One word you’d be unlikely to use when describing the immensely gifted British filmmaker Terence Davies, is prolific. With ten feature films to his name across the past 33 years, with the shortest break between projects three years (eight being the longest) – it comes as something of a surprise to see the auteur back in the director’s chair so soon after the release of Sunset Song – but needless to say, we certainly aren’t complaining.
His latest is A Quiet Passion, a biopic of the renowned American poet Emily Dickinson, played with a stunning conviction by Cynthia Nixon; a glorious wordsmith, regrettably famed for being recognised for her talents after her passing. We take a comprehensive look over her life – beginning in 1848, from when Dickinson was just a schoolgirl (portrayed at this stage by Emma Bell) and we barely leave the confinement of her family abode from there, studying her own internal conflicts with religion and societal pressures and convention, and her relationship with her righteous father (Keith Carradine) and sister Lavinia (Jennifer Ehle) amongst others.
A Quiet Passion is not quite as subtle an offering as we usually see from Davies, though such an approach is by no means detrimental to proceedings, as the overt comedic nature of the piece enriches the narrative, never once compromising the melancholy and pathos on show. But it’s emblematic of a title that feels like a departure of sorts, not easily defined as being a Davies endeavour, which is surprising given he has such distinctive sensibilities as a filmmaker. For starters, we barely leave the house, feeling akin to a stage play (while ensuring it’s never claustrophobic for the viewer) – working as a stark contrast to Sunset Song, where the landscape and the protagonist’s relationship with her environment informed the narrative so patently.
The screenplay – littered with Dickinson’s poetry, with a minimum contrivance – is unsurprisingly alluring, as we’re bombarded with indelible one liners, as Davies crafts a story around her work. Though minimalist in regards to the setting, internally we studiously explore so many themes, from womanhood, to religious beliefs and social class, all in such a tender manner, succinct and profound in its execution. Nixon brings the role to life too with a remarkable display, and following on from her breathtaking turn in James White, it’s turning out to be quite the year for the former Sex and the City actress.
A Quiet Passion is yet another film to add to what is a glorious collection for Davies, and though gathering a cult following for his efforts, he remains unfairly undervalued in popular culture. Nonetheless, he’s meticulously crafted yet another feature that is bound to stand the test of time. After all, “forever is composed of nows”. Sorry, had to fit a Dickinson quote in there somewhere.
