Set Fire to the Stars

Understated and stylish window into Dylan's later years. Both Celyn Jones and Elijah Wood offer up immersive performances in this affecting and brilliantly scripted film. There have been a handful of films and documentaries released to celebrate the centenary of Dylan Thomas- yet few stand on their own two feet as well as this. It's largely due to the focus on a specific period of Dylan's life and to the fact that the film is ultimately a beautifully observed portrait of a relationship between two men. You don't need to be a Dylan Thomas fan to enjoy this film: every scene could be a photograph, Gruff Rhys (of the super furry animals) has scored a soundtrack with echoes the jazz of some of Dylan's own poetry, and Kelly Reilly does a wonderful turn as Dylan's famous wife Caitlin. It is clear that both Andy (this is his directorial debut) and Celyn are talents to watch.

This was an astonishing little film. What a performance from Elijah Wood. I did not know he had it in him. What can one say. Pitch perfect work. The Dylan Thomas character was great, and probably quite accurately portrayed, as a tormented soul. Great characters throughout, and excellent directing. The cinematography was breath takingly beautiful. If you are the literary sort, or enjoy poetry, this is quite a film. The locations were lovely, the sets were totally believable, the props were amazing, and the entire production was outstanding.

If you are looking for a lot of action, take a pass. This film is all about drama.

This film is the perfect example of why great writing, direction and performances will always be more important to creating great cinema than having oodles of cash and lavish visual effects. Shot in weeks not months, no one misses a beat in this story about an enigmatic, troubled genius. Wood and Jones are mesmerising as Brinnin and Thomas respectively and it's beautifully directed in black and white by Andy Goddard. Finally, a mention for Gruff Rhys whose haunting soundtrack perfectly augments a beautiful film. It amazes me that films like this have to fight to get made. One of the best films I've seen in the last few years. A must see whether a fan of Thomas or not.

Superb reviews here of a magnificent film.

One complaint.

Too often the music kills the moment.

When no-one is speaking, and also when someone is speaking, the scene would be more intense without musical sounds that intrude.

Many years ago, in the 1940s I believe, H.L.Mencken wrote strongly of his irritation when musical sounds were introduced into films for dramatic effect.

This is a film largely about the spoken word and human frailties, in brilliantly simple black-ands-white settings that are intimate whether in a field, a forest or a cabin.

Of course it's merely personal opinion, but to me the music here merely clutters a classic.

Though not really my thing at all, the film was well structured.

Set Fire to the Stars tells the story of Dylan Thomas during his time with poet John Brinnin as he helped him in his spoken word tour.

Set Fire to the Stars attempts to be as intense as the artist that it's based on and portray a life that's both wild and sad. The type of story we'd expected about a 1950s poet I guess.

It can be amusing. Most appealing for artist who either think there Dylan Thomas or feel like John taking care of Dylan.

It's a very cool title, and it has cool art direction somewhere between fact and fiction that glamorizes the world of Dylan Thomas lives in, though Dylan is not that glamorous.

Very cool cinematography as well. the Black and white really sets the mood. Also loved how the music blended into it. The technical film aspects put you in the illusion that the movie really was made in 1952.

One really great highlight was when the actors recited the words of the writer's they play.

A pure motion painting that really captures the time period it's about.