Exploring Literary Failure in ‘A Poet’: A Colombian Farce

In Simón Mesa Soto’s film A Poet, we meet Oscar Restrepo, a failed Colombian writer whose life is far from glamorous. He keeps a photo of the late author José Asunción Silva above his mantle, lamenting that his own career might have flourished had he met an early demise like Silva did at just 30.

Settled in Medellín, Oscar is a divorced man living with his mother, fully aware that he’s not a misunderstood genius but rather someone prone to self-sabotage. His friend Efrain refers to him as 'a walking problem'.

“You’re a poem,” Efrain observes. “A pretty sad one.”

Yet, within the realm of sad-sack characters, Oscar stands out. The nonprofessional actor Rios, who plays Oscar, embodies a comedic yet tragic figure, complete with thick glasses and a hunched posture that adds to his farcical charm.

Oscar's life is devoid of lyrical beauty. During a rare visit to his teenage daughter, he embarrassingly asks to borrow $10. Yet, he remains a staunch advocate for the lofty ideals of art. With a drink in hand or a microphone before him, he passionately speaks of the power of 'poesía,' despite being a step away from the gutter.

Having not published anything in decades, Oscar insists, “I’m a poet,” to which his sister retorts, “You’re unemployed.” Nevertheless, he secures a teaching position at a local high school. Although his students often laugh at him, he believes one girl, Yurlady, has immense potential. Perhaps redemption is on the horizon for Oscar.

Yurlady, however, lacks any real literary aspirations. Oscar, determined to guide her, helps her apply to Poetry Viva, a workshop run by Efrain, who is known for his socially conscious writing. Efrain serves as a foil to Oscar, a pompous yet savvy individual who pushes Yurlady to submit something more politically charged rather than her heartfelt poems.

Soto’s film serves as an ironic commentary on artistic worlds beyond poetry. Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, A Poet won an award in the Un Certain Regard section. Soto, having gained recognition at Cannes in the past, seems to navigate the expectations of Colombian filmmakers who are often pushed towards cartel narratives.

While A Poet may remind viewers of other films, it remains uniquely its own. Shot on grainy 16mm film, it reflects the rough edges of Oscar’s life. Soto’s loose, gritty style contrasts with his sharp satire, crafting a farce around the creative process where sincerity often takes a backseat.

Success in this world belongs to the hypocrites like Efrain, while Yurlady’s family sees only monetary opportunity. Yet Oscar, for all his foolishness, maintains an unwavering belief in his ideals. He may be wrong about much, but he's right about what truly matters.

A Poet, released by 1-2 Special, is currently available in theaters. The film is unrated by the Motion Picture Association, presented in Spanish with English subtitles, and has a running time of 124 minutes. It receives a solid three and a half stars out of four.