We have seen many classic poems that have inspired a number of movies; it is time to have a look at poems that were inspired by movies.
For many years, movie makers have depended upon literature for inspiration. No matter how many times we have seen and read the same story, we would still watch the new interpretation of the work. No only novels but poems have also created some of the most heart-wrenching and poignant scenes in the movies. May it be Elizabeth Bishop’s “One Art” in her Shoes or W.H. Auden’s “Funeral Blues” in Four Weddings and a Funeral. And movies, in turn,have inspired a lot of amazing poems.
Late Movies with Skyler by Michael Ondaatje
In this poem, the narrator loves watching old movies every single night. But his reason for watching is a chance to bond with enigmatic Skyler over the hit movie”The Prisoner of Zenda”. Many other Ondaatje poems have been inspired by famous movies. His famous novel “The English Patient” was even adapted to the big screen and won an Oscar for Best Picture in the year 1997.
The Prisoner of Zenda by Richard Wilbur
Wilbur’s wit is clearly evident in this light-hearted verse in the heavy and sobering ending of “The Prisoner of Zenda”. Princess Flavia has to reject Rudolf and has to marry his lookalike King. So, he inserted movie reference in the poem in these lines, far from being a stranger, is also Stewart Granger. Stewart Granger is the actor who played Rudolf in the movie.
Working For Dr No by Valery Nash
Some poems are written for exploring the purpose of life and raise many moral questions within ourselves. Then there are poems that focus on the life choices of our favourite movie characters. Working For Dr No also raises questions as why in the world a talented and brilliant scientist as Professor Dent would work for the villain of the movie. He muses his dilemma in the following verses. Perhaps it was beautiful efficacy…or the attraction of strict discipline, The little luxuries that those on the payroll let show.
The James Bond Movie by May Swenson
In this poem, Swenson talks about a burning and realistic problem, which is the glorification of impossible beauty standards. Especially in the Bond movies. She wittily writes this about Bond girls; they’re nose-perfect replicas of each other.
Have you read any other poem which is inspired by some movie?
