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Volcano: An Inquiry into the Life and Death of Malcolm Lowry

This feature-length documentary focuses on Malcolm Lowry, author of one of the major novels of the 20th century, Under the Volcano. But while Lowry fought a winning battle with words, he lost his battle with alcohol. Shot on location in four countries, the film combines photographs, readings by Richard Burton from the novel and interviews with the people who loved and hated Lowry, to create a vivid portrait of the man.
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This feature-length documentary focuses on Malcolm Lowry, author of one of the major novels of the 20th century, Under the Volcano. But while Lowry fought a winning battle with words, he lost his battle with alcohol. Shot on location in four countries, the film combines photographs, readings by Richard Burton from the novel and interviews with the people who loved and hated Lowry, to create a vivid portrait of the man.

 This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
Under the Volcano
Developing Countries Literature and Language - Canada Literature and Language All subjects
Arts Fascinating People All channels
  • director
    Donald Brittain
    John Kramer
  • script
    Donald Brittain
    John Kramer
  • producer
    Donald Brittain
    Robert Duncan
  • executive producer
    James de B. Domville
  • photography
    Douglas Kiefer
  • animation camera
    Jacques Avoine
  • sound
    James McCarthy
  • editing
    John Kramer
  • sound editing
    Les Halman
    Abbey Jack Neidik
  • voice
    Richard Burton
  • narrator
    Donald Brittain
  • music
    Alain Clavier
  • re-recording
    Roger Lamoureux

Education

Ages 16 to 17

Notes

Students compare one of the passages in the film to passages selected from writers like Faulkner and Conrad, considering breadth of allusion, imagery, style. Why is Lowry considered a top writer in English, despite his having produced only one masterpiece? Students explore why Mexico was chosen by Lowry as symbolic setting. For example, research Day of the Dead, the volcanos, mythology. Students analyse and discuss poems by Lowry, looking for connections to Under the Volcano.

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Volcano: An Inquiry into the Life and Death of Malcolm Lowry
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