Set Fire to the Stars

Having now watched this film twice I have to say that to me Set Fire To The Stars is a master class in classic film making, Hitchcock often referred to 'pure cinema' the art of story telling via the art of the composition of shots and the smooth editing used to translate the written word into a visual experience and this film truly achieves what Hitchcock discussed.

It takes me back to the classics of film, the films that originally drew my attention and focus into the importance of film as an art form and lead to my career aspirations of sharing the joy and experience I had felt into the minds of the young and impressionable generations of the future. I have been a lecturer in Film Studies for 15 years.

The relationship between Thomas and Brinnin is just so beautifully created it almost feels as though one is part of this close and personal journey they shared. The relationship that develops through the film almost brought me to tears on more than one occasion while watching the film (if not for being a true 'Yorkshire man' then I think I could have shed a tear or two) The pain and frustration that Brinnin feels towards Thomas can be truly felt by the viewer, in one moment their relationship is so perfectly created only for the next scene to totally destroy Brinnin's 'love' for Thomas – pride that almost immediately becomes embarrassment, joy that turns swiftly to sadness – can only be said to be breath taking.

The performances of both Celyn and Elijah are at the height of what one would expect from the classics of Hollywood in its Golden Age, I do have to say that Celyn outshines on more than one occasion - which are the moments that made me feel extremely emotional, a man on the edge who was so lost in excess that I felt extreme sorrow for the character and those around him.

The composition of the shots is without doubt awe inspiring; I did not find one shot that jolted me from this visual feast. I get great delight from films that are obviously so cinematic, sadly something that is missing from so many contemporary films and what distinguishes a film from a movie. The scenes that stood out the most to me are the lake scene, the café scene (which was perfectly composed), the chess game and the woodland – just perfect.

Everyone in the cinema was quite struck by the profound and beautiful movie that is "Set Fire To The Stars". You could see it in the faces of the audience, as each person figured out which message had the most resonance.

This movie is much more than another biopic of an artist on the fringe of society. And for most audiences, it will be much more meaningful than Dylan Thomas's poetry. It took me a while to process the resonance for me in this movie. I had to filter the welcome enormity of Elijah Wood's screen presence and Celyn Jones' powerful persona. But they gave me enough gentle nudges and artistic clues under Andy Goddard's direction to lead me to the following conclusion: the purpose of this film is to unravel some of the mysteries of male friendship, and to lift the veil on hero worship (which Elijah must experience on the other side, in his real life) and, of course, where Dylan helped, it was on the transformative power of words.

With all this colour going on, the superb aesthetic of the black and white film compliments the mood nicely. Tantalisingly the film gives no pithy answers, or sound-bitten sentimentalism. Instead I need to look inside myself, and perhaps within the poetry of Dylan Thomas, to find some of those answers. Or maybe I just need to watch it again.

This review also needs to pay justice to the sheer entertainment value that is throughout the movie. I loved it - from start to finish. Elijah's performance is incredible. Celyn's character is jaw- droppingly intriguing (and believable), and the music from Gruff Rhys (of Super Furry Animals fame) is beautiful at all times and crosses a range of genres and styles. Everything is in balance, except Dylan's psyche - and that's what makes it fun!

This is a monumental achievement, where intellectualism and pure fun entertainment ride side by side. Perhaps it is the start of a new genre - where intellectual movies have taken their heads out of the clouds and are doing it with a smile. I'm sure that's how Dylan would have wanted it to be.

Understated and stylish window into Dylan's later years. Both Celyn Jones and Elijah Wood offer up immersive performances in this affecting and brilliantly scripted film. There have been a handful of films and documentaries released to celebrate the centenary of Dylan Thomas- yet few stand on their own two feet as well as this. It's largely due to the focus on a specific period of Dylan's life and to the fact that the film is ultimately a beautifully observed portrait of a relationship between two men. You don't need to be a Dylan Thomas fan to enjoy this film: every scene could be a photograph, Gruff Rhys (of the super furry animals) has scored a soundtrack with echoes the jazz of some of Dylan's own poetry, and Kelly Reilly does a wonderful turn as Dylan's famous wife Caitlin. It is clear that both Andy (this is his directorial debut) and Celyn are talents to watch.

Superb reviews here of a magnificent film.

One complaint.

Too often the music kills the moment.

When no-one is speaking, and also when someone is speaking, the scene would be more intense without musical sounds that intrude.

Many years ago, in the 1940s I believe, H.L.Mencken wrote strongly of his irritation when musical sounds were introduced into films for dramatic effect.

This is a film largely about the spoken word and human frailties, in brilliantly simple black-ands-white settings that are intimate whether in a field, a forest or a cabin.

Of course it's merely personal opinion, but to me the music here merely clutters a classic.

This film is the perfect example of why great writing, direction and performances will always be more important to creating great cinema than having oodles of cash and lavish visual effects. Shot in weeks not months, no one misses a beat in this story about an enigmatic, troubled genius. Wood and Jones are mesmerising as Brinnin and Thomas respectively and it's beautifully directed in black and white by Andy Goddard. Finally, a mention for Gruff Rhys whose haunting soundtrack perfectly augments a beautiful film. It amazes me that films like this have to fight to get made. One of the best films I've seen in the last few years. A must see whether a fan of Thomas or not.