Set Fire to the Stars


Set Fire to the Stars is a 2014 Welsh semi-biographical drama film directed by Andy Goddard in his directorial debut. Co-written by Goddard and Celyn Jones, the film stars Elijah Wood as poet John M. Brinnin and Jones as Dylan Thomas with supporting roles by Kelly Reilly, Steven Mackintosh, Shirley Henderson, and Kevin Eldon. The film was released in the United Kingdom on 7 November 2014.

Premise

In 1950s New York, Harvard University graduate and aspiring poet John Malcolm Brinnin embarks on a week-long retreat to save his hero, acclaimed Welsh poet Dylan Thomas.

Cast

The film's original score was composed by the Welsh musician Gruff Rhys. On 30 September 2016, soundtrack album was released through Twisted Nerve Records.

Release

Set Fire to the Stars premiered at the 2014 Edinburgh Film Festival.

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes the film holds a 58% rating based on 43 reviews. The site's consensus states: "Set Fire to the Stars doesn't quite do justice to its legendary real-life protagonist, but thanks to Celyn Jones' spirited performance, it occasionally comes close." On Metacritic, the film has a 49 out of 100 rating based on 14 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".