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Shortly before his death in 1953, famed Welsh poet Dylan Thomas (known for poems such as the haunting “Do Not Go Gentle Into that Good Night”) presented a reading of Under Milk Wood, which he subtitled “A Play for Voices.” Originally intended as a radio play, Under Milk Wood was brought on-screen in this 1972 film adaptation.
Under Milk Wood tells of one spring day in the life of a small Welsh village called Llareggub (try reading it backwards). Narrated by another famous Welshman, Richard Burton (as Voice One), and Ryan Davies (as Voice Two), it follows the townspeople from night, as they lie in their beds and dream, into day, as they go about their business, and once again into the night. Viewers meet the neighborhood gossips, the lying butcher, the brow-beaten husband who’s trying to kill his wife, the postman who knows everyone’s business, the inn-keeper who shuns boarders for fear that they’ll mess up her beautiful rooms, and the blind sea captain (Peter O’Toole), who takes it all in from his second-floor window while he dreams of his long-dead love, Rosie (Elizabeth Taylor). Viewers see the townspeople’s dreams, and they share their secrets.
Under Milk Wood is an unusual film, to put it plainly. On one hand, it’s strong and poetic. On the other hand, it’s quirky—with an almost Monty Python-esque feel at times. It isn’t a film for the everyday casual moviegoer. It’s definitely an art-house kind of film. It’s full of poetic imagery and language that will most likely soar right over the heads of the average viewer. But if you appreciate poetry, you’ll find it beautiful and even hypnotic—even though you may have to play it a few times before you’re able to take it all in.
The film takes a few liberties with the original play, and there are a few added scenes (especially a strange scene depicting a fully-clothed threesome involving a woman from town and two passing strangers) that just don’t fit with the film’s overall feel. But, that aside, Under Milk Wood is a surreal experience. If you’re feeling especially arty, in a deep and poetic kind of way, pick up a copy of this recently-released DVD. It’s like a 90-minute poetry reading—with pictures.
And if you’re a fan of Dylan Thomas (of if the movie intrigues you enough to want to learn more about him), don’t miss the DVD’s special features menu, which includes a feature-length documentary on the poet.
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