Sylvia: The Shooting Script

by John Brownlow

The new biopic about one of the most resonating literary figures of the 20th century—Gwyneth Paltrow stars as Sylvia Plath in the Focus Features release, from an original screenplay featuring excerpts from Plath's poetry and writing.Academy Award®-winner Gwyneth Paltrow stars as legendary American poet Sylvia Plath opposite Daniel Craig as Plath's husband, British Poet Laureate Ted Hughes, in the film directed by Christine Jeffs, who previously directed the critically acclaimed film Rain. Sylvia explores the source and nature of creative genius, and the essence of love in all its madness and passion. Ted and Sylvia were a sensual, volatile, and brilliant couple who emerged as two of the most influential writers of the twentieth century. The supporting cast includes Tony Award®-winner Blythe Danner, who portrays Plath's mother, and Sir Michael Gambon. Sylvia: The Shooting Script includes the complete screenplay, a selection of 20 black-and-white movie stills, cast and crew credits, and a Q&A with the director.

Author Biography: John Brownlow previously directed and produced several acclaimed documentaries for British television, as well as the mini-series School Rules and Canterbury Tales. In 1999, he switched to full-time screenwriting, and Sylvia is his first produced screenplay. Brownlow is also a well-known street photographer.

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 22, 2003

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drama about the life of the American poet Sylvia Plath, focusing on her troubled marriage to fellow poet Ted Hughes.
As the tensions in the couple's relationship caused by Hughes's infidelity increase, the growing fragility of Plath's emotional state leads to some of her most acclaimed poetry, but ultimately also leads to her tragic death in her early thirties.