Margaret Mee and the Moonflower

Margaret Mee and the Moonflower released in 2012 is an enchanting documentary film that voluminously captures the extraordinary journey of the titular character, Margaret Mee, a British botanical artist and environmentalist. A magnetic beacon of exploratory spirit and passionate environmentalism, Mee made a significant contribution to the echelons of botanical discovery and conservation. This movie, directed by Malu de Martino and with the voiceover of actress Patricia Pillar, intersperses brief dramatizations with the original recordings and illustrations of Mee herself, to transport its viewers to the dense Amazon rainforest and the magnificent beauty it veils within its clutches.

The narrative is carefully recreated using the records, illustrations, and letters of Margaret Mee, who traversed several times into the heart of the Amazon rainforest during the mid-20th century. Mee’s journey occurred during a time when such endeavors by women were not customary. The film expertly incorporates her original illustrations, which are awe-inspiringly detailed, depicting the exotic plants of the Amazon rainforest, many of which had never been catalogued before. Mee’s goal was not merely to render these plants artistically but primarily to draw attention to the need for their conservation.

One of the central focuses of the film is Mee's relentless pursuit of the "Moonflower" (Selenicereus wittii), a rare cactus flower that blooms only once a year, under the moonlight, and wilts before dawn. This elusive plant, intertwined with its exclusive and transient beauty, sparked Mee's fascination and became the subject of her quest, symbolizing the ephemeral and delicate existence of the Amazon rainforest. The daunting endeavor of capturing this elusive beauty was not only an artistic challenge for Mee but also became a symbol of her fight for the preservation of the rapidly disappearing Amazon ecosystem.

In the documentary, actress Patricia Pillar, a renowned figure in Brazilian television and cinema, lends her voice as the narrator. She expertly breathes life and emotional depth into Mee's words, introducing the audience to Mee's ardor for her work, her courage, and her unwavering dedication to conserving the Amazon. The film uses Mee’s own narration from her recordings and journals, intrinsically interwoven with Patricia's voiceover, creating a sense of personal connection and immediacy that propels the narrative effectively.

The film is visually striking, too, offering an immersive experience that showcases the abundant beauty and rich biodiversity of the Amazon. Tranquil yet profoundly dramatic shots of the rainforest establish the setting that captivated Mee's heart and became her life's work. The illustrative element, brought to life by Mee's drawings, provides a unique historical perspective on environmental conservation issues. The loving details etched into every plant in Mee's illustrations emphasize her passion and respect for the natural world, reinforcing the film's overarching environmental message.

While the primary strand of the documentary is Mee's expedition and passionate quest for the Moonflower, the film also touches upon various other facets of Mee’s life and work. This includes her intensive environmental activism, her striking journey from a conventional middle-class lifestyle to the adventurous life of an explorer, and her interaction with the indigenous communities of the Amazon.

Margaret Mee and the Moonflower is a somber reflection on human impact on natural habitats, the urgency of environmental conservation, and an ode to the often-unrecognized contributions of women in the field of botanical studies. It is an intimate portrait of Margaret Mee, encapsulating a poignant narrative that seamlessly combines history, humanity, art, and ecology. The documentary immerses its audience in the dense, verdant world of the Amazon, taking them on a journey through its endangered beauty, while interlacing the moving tale of a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to its study and preservation.