Poems Recited in Film

I’m neither a film connoisseur nor a brilliant poet, but there’s something beautiful about the merging of poetry and film. Both are intended to conjure emotion in their audience; in that  way, when a film features a certain poem, the words and the visuals can impart a message together. Here are seven poems that are recited in films. Many are well-known pieces, but others were written exclusively for the films they’re in.

1. “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas in Interstellar (2014) 

“Do not go gentle into that good night, 

Old age should burn and rave at close of day; 

Rage, rage against the dying of the light. 

Though wise men at their end know dark is right, 

Because their words had forked no lightning they 

Do not go gentle into that good night. 

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” 

I remember seeing this film for the first time and being absolutely wrecked by its themes of existentialism. This poem complements the movie’s story, urging the characters to fight for their survival.  

2. “Funeral Blues” by W.H. Auden in Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) 

“He was my North, my South, my East and West, 

My working week and my Sunday rest, 

My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song; 

I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong.” 

This is one of my favorite poems pertaining to loss, as it perfectly captures the feeling of wanting the world to stop and  acknowledge your grief. 

3. “Eloisa to Abelard” by Alexander Pope in Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)  

“How happy is the blameless vestal's lot!

The world forgetting, by the world forgot. 

Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind! 

Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd.” 

4. “Love Poem” by Ron Padgett in Paterson (2016)  

“We have plenty of matches in our house. 

We keep them on hand always. 

Currently our favorite brand is Ohio Blue Tip, 

though we used to prefer Diamond brand. 

That was before we discovered Ohio Blue Tip matches.” 

5. “Delusion Angel” by David Jewell in Before Sunrise (1995) 

“Daydream delusion 

Limousine Eyelash 

Oh, baby with your pretty face 

Drop a tear in my wineglass 

Look at those big eyes 

See what you mean to me.” 

6. “Panawagan” (“Call”) by Mikaela Co in Gusto Kita With All My Hypothalamus (2018)

“You might find it hard to believe. 

You might find yourself waking one morning 

with an inexplicable clenching on your chest 

and try to drown it in a glass of water. 

You might draw the curtains 

and find yourself surprised. 

It’s dark outside, still.” 

This poem was originally written in Filipino. 

7. “Agnes’ Song” by Lee Chang Dong in Poetry (2010)

“How is it over there? 

How lonely is it? 

Is it still glowing red at sunset? 

Are the birds still singing on the way to the forest? Can you

receive the letter I dared not send? 

Can I convey… 

the confession I dared not make? 

Will time pass and roses fade? 

Now it’s time to say goodbye 

Like the wind that lingers and then goes, 

just like shadows 

To promises that never came, 

to the love sealed till the end.” 

This poem was originally written in Korean.