Volcano: An Inquiry into the Life and Death of Malcolm Lowry
1976
1 h 39 min
Coming soon
This feature-length documentary focuses on Malcolm Lowry, author of one of the major novels of the 20th century, Under the Volcano. But while Lowry fought a winning battle with words, he lost his battle with alcohol. Shot on location in four countries, the film combines photographs, readings by Richard Burton from the novel and interviews with the people who loved and hated Lowry, to create a vivid portrait of the man.
This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
Details
This feature-length documentary focuses on Malcolm Lowry, author of one of the major novels of the 20th century, Under the Volcano. But while Lowry fought a winning battle with words, he lost his battle with alcohol. Shot on location in four countries, the film combines photographs, readings by Richard Burton from the novel and interviews with the people who loved and hated Lowry, to create a vivid portrait of the man.
This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
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directorDonald BrittainJohn Kramer
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scriptDonald BrittainJohn Kramer
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producerDonald BrittainRobert Duncan
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executive producerJames de B. Domville
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photographyDouglas Kiefer
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animation cameraJacques Avoine
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soundJames McCarthy
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editingJohn Kramer
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sound editingLes HalmanAbbey Jack Neidik
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voiceRichard Burton
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narratorDonald Brittain
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musicAlain Clavier
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re-recordingRoger Lamoureux
Education
Ages 16 to 17
English Language Arts - CanLit
Health/Personal Development - Mental Health/Stress/Suicide
History and Citizenship Education - Culture and Currents of Thought (1500-present)
Students compare one of the passages in the film to passages selected from writers like Faulkner and Conrad, considering breadth of allusion, imagery, style. Why is Lowry considered a top writer in English, despite his having produced only one masterpiece? Students explore why Mexico was chosen by Lowry as symbolic setting. For example, research Day of the Dead, the volcanos, mythology. Students analyse and discuss poems by Lowry, looking for connections to Under the Volcano.
