10/13/2014

First Trailer for Dylan Thomas Biopic 'Set Fire to the Stars' with Elijah Wood


The name Dylan Thomas may not be immediately recognizable to some, but those who followed the Welsh poet's work consider him a celebrity. And like many of the giants in his chosen field, Thomas lived a turbulent life controlled by his personal demons, making his frequent trips to America  quite the experience for those having to deal with him. The biopic Set Fire to the Stars will bring the story of his first stateside tour to the big screen, and here's a look at the trailer.

Announced at the beginning of the year with Elijah Wood and Celyn Jones as the stars, the latter in the role of Thomas, the story follows a week in the alcoholic poet's life as he sets out on a series of performed readings in 1950s New York City. Wood plays John Brinnin, Thomas' friend and fellow writer who tried to keep his hell raising  friend in line and found it to be a nearly impossible task.

Shot in beautiful black & white by director Andy Goddard (Downton Abbey),  the film also stars Shirley Henderson, Steven Mackintosh, and the ever busy Kelly Reilly. No release date for this one yet but it's due to hit the U.K. next month. I was hoping to see it make one of the upcoming festivals around here but that doesn't seem to be happening.[Live for Films via ThePlaylist]