Wild Nights with Emily

Wild Nights with Emily is a revolutionary biographical comedy film directed by Madeleine Olnek, released in 2018. This film debunks conventional ideas associated with the life of Emily Dickinson, and it's where historical accuracies meet innovative imagination in a vibrant mixture of humor, poems, and secret romantic involvements. The film stars Molly Shannon, a veteran of Saturday Night Live, who delivers a captivating performance as the reclusive 19th-century poet Emily Dickinson.

Set in the period of Dickinson's life from the late 1850s to her death in 1886, the film is a deeply nuanced, character-driven narrative that explores Emily’s life in Amherst, Massachusetts, while illuminating the vibrant, vivacious, and unconventional side of the enigmatic poet. Shannon brings her own brand of cultured eccentricity and comedic brilliance to the character, portraying Dickinson as a woman of wit, charm, and a lust for life counter to the claims that she was a lonely recluse, an image often portrayed in traditional biographies.

The film also stars Susan Ziegler and Amy Seimetz in supporting roles, who contribute to the comic edge and emotional depth of the film. Ziegler plays Susan Gilbert Dickinson, Emily's closest friend and sister-in-law, in a performance that seamlessly blends subtlety and hilarity, while Seimetz delivers a memorable portrayal as Mabel Loomis Todd, an editor who plays a pivotal role in Emily's life, bringing an added layer of complexity to the narrative.

Wild Nights with Emily weaves Emily's poetry into its narrative, while also using her private letters to unveil the intimate aspects of her existence, casting new light on the poet's persona and her relationships, especially her complex and passionate alliance with Susan. The creative entwining of letters and poems into the storyline showcases the brilliant crafting of Olnek as a storyteller, who lets Emily's own words serve as a narrative guide through her life's journey.

In contrast to the somber, brooding outlook often associated with Emily Dickinson, Wild Nights with Emily paints an image of a woman full of life, passion, and inspiration. The humor in the film often arises from the sharp contrast between the stuffy Victorian social norms and Emily's rebellious nature; her commitment to her craft and her refusal to bow down to societal pressures. This element makes the film a refreshing take on Dickinson's life.

Olnek also employs other literary devices such as dramatic irony, with many amusing scenes showing characters presented with potent remarks about the future of Dickinson's work, her posthumous fame, and the poetic legacy she will leave behind. This not only provides comedy but also insight into the hardships Emily faced in her desire to be published and acknowledged while she was alive.

Visually, the film adopts a vibrant palette, eschewing the monochrome imagery often associated with Dickinson's life. The cinematography further enhances the dynamic character of the poet and her surroundings. Period costumes and sets are meticulously created, providing an authentic feel to the setting and simultaneously transporting the viewer back to Emily's time.

An element of the film that deserves special mention is the clever exploration of Emily's intimate relationship with Susan. The film unpacks the layers of their rich and deeply connected relationship that, according to director Olnek, was marginalized and erased by history. This daring exploration doesn't shy away from revealing the passionate romance between the two. It adds another dimension to the film and Dickinson's life, challenging the audience's understanding of historical events while presenting it in a wholesome, entertaining way.

Thematically, the movie delves deeply into topics such as companionship, artistry, societal expectations, and gender dynamics. It beautifully exhibits how Emily navigates these facets of her life while expressing her raw, unadulterated emotions through her poetry. The film, ultimately, is a testament to her spirit and resilience, coupled with her unwavering desire for self-expression and recognition.

Wild Nights with Emily gently overturns the popular perceptions around the life of Emily Dickinson, and it sets the viewer on a remarkable journey, treading the line between the dramatization of a life narratively told and a profoundly sensitive yet hilarious representation of one of the most enigmatic figures in American literary history. With its dynamic direction, exceptional performances, witty dialogues, and attention to historical details, this unconventional cinematic exploration is a refreshing, endearing, and spirited biographical comedy-drama.