Clark Ashton Smith: The Emperor of Dreams

Clark Ashton Smith: The Emperor of Dreams is a 2018 movie that compellingly explores the life and works of the eclectic and often overlooked American writer, Clark Ashton Smith. Directed by Darin Coelho Spring and featuring a range of independent literary scholars and enthusiasts, the movie delves deeply into the impact and influence of this enigmatic literary figure. Headlining such talents as Donald Sidney-Fryer, Harlan Ellison, and S.T. Joshi, the film provides a richly textured collection of narratives and insights into the world of this remarkable, yet enigmatic poet, sculptor, painter and author.

Spanning an approximate duration of one hundred and fifty-two minutes, the movie beautifully captures the complexities and nuances associated with Smith's life and career. Born in 1893 in Long Valley, California, Smith was largely self-taught, spending much of his youth exploring the vast landscapes of literature, art, and philosophy. The Emperor of Dreams paints a vivid picture of a profoundly creative individual who poured his essence into a wide array of artistic mediums.

The first half of the movie subtly reveals the maturation of Smith's artistic consciousness from his early years to the development of his unique style. From his nascent poetry heavily influenced by the Romantics to his later forays into the fantastical and the macabre, the director maps the trajectory of Smith's literary journey with a deft touch. It is through this close assessment of his personal history, drawing upon letters, archival materials, personal accounts, and extensive readings from Smith's works that this intriguing depiction takes shape.

Donald Sidney-Fryer, one of the last disciples of Smith and a leading scholar on Smith's works, shares his profound insights on Smith's distinctive writing style and the profound depth of his imaginative tales. The movie then moves on to incorporate the perspectives of various figures entwined within the niche world of weird and speculative fiction, including influential writer and critic Harlan Ellison, and literary scholar S.T. Joshi.

The film devotes significant time to Smith's prodigious contributions to the pulp magazine "Weird Tales", where he shared the limelight with other notable authors like H.P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard. It compellingly reflects on how his works in the genres of fantasy, horror, and science fiction solidified his reputation as an imaginative and highly original writer.

The humor and humanity of Smith are underscored through amusing anecdotes and poignant recollections, offsetting the often bleak and brooding themes encountered in his oeuvre. Another highlight of the documentary is the exploration of Smith's later years when he shifted away from writing and embraced his love for sculpture and painting, each craft echoing the other's motifs and themes.

The documentary is masterfully structured and visually enriching, encompassing a blend of Smith's written works, letters, paintings, photographs, and sculpture. The use of a haunting musical score, alongside contemporary and historical film footage, adds a cinematic depth which augments the brooding and ethereal quality inherent to Smith's works.

In addition to unearthing the personal side of Smith, the film critically addresses his cultural significance and his status in relation to more recognized figures of American modernist literature. Deftly juggling the intimate and the academic, the film is both a tribute and a critical study, blending biography, literary criticism, and cultural history to form a satisfying whole.

Clark Ashton Smith: The Emperor of Dreams is well worth watching for its measured exploration of a hidden gem of American literature. Whether you're new to Smith's work or an existing fan, this film will provide you with a refined understanding and enhanced appreciation of this enigmatic and multifaceted writer. It is a welcome complement to Smith's enduring legacy, cementing his place as an exceptional contributor to the field of speculative literature. In the final analysis, it's a deftly rendered homage that leaves a lasting impression long after its final frame.