Il Postino

Dramatica Story Analysis

by

KE Monahan Huntley

Il Postino recounts the story of a diffident postman and a world renown poet, set against a backdrop of conflicting political, societal, and spiritual ideologies (overall story domain of psychology; overall story concern of conceiving). Mario, the main character, is the son of a fisherman existing on a slow, picturesque, Italian island. The opening shot depicts this sad eyed soul turning over a postcard from America — a land he equates with impossible dreams. Mario lives in the moment (main character concern of the present), almost in a state of arrested development — yet it is his immaturity edged with unnamed longings that charms us. Mario is a do-er, but he is certainly no action figure. When faced with a problem, his approach is to irritate, making him impossible to ignore. As one of the few literate persons on the island (main character domain of universe), the accepted way of life (overall story problem) does not appeal to him, and with his father's tacit permission (overall story thematic issue) he takes on the position of a postman with only one addressee.

Pablo Neruda, the impact character, is a Communist exiled from Chile for articulating his views (impact character problem of proaction) despite the consequences (fixed state of mind). The Italian government has decided to: "Suspend measures against Neruda requested by the Chilean government" (story driver of decision), and allow the poet to remain on Mario's beautiful, yet economically depressed, island (overall story counterpoint of deficiency).

The postman is a true romantic, entranced by how the poet and his wife ". . . call each other 'amor.'" He begins to ingratiate himself with Neruda to learn the language of poetry, using his male logic to strike up a rapport. Mario buys the poet's books and recites Neruda's words to evidence his seriousness. Thus, in spite of himself (impact character concern of conscious), Pablo bemusedly enters into a maestro/studente relationship with his postman (main versus impact character domain of physics; concern of learning).

Mario's sudden attraction to the local beauty, Beatrice, (main character issue) accelerates his and Pablo's storyline. Mario demands of his teacher to write a poem to impress his intended (main versus impact character storyline catalyst of preconditions), a request Pablo refuses. Undaunted, Mario plagiarizes his poetry (main character direction of proaction), and wins the fair barmaid's heart, much to the fury of her aunt who has forbidden the courtship (overall story thematic issue).

Pablo is mollified by Mario's words: "Poetry doesn't belong to those who write it, but by those who need it," and with the priest's permission (overall story thematic issue), stands up for the postman at his wedding to Beatrice. During the celebration, Pablo and Matilde receive notice that the Chilean government has lifted the ban (overall story issue) and the poet decides to immediately return home, after promising Mario he will stay in touch.

Time passes with no word, and certain doubts (impact character unique ability) about the friendship is what finally compels Mario to start (main character growth) to create his own poetry. He writes a song for the sea and dedicates it to Pablo Neruda. Mario is invited to read the poem at a Communist demonstration. He has matured (resolve of change) and is thrilled (judgment of good) to express his own metaphors to the world.

Years later Pablo and his wife return to the island. It has remained unchanged. Politicians have not fulfilled their promises and the inhabitants have made no protest (outcome of failure; overall story solution of nonacceptance). The poet learns that Mario had died in the Communist demonstration— melancholic, he strolls the white sands along the sea and reminisces (impact character benchmark) under the unrelenting sun.

That Massimo Troisi (Mario) died the day after filming lends a tragic poignancy to IL Postino. The film has a meandering feel, attributed to its vague optionlock and rather abstruse story goal. It is, however, an unusual storyform (at least at this point in time) which makes it most interesting to analyze.

Please note: An earlier version of this article is published on www.dramatica.com