Donations are essential to keep Write Out Loud going    

DON'T LOOK NOW

Don't look now

but here comes Julie Christie in mourning;

Nick Roeg is a flash of colour in a gondola.

Those doe eyes of Donald Sutherland

beseeching flocks of birds up the canals

escaping his presentiments

reflected in mosaics

that shatter dreams of old sinking doges

in wet flannel palaces.

 

Your ticket will soon expire,

best drop it and clear out

before the end

lest you sink forever

like the upside down daughter

and the old lady in red.

◄ SAME OLD SONG

SHOAL ►

Comments

Profile image

raypool

Fri 22nd Mar 2019 20:46

Thanks all you readers; just to say I enjoy describing films as they embody a whole continuum of ideas to let loose on. Peter, I seem to benefit with age as my voice starts to fray ; ending up maybe like Michael Gambon, haha. Yes your comment captures the element of voyeurism which I hope is an aspect of the film too. Your impertinence is most pertinent thank you!

Thanks Hazel. Yes uncomfortable it was, disturbing really. Limestone is porous of course, hence I thought of flannel.

Truly Graham thanks.
Sadly I've never been to Venice, a wonderful place for photography I'm sure. The film had that other worldly message, clever twists and turns with a disconcerting feel which I enjoyed! with trepidation.

May I just say Stu, that re watching this film just makes you feel more isolated I think as a spectator. A strange thing, which may account partly for your aversion to it. It still fascinates me though.
Thanks for liking it anyway!

Binte and Kate thanks for the additional likes.

Ray

Profile image

Stu Buck

Thu 21st Mar 2019 17:16

excellent poem ray but you know something, having watched the film at least three or four times, i really dont care for it at all. i think i am quite apart in that opinion but it does nothing for me.

Profile image

Graham Sherwood

Thu 21st Mar 2019 09:55

One of the most iconic of films, carefully considered here Ray. There's a dampness to these words that pick out Venice perfectly. Blacks and greys and that one vital, tiny splash of red! I think Peter might be right.

Profile image

Hazel ettridge

Thu 21st Mar 2019 08:42

Hmmmmmmmm. Wet flannel palaces left me feeling almost as uncomfortable as did the original film.

Profile image

Peter Taylor

Thu 21st Mar 2019 03:41

Hi Ray,
the audio really works well with this poem – a gravelly god looking down at the crowd below, from time to time making more than meaningful observations on the better-than-most drama he has just spotted.

Would it be impertinent to suggest this is one of your best?

Peter T

If you wish to post a comment you must login.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Find out more Hide this message