In this episode we discuss Pietro Marcello's 2019 film 'Martin Eden', based on Jack London's semi-autobiographical coming of age novel published in 1909. Russ unpacks some of the historical and political backstory of story, as filmed. Unconventional flashback-like sequences are highlighted and ambiguity over the time period in which the action takes place discussed. We compare and contrast the novel and film. We discuss the excellent acting, especially by the lead Luca Marinelli (unrecognisable in his latest role as Mussolini in eight part 'M: Son of the century'). Russ concludes by explaining why he feels the work of Russian literary theorist Mikhail Bakhtin, and his concept of the 'chronotope', illuminates aspects of the film.
Participants:
Russ Kilbourn, Professor of Literature and Film, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario (Canada) http://rjakilbourn.com/
Ken Barrett, visual artist, writer, podcaster and former neuropsychiatrist (UK) http://www.kenbarrettstudio.co.uk/
The film: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4516162/
Theme music: Tarantella composed by Stephen Brown.
Portrait print by KB.
A Brainland Collective production.
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