Watch A Fanatic Heart: Geldof On Yeats

A Fanatic Heart: Geldof On Yeats is a 2016 documentary film directed by Gerry Hoban, which explores the life and works of Irish poet and playwright W.B Yeats, through the eyes of musician and activist Bob Geldof. The film features interviews with Yeats experts, including John Boorman, Roy Foster, Stephen Fry, Bono, and President Michael D. Higgins, who offer their insight into Yeats' life, works, and legacy.

The film is structured around Bob Geldof's passionate readings of Yeats' poetry, filmed in various locations across Ireland, including Yeats' home in Sligo and the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. Geldof's readings are interspersed with archival footage, interviews with Yeats scholars, and dramatized re-enactments of scenes from Yeats' life, performed by Irish actors.

The film begins by exploring Yeats' early life and the influence of his family on his artistic development. It then follows his journey from his early works, which were heavily influenced by Romanticism and Celtic mythology, to his later works, which were more philosophical and focused on the human condition.

Throughout the film, the interviewees discuss Yeats' relationships with the women in his life, particularly his wife Georgie Hyde-Lees, and the impact of his political beliefs on his work. Yeats was heavily involved in the Irish Nationalist movement, and his poetry reflects his deep love for Ireland and his desire for its independence from British rule.

The film also explores the impact of Yeats' work on modern popular culture, including his influence on musicians such as Bob Dylan and Van Morrison. The interviewees discuss how Yeats' themes of love, death, and the search for spiritual enlightenment continue to resonate with audiences today.

A Fanatic Heart: Geldof On Yeats is a visually stunning film, with beautiful shots of the Irish countryside and atmospheric cinematography that captures the mood of Yeats' poetry. The film is also a tribute to the power of literature to inspire, influence, and enrich our lives.

Overall, A Fanatic Heart: Geldof On Yeats is a moving and insightful exploration of one of Ireland's greatest poets, told through the eyes of one of its most passionate advocates. Whether you are a fan of Yeats' work or simply interested in literature and culture, this film is a must-see.

A Fanatic Heart: Geldof On Yeats is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.