NYFF Diary: Emily Dickinson's Quiet Passion

An Intense Emily Dickinson In Terence Davies' A Quiet Passion

By Liza Bear

New York, October 5 2016--If a reference to poetry is intended by the title "A Quiet Passion", no doubt the act of writing itself is quiet, but as presented in this film there was absolutely nothing quiet about Dickinson's turbulent emotional life, forthrightness and outspokenness about moral principles, preservation of her creative independence, atheism and challenge to accepted pieties and social hypocrisy. 

Cynthia Nixon brilliantly portrays the rebellious and soulful Emily Dickinson in A QUIET PASSION by Terence Davies. His latest 19th century biopic is an exquisite, sublimely-lit film that seamlessly merges Dickinson's poetry, family life and searing--and often scathing-- quest for truth and honesty, in herself and others. An abundance of bons mots and sharp repartee in the verbal sparring between Emily, her sister, brother, father and best friend keep the narrative moving at a fast clip. The rapports between family members are nevertheless marked by a deep affection and Emily is gentler with her mother. 

Liza Bear produces Cherchez La Femme on Youtube. She also writes for Bomb Magazine. Liza is a member of The Women Film Critics Circle.