Let's dive into the captivating world of 'Borges And Me', a film that takes us on a literary journey through the '70s. This movie, set in the unique backdrop of early '70s Britain, offers a fresh perspective on the academic world and its intriguing visual paradox.
The Academic Paradox
The film opens with a fascinating contrast: young, ambitious minds venturing out to explore and grow, yet finding themselves in an environment steeped in the traditions and habits of their parents' generation. It's a world where beer is served in heavy mugs, and pubs are filled with the smoke of chain-smokers. This paradoxical setting provides an intriguing backdrop for the story that unfolds.
A Literary Road Trip
At the heart of 'Borges And Me' is the real-life road trip of American writer Jay Parini. Parini's journey is a quest for mentorship and self-discovery. He enrolls at the University of St. Andrews, driven by his dream of becoming a poet. However, his conscience is burdened by the knowledge that he inadvertently influenced his brother to join the Vietnam War. This adds a layer of desperation to his search for a mentor.
Mentors and Their Impact
Parini encounters a series of mentors, each offering a unique perspective. The first is Alistair Reid, an academic who agrees to help Parini on the condition that he tutors Reid's son. Reid also introduces Parini to the renowned Argentinian poet Jorge Luis Borges, who becomes an intriguing figure in the story. Borges, despite his blindness, expresses a childlike enthusiasm and a unique view on literature and life.
The Meeting of Minds
Parini's original plan is to interview the reclusive poet George Mackay Brown, but this meeting never materializes. Instead, Brown, with his dry and enigmatic nature, becomes a contrasting figure to Borges. Brown's rejection of romanticized art and his focus on the mundane provide an interesting counterpoint to Borges' metafictional genius.
Hallucinatory Journey
The film's title card reveals that much of the story is true, which is an intriguing twist. The journey, at times, feels hallucinatory, with Borges' enigmatic statements and actions leaving the audience questioning his reality. His visit to the library, where he licks a book and then urinates in the car park, is a memorable and bizarre moment.
A Missing Connection
One of the film's intriguing aspects is the missed connection between Parini and Borges. Despite their shared love for poetry, they never truly connect. This absence of a meeting between the two poets leaves a lingering question: what could have been if they had engaged in a literary dialogue?
A Striking Scene
The film's most striking scene occurs when Parini takes Borges to the Battle of Culloden site. Here, the two commune with the ghosts of the past, and for a moment, Parini seems to connect with his riding partner. This scene showcases the film's potential to explore deeper themes and engage with Borges' metafictional style.
A Thoughtful Conclusion
'Borges And Me' is a smart, literary, and playful film. While it could have delved deeper into Borges' genius, it offers a unique perspective on the academic world and the pursuit of literary dreams. The missed connections and hallucinatory journey leave the audience with a sense of curiosity and a desire for more.
Personally, I found the film's exploration of mentorship and the contrasting personalities of Borges and Brown to be particularly fascinating. It raises questions about the nature of literary inspiration and the impact of mentors on an artist's journey. A thought-provoking watch, indeed!
