She sort of worked for me in Shakespeare, if you can even call it that, but I just couldn't stand her in Emma. And I actually like Jane Austen...

Wait, didn't I specifically mention that she was British?
Nowhere to be found! Does anyone else feel that sense of complete and utter emptiness? Is there truly nowhere left to turn?
Well, I am certainly aware that she is American!

I find myself wondering, quite simply, why is it that she is constantly being pushed into these lead roles for film adaptations of the great English literary classics? Is it truly because she isn't British herself?

Is everything quite alright?

Well, I guess we’re already getting heated...

That’s exactly why I mentioned I wasn't quite sure who we were actually talking about here.

Oh, I assure you, I am not being coy... it simply escapes my understanding how several people have already jumped to the conclusion that I believe Gwyneth Paltrow is British!

But Goldberry, she’s American.
How could you not know that?

By the way, regarding those sliding doors—there is one more film where she starred alongside a British actress.

...and she’ll even be doing some backing vocals for Coldplay. 😁

goldberry said:hmmm... maybe it won't hit me that hard since I already know her poetry by heart... I usually watch the movie after reading everything first...

Plus, I can't stand Gwyneth, damn it...
Why is she even touching classic English literature? Grrrrrrr!

It’s gonna be rough for anyone who actually felt anything seeing such a hollow character on screen, especially played by someone without any soul (Gwyneth Paltrow).

Anyway, drop your favorite Sylvia Plath poem here so I can geek out!👍

As much as I hate to admit how predictable it might be, my absolute favorite has to be the autobiographical Lady Lazarus... though, if I’m being honest, I think Lady Lazarus and Daddy actually tie for first place in my heart!

I don't have my books with me here at the office, so I'll just have to copy-paste them once I finally get home...

And one of my all-time favorites—it isn't necessarily the deepest piece of literature ever written, but I absolutely adore it! Here is a quote from The Bell Jar:
There's nothing like puking with somebody to make you into old friends!
👍
🙂

Did anyone catch it?
I must say, I found it rather underwhelming...

Hmm, that was perhaps a bit too cautious... truth be told, I am far from impressed.

Honestly, Sylvia should’ve been playing Courtney Love—you know, like, back before all the lip fillers became a thing—instead of this totally anemic version of Gwyneth Paltrow we're stuck with. Or maybe even a slightly younger Judy Davis would've worked better. Actually, if you listen to her, Judy Davis even has a voice that sounds just like Sylvia's.