Write
Between the Lines is an exploration
and articulation of the obvious and the obscure. A cavalcade of
creation and commentary designed to amuse and bemuse.
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
