Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Bresson's Movies" by Robert Creeley is an evocative poem that draws upon the cinematic imagery of Robert Bresson, a French film director known for his austere style and philosophical depth. Creeley uses scenes from Bresson's films to explore themes of love, disillusionment, and the harsh realities of life, intertwining his personal reflections with the universal narratives found in Bresson's work.

The poem begins with a description of a scene from one of Bresson's movies, featuring a yacht illuminated at evening on the Seine, observed by "two young, seemingly poor people" from a bridge. This image sets up a contrast between the opulence represented by the yacht and the simplicity, perhaps even the longing, of the young couple. The "classic boy and girl of the story" archetype invites readers to project their own narratives or desires onto the scene, making it a vessel for universal longing and the disparities of life experiences.

Creeley then transitions to a personal identification with a character from another of Bresson's films—a "young, embittered Frenchman." He confesses to understanding the character's "almost complacent anguish and the distance he felt from his girl," suggesting a resonance between the character's emotional landscape and his own. This connection underscores the power of Bresson's storytelling to reflect and evoke the complex emotions and experiences of the viewer, bridging the gap between the screen and reality.

The poem shifts again to describe yet another film by Bresson, this time focusing on the aging Lancelot, dazed and bleeding in a forest, struggling to return to his castle. The imagery of Lancelot in his "awkward armor," along with his horse, both wounded, paints a poignant picture of vulnerability and the weariness of life's battles. Creeley is moved by the realization that "life was after all like that"—a journey marked by love, struggle, and the inevitable wounds we accumulate along the way.

The final lines of the poem, "You are in love. You stand in the woods, with a horse, bleeding. The story is true," distill the essence of human experience into a series of simple yet profound statements. Love, struggle, and the authenticity of our narratives, regardless of how fantastical they may seem, are presented as inextricable elements of existence. Creeley captures the solemn beauty and tragedy of life, echoing the thematic concerns of Bresson's films.

"Bresson's Movies" is a reflective and deeply personal poem that pays homage to Robert Bresson's cinematic art while exploring the universal themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Creeley's use of vivid imagery and his intimate engagement with the characters and scenes from Bresson's films create a rich tapestry of emotional and existential reflection. The poem itself becomes a narrative that bridges the visual storytelling of cinema with the lyrical expression of poetry, inviting readers to find their own truths within the interplay of light, shadow, and the human heart.

POEM TEXT: https://www.enardediosrodriguez.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Bressons-movies.pdf

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