The life and work of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver are brought to the screen in the new documentary Mary Oliver: Saved by the beauty of the World directed by Sasha Waters. This cinematic journey delves into Oliver’s unique perspective on life, love, and the natural world, offering viewers an intimate look at the woman behind the verse.
Known for her accessible and deeply moving poetry, Oliver’s words have resonated with millions of readers worldwide. Her ability to capture the essence of nature and the human experience has earned her a place among the literary greats. This documentary aims to explore the sources of her inspiration and the personal experiences that shaped her extraordinary career.
The power of poetry and nature
The film opens with a poignant scene featuring Stephen Colbert attempting to read Oliver’s famous poem “The Summer Day.” His emotional struggle to get through the first lines highlights the profound impact of Oliver’s words. Throughout the documentary, a roster of celebrity readers, including Oprah WinfreyHelena Bonham Carter and Steve Buscemi bring Oliver’s poetry to life, showcasing its universal appeal.
Oliver’s poetry is deeply rooted in her observations of the natural world. From the grasshopper in her hand to the wooded trails she wandered as a child, her work is a testament to the beauty and wonder that surround us. The documentary explores how Oliver’s diligence and attention to detail allowed her to capture the essence of these moments in her verse.
A life shaped by love and loss
Born in 1935 in Maple Heights, Ohio Oliver’s childhood was marked by hardship and abuse. She found solace in the nearby woodlands, where she first discovered her love for nature and poetry. Her formative years were shaped by the verse of Whitman and Shelley who inspired her to pursue a life dedicated to poetry.
Oliver’s journey led her to Vassar College where she briefly studied before leaving to work at Edna St. Vincent Millay’s estate, Steepletop. It was here that she met her partner of forty years, Molly Malone Cook. Together, they moved to Provincetown, Massachusetts a place known for its queer-friendly and artistic community. Their relationship was a source of strength and inspiration for Oliver, enabling her to create some of her most celebrated work.
The documentary also explores Oliver’s later years, marked by the loss of Cook and her subsequent move to Hobe Sound, Florida. Her relationship with her second partner, Anne Taylor and her eventual return to poetry readings are also examined, offering a comprehensive look at the poet’s life.
Insights from literary luminaries
The film is enriched by insights from literary luminaries such as Mark DotyAda Límon and John Waters. These interviews provide valuable context and personal anecdotes that bring Oliver’s story to life. Waters, in particular, offers a unique perspective, having known Oliver and Cook during his time in Provincetown.
Archival footage, personal photographs, and selections from Oliver’s notebooks and correspondence are woven throughout the documentary, creating a rich tapestry of the poet’s life. The film also features animations that add a visual dimension to Oliver’s poetic imagery, making her words come alive on the screen.
Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World is a testament to the power of poetry and the natural world. It invites viewers to reflect on their own lives and the beauty that surrounds them, encouraging them to embrace the wonder and awe that Oliver so beautifully captured in her verse.
