The 5 Best Documentaries About William Wordsworth

Nov 21, 2023 | Art, Best Of, History

William Wordsworth is one of the most influential and beloved poets of all time. He was a major figure in the Romantic movement, which emphasized emotion over logic and individualism over conformity. His work has been studied and appreciated for centuries, and his influence continues to be felt today. For those looking to learn more about this remarkable poet, there are a number of documentaries that capture Wordsworth’s life and work. Here are five of the best documentaries about William Wordsworth: Wordsworth in Love – This documentary focuses on the romantic relationships that shaped Wordsworth’s work, including his relationship with Mary Hutchinson. It also examines his philosophy and how it influenced his writing.

1. William Wordsworth documentary

This documentary focuses on Wordsworth’s most famous poem, The Prelude. It includes readings by celebrated actors such as Kenneth Branagh and Derek Jacobi along with commentary from scholars about the poem’s meaning and impact.

 

2. William Wordsworth biography

The life of William Wordsworth is captivating and inspiring – the poet was born in 1770 in Cockermouth, Cumbria and wrote nearly all his major works by 1806. During his lifetime, he was renowned for his lyrical verse, which sought to express emotions and passions as part of a shared human experience. He had a deep admiration for nature and a profound understanding of its beauty, as evidenced by his famous poem “Daffodils.” Beyond the literary world, Wordsworth was also an advocate for political reform, particularly in regard to the French Revolution. This great poet’s work has been documented and featured in numerous films over the years. Here are some of the best documentaries about William Wordsworth: “Wordsworth’s World: A Documentary of the Poet’s Life” follows Wordsworth through his life and work, exploring the places and people that shaped him. It also chronicles his travels and how they helped him to craft some of his most profound works.

 

3. Wordsworth, Coleridge and the Poetic Revolution

Through interviews with scholars and intimate glimpses into his life, this documentary offers a comprehensive look at one of English literature’s most beloved poets. We’ll explore the lesser known aspects of Wordsworth’s life – his friendships, love affairs and family tragedies; his travels abroad to France and Germany; and the tumultuous political backdrop that helped propel him into the public eye. We will learn about the nature poems that earned him lasting fame, as well as other works from his vast body of writing. We’ll also get a glimpse of how Wordsworth’s poetry has been valued, appreciated and interpreted by different generations of English readers. We’ll hear the thoughts of poets such as Robert Browning and Alfred Lord Tennyson on Wordsworth’s complex relationship with language and nature.

 

4. The Romantic Lakes from Wordsworth to Beatrix Potter

This documentary chronicles the evolution of the views on nature and mankind’s place in it that Wordsworth developed through his time spent in the Lake District. It details his development from a wild Romantic poet to a philosophical thinker who was concerned with how humans could keep their humanity when surrounded by modern industry and technology. Wordsworth’s influence is still felt today, and this documentary captures the man’s thought-provoking ideas. This film explores Wordsworth’s creative process and gives viewers an insight into how his poetry was shaped by his experiences in the Lake District.

 

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David B