Polis is This: Charles Olson and the Persistence of Place

Polis is This: Charles Olson and the Persistence of Place is a captivating documentary from 2007 that delves into the mind, works, and legacy of the prolific and influential American poet, Charles Olson, with a specific focus on his relationship with the city of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Directed by Henry Ferrini, this 60-minute film features valuable insights from renowned personalities such as Ammiel Alcalay, Willie Alexander, and Amiri Baraka, who share their perspectives on Olson's life and literary contributions.

The title Polis is This derives from the Greek term 'polis', which translates to 'city', emphasizing the film's thematic core: the significant role of geography and place in shaping one's understanding and perception of the world. The film practically mirrors this concept by painting a vibrant portrait of Olson's beloved city, Gloucester, which not just served as the subject for much of his work but also molded his radical ideas and progressive ideologies about politics, history, and human nature.

The film beautifully weaves Olson's personal struggles and achievements with the multifaceted narrative of Gloucester. Through intimate interviews, powerful readings of Olson's poetry, archival footage, and evocative visuals of the cityscape, Ferrini shows how profoundly Olson was intertwined with Gloucester, essentially turning the poet and city into inseparable entities.

Several key figures participate in the documentary to provide insightful commentary, opinions, and interpretations about Olson and his works, serving as guides on this enlightening journey. The largest voice in the film belongs to Ammiel Alcalay, a poet and translator, who brilliantly dissects Olson's creative process and articulates his unique understanding of history. Willie Alexander, a rock musician famed as the 'Godfather of Punk', pays tribute to Olson's impact on counterculture. Renowned poet Amiri Baraka speaks on the timeless relevance of Olson's works in relation to socio-political contexts.

The film also showcases how Olson's 'Projective Verse' theory helped to revolutionize the world of poetry. His belief in the open form, dictated by the breath and the impulses of the poet, left a lasting mark on modern poetry. The documentary provides an in-depth exploration of this writing philosophy, further establishing Olson's position as a thought leader in the world of literature.

Not just focusing on his works and legacy, Polis is This explores the man behind the words. A warm, genuine person exuding charisma and charm, Charles Olson is shown as a man who was as beloved for his personality as he was admired for his literary prowess. As the film juxtaposes Olson's towering presence in the literary landscape with the simple, raw beauty of Gloucester, Ferrini beautifully highlights how intensely personal and deeply tied to one's environments the process of creation can be.

Moreover, the film explores the concept of 'persistence of place': the idea that a place retains its traditions, its character, and its essence despite the inevitable, relentless flow of time and change. Just as Olson's works continue to be valid and relevant, Gloucester persists in its significance and sense of self. Ferrini, an acclaimed filmmaker known for his texture-rich films, explores this theme with a balance of elegance and profundity.

Polis is This: Charles Olson and the Persistence of Place serves as an insightful journey through the life, beliefs, and works of Charles Olson, a poet who was unafraid to explore the depths of history and the human psyche. This documentary takes viewers on a tour through not only the vibrant essence of Gloucester but also the landscapes of one of the 20th century's most fascinating poets. Providing an unprecedented glimpse into the life of a man who embraced his surroundings and utilized it within his writing, this film unfolds a beautiful, compelling union of man, his words, and his city.

For literature enthusiasts, poetry aficionados, historians, or even anyone fascinated by the intricate dance between humans and their environments, Polis is This: Charles Olson and the Persistence of Place serves as an enlightening and thought-provoking cinematic experience, crafting a deeply personal tale about the enduring power of place in shaping our lives and arts.