Poet: Irving Layton Observed

Poet: Irving Layton Observed

| 52 min

This feature documentary is a portrait of the life and work of Canadian poet Irving Layton. Here, the artist who long masked himself in controversy, unexpectedly agrees to be unmasked in front of the camera. The 1981 Nobel nominee not only reads and explicates his own writings, but also speaks incisively about Canadian literature itself, defining it metaphorically as a "double hook" that combines "beauty and terror."

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Credits
  • director
    Donald Winkler
  • producer
    William Brind
  • executive producer
    Barrie Howells
  • photography
    Barry Perles
  • sound
    Claude Hazanavicius
    Jean-Guy Normandin
  • editing
    Torben Schioler
  • sound editing
    Abbey Jack Neidik
  • music
    Alain Clavier

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Literature and Language - Canada
Literature and Language
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Canadian Jewish Heritage Month
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Fascinating People
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Poet: Irving Layton Observed
Also available
DVD
Add a new comment
  • scandia

    He is, of course, provocative and the documentary shows his flamboyant personality. One might not agree with everything he says (Choke cherries do not die- they are the seeds of the next generation) The strength of the documentary comes mainly from his recitals and the comments he makes on his own poetry. Poetry is a mirror of the creators soul and a window to his (or her) personality.

    scandia, 16 Mar 2012

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Poet: Irving Layton Observed, Donald Winkler, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

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