Watch My Letter to the World

My Letter to the World is a 2017 biographical drama film that delves into the life of Emily Dickinson, one of the most famous American poets of the 19th century. The movie stars Catherine Bailey as Dickinson, Chris Bernard as Austin Dickinson, and Jerome Charyn as Robert Frost. Directed by Solon Papadopoulos and Roy Lindholm, the film offers a fresh perspective on the poet's extraordinary and often painful life.

The narrative opens with the death of Emily's beloved friend and mentor, Benjamin Franklin Newton, which sets off a profound sense of loss and isolation that plagues her throughout the movie. Emily's relationship with her brother Austin and his wife Susan is also explored, emphasizing the complicated dynamics that existed between the three. Austin is portrayed as a man who seeks affection and validation from his sister, even as he distances himself from Susan, his wife. The bond between Emily and Susan, on the other hand, is shown to be fraught with tension and jealousy, with both women vying for Austin's attention.

One of the most striking aspects of My Letter to the World is its visual style. The filmmakers chose to shoot the film entirely in black and white, which lends the movie an ethereal, dreamlike quality that suits the tone of Emily's poetry. The cinematography is stunning, with landscapes and interiors that capture the austere beauty of the New England countryside. The film is also notable for its focus on small details - the fluttering of a curtain, the rustling of leaves, the crackling of a fire - that create a sense of intimacy and introspection.

Catherine Bailey delivers a superb performance as Emily Dickinson, capturing the poet's mercurial moods and inner turmoil with sensitivity and nuance. Bailey's Emily is by turns defiant and vulnerable, proud and self-doubting. She portrays Emily as a woman who craves recognition for her work, yet is deeply ambivalent about showing it to others. The movie also explores the poet's complex relationship with her faith, showing her oscillation between doubt and devotion.

Equally compelling is Chris Bernard's performance as Austin Dickinson, Emily's brother. Bernard brings a warmth and wit to the character, but also captures his stubbornness and, at times, cruelty. Jerome Charyn is excellent as Robert Frost, depicting the poet as a complex figure who both admires and envies Emily's talent.

My Letter to the World is a beautifully crafted film that successfully captures the essence of Emily Dickinson's life and work. The movie will appeal to fans of biographical dramas and poetry enthusiasts alike. It is a tender, introspective portrayal of a woman who remains one of the most enigmatic and fascinating figures in American literature.

My Letter to the World is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.