Originally published in Spanish, 1985; 1985 (English translation published, Burning Patience, 1987; has a different ending from the movie)
The popular, sensuous 1995 movie directed by Michael Radford; the screenplay with modified ending was developed by Radford and the actor playing Mario (Massimo Troisi)–the schnook village postman, who befriends exiled Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, who introduces him to metaphors and poetry–the secret of Neruda’s popularity and successes with women; Mario uses Neruda’s poetic techniques to win the love of Beatrice (N.B., Dante allusion), the pretty local barmaid. Tragically, Troisi died 12 hours after shooting was completed (he had postponed surgery); he was nominated for 2 AAs–for Best Actor and Writing; incidentally, I used this movie to teach poetry in my English 10 Academic Challenge class at Strathcona High and received the most thoughtful, empathic creative work from students in my 30 year career.
A ‘movie book’ of the great love poet’s poems was released at the time; here are 3 of Neruda’s most famous poems in the original Spanish and English translation.
(I used this as the preface poem in my 2nd ed. of Inside Poetry and highlighted his work in the unit on 4 major international poets.)
Hard to get, but worth the effort: the beautiful CD soundtrack with Neruda poems read by famous actors and singers.