The world of 1970s British academia is a fascinating and often overlooked setting for films. The era is characterized by a sense of stuffiness and tradition, with young people leaving the comforts of home to discover and further themselves in a world that is increasingly out of touch with the changing times. This is the world that Marc Turtletaub’s film ‘Borges And Me’ explores, following the story of Jay Parini, an American writer who enrolls at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland in 1971.

Parini, played by Fionn Whitehead, is a serious and driven individual who is determined to become a poet. However, he is haunted by the fact that he has inadvertently inspired his younger brother Billy to sign up for service in the Vietnam war. This guilt weighs heavily on Parini, and he sets out on a road trip to Scotland to find a mentor who can help him become a writer. Along the way, he meets a series of characters, including the reclusive poet George Mackay Brown, who becomes a key figure in the story.

The film takes its title from the Argentinian poet Jorge Luis Borges, who is a central figure in the story. Borges, played by Luis Gnecco, is a blind and elderly man who is visited by Parini at his home in Scotland. Despite his advanced age and blindness, Borges is a vibrant and engaging character who is full of wisdom and insight. He becomes a kind of guide for Parini, helping him to navigate the complexities of the world and to find his own voice as a writer.

A Hallucinatory Journey

The film is a hallucinatory journey through the world of 1970s British academia, a world that is characterized by its stuffiness and tradition. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that this world is not as straightforward as it seems. The characters are complex and multifaceted, and the story is full of surprises and twists. Borges, in particular, is a fascinating and enigmatic figure who is full of contradictions and paradoxes.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its use of visual imagery. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty and majesty of the Scottish countryside. The film’s use of color is also noteworthy, with a palette that is dominated by earthy tones and muted colors. This creates a sense of realism and authenticity that is perfectly suited to the story.

The film’s soundtrack is also noteworthy, with a score that is both haunting and beautiful. The music is a key element of the film, helping to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. It is a perfect complement to the visuals, and helps to bring the story to life in a way that is both subtle and powerful.

In terms of its themes, the film is a complex and multifaceted exploration of the human condition. It is a story about identity and belonging, about the search for meaning and purpose in a chaotic and often confusing world. It is also a story about the power of language and literature to shape our understanding of the world and ourselves.

A Smart, Literary, and Playful Film

Overall, ‘Borges And Me’ is a smart, literary, and playful film that is full of surprises and twists. It is a complex and multifaceted exploration of the human condition, and it is a story that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. If you are a fan of literature and poetry, or if you are simply looking for a film that will challenge and inspire you, then ‘Borges And Me’ is a must-see.