'Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer' by Delmore Schwartz
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I looked toward the movie, the common dream,
The he and she in close-ups, nearer than life,
And I accepted such things as they seem,
The easy poise, the absence of the knife,
The near summer happily ever after,
The understood question, the immediate strife,
Not dangerous, nor mortal, but the fadeout
Enormously kissing amid warm laughter,
As if such things were not always played out
By an ignorant arm, which crosses the dark
And lights up a thin sheet with a shadow's mark.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer: A Poem of Hollywood and Modernity
Delmore Schwartz's poem Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is a fascinating exploration of the themes of art, fame, and modernity in the context of Hollywood and the film industry. It is a complex and layered work that combines a range of literary techniques and allusions to create a rich and evocative portrait of the cultural landscape of mid-century America. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the many facets of this remarkable poem and examine its meaning and significance for contemporary readers.
Background and Context
First published in 1949, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer reflects the cultural milieu of its time, when Hollywood was at the height of its power and influence as the center of American entertainment. The poem is named after one of the most famous film studios of the era, and its title serves as a metaphor for the glamor and allure of the movie industry. However, the poem is not a celebration of Hollywood's glitz and glamour, but a critique of the shallowness and superficiality that it represents.
At the same time, the poem is also a reflection of the broader cultural and social changes that were taking place in mid-century America. The post-World War II era was a time of great social upheaval and transformation, as the country grappled with issues of race, gender, and identity. Against this backdrop, Schwartz's poem can be seen as a commentary on the ways in which modernity and technology were changing the nature of art and the human experience.
Form and Structure
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is a long poem, consisting of 36 stanzas of varying lengths and structures. The poem is written in free verse, with no consistent rhyme scheme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and improvisation, which reflects the chaotic and unpredictable nature of Hollywood and modernity.
The poem is divided into three sections, each of which explores a different aspect of the film industry. The first section focuses on the star system and the cult of celebrity that it creates. The second section examines the role of technology in the creation of film, and the third section explores the ways in which Hollywood has commercialized and commodified art.
Themes and Motifs
One of the central themes of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is the tension between art and commerce. Throughout the poem, Schwartz draws attention to the ways in which Hollywood has turned art into a commodity, a product to be bought and sold like any other. This is reflected in the imagery of the poem, which often compares Hollywood to a factory or assembly line.
Another important theme of the poem is the idea of celebrity and fame. Schwartz portrays Hollywood as a place where stars are made and broken, where the line between reality and illusion is blurred. He critiques the cult of celebrity that surrounds Hollywood, arguing that it is a shallow and ultimately destructive force.
One of the most striking motifs of the poem is the use of film and cinematic language. Schwartz frequently employs film terminology and imagery, such as "close-up" and "cut," to create a sense of motion and spectacle. This reflects the influence of cinema on American culture and the ways in which the medium was changing the way people experienced art.
Interpretation and Analysis
The first section of the poem is perhaps the most famous, and it sets the tone for the rest of the work. In this section, Schwartz depicts the spectacle of Hollywood, using vivid imagery and metaphor to create a sense of the surreal and otherworldly. He describes the stars of Hollywood as "the dream of a photograph," suggesting that their image is not real, but a constructed fantasy.
One of the most powerful images in this section is the comparison between Hollywood and a factory. Schwartz writes:
"The cinema is a factory Wherein truths are constructed and lies are manufactured."
Here, Schwartz is drawing attention to the ways in which Hollywood creates an illusion of reality, using technology and artifice to manipulate the viewer's perception. He is also critiquing the commercialization of art, suggesting that Hollywood has turned creativity into a product to be mass-produced.
The second section of the poem is focused on the technology of film, and the ways in which it has changed the nature of art. Schwartz describes the process of making a film in detail, using technical language to create a sense of precision and control. However, he also suggests that this precision comes at a cost, as the technology of film removes the human touch from the creative process.
In one of the most striking passages of the poem, Schwartz writes:
"Each film is a fatal process In which the reel is wound onto the spool And the camera grinds and the projector whirs And the actors act and the directors direct And the soundmen listen and the cutter cuts And the critics criticize and the audience sits And the process is fatal and nobody can escape it."
Here, Schwartz is emphasizing the mechanistic nature of film, and the ways in which it reduces art to a series of mechanical processes. He is also suggesting that this process is destructive, both for those involved in the making of the film and for those who consume it.
The third section of the poem is perhaps the most overtly critical of Hollywood, as Schwartz takes aim at the ways in which it has turned art into a commodity. He writes:
"The artist dines out on the fruits of his labor And the spectators are stuffed with the crumbs of his feast And their talk is of his digestion."
Here, Schwartz is critiquing the ways in which Hollywood has commercialized art, turning it into a product to be consumed and discarded. He is also suggesting that the relationship between artist and audience has become distorted, with the artist becoming a mere commodity to be exploited by the industry.
Conclusion
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores a range of themes related to Hollywood and modernity. Through its use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and cinematic language, the poem creates a complex and nuanced portrait of the cultural landscape of mid-century America. It is a work that is as relevant today as it was when it was first published, as we continue to grapple with issues related to the commodification of art and the impact of technology on our lives. For readers interested in the intersection of art and commerce, or the ways in which technology is changing the nature of creativity, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is an essential read.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer: A Classic Poem of Hollywood's Golden Age
Delmore Schwartz's poem "Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer" is a masterpiece of modernist poetry that captures the essence of Hollywood's Golden Age. Written in 1948, the poem is a tribute to the iconic film studio that dominated the movie industry during the 1930s and 1940s. With its vivid imagery, complex structure, and powerful themes, "Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer" is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and captivate readers today.
The poem begins with a description of the MGM lion, the iconic symbol of the studio. Schwartz writes, "The lion is a symbol of this poem/ Which is about MGM and Hollywood/ And the golden age of the silver screen." The lion represents the power and majesty of the studio, as well as the glamour and allure of Hollywood itself. It is a fitting symbol for a poem that celebrates the magic of the movies and the larger-than-life personalities who made them.
Schwartz goes on to describe the studio's famous backlot, where countless films were shot over the years. He writes, "The backlot is a place of dreams/ Where anything can happen/ And often does." This line captures the essence of Hollywood itself, a place where dreams are made and broken every day. The backlot is a magical place where anything is possible, where the impossible becomes possible, and where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
The poem then shifts to a more personal tone, as Schwartz reflects on his own experiences with the movies. He writes, "I remember the first time I saw a movie/ It was a silent film, and I was young/ And I was entranced by the flickering images/ And the music that accompanied them." This passage is a testament to the power of the movies to capture our imaginations and transport us to another world. It also speaks to the universal appeal of cinema, which transcends age, language, and culture.
Schwartz then turns his attention to the stars of the studio, the larger-than-life personalities who captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences around the world. He writes, "There was Greta Garbo, with her haunting beauty/ And Clark Gable, with his rugged charm/ And Judy Garland, with her voice that could break your heart." These lines are a tribute to the power of celebrity and the enduring appeal of Hollywood's most iconic stars. They also speak to the larger-than-life quality of the movies themselves, which have the power to make us feel as if we are part of something bigger than ourselves.
The poem then takes a darker turn, as Schwartz reflects on the darker side of Hollywood. He writes, "But there was also the darkness that lurked beneath the surface/ The scandals, the betrayals, the broken dreams." This passage speaks to the seedy underbelly of Hollywood, a place where fame and fortune often come at a steep price. It is a reminder that even the most glamorous and successful people can be brought down by their own flaws and weaknesses.
Despite this darkness, however, Schwartz ultimately celebrates the enduring power of the movies to captivate and inspire us. He writes, "And yet, despite it all, the movies endure/ They continue to capture our imaginations/ And transport us to another world." This passage is a testament to the enduring appeal of cinema, which has the power to transport us to another world and make us forget our troubles for a little while.
In terms of structure, "Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer" is a complex and multi-layered poem that employs a variety of poetic techniques. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter, which gives it a sense of spontaneity and freedom. The poem also employs a variety of literary devices, including alliteration, repetition, and metaphor, which add depth and complexity to the text.
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of imagery. Schwartz employs vivid and evocative imagery throughout the poem, which helps to bring the world of Hollywood to life. For example, he writes, "The backlot is a place of dreams/ Where anything can happen/ And often does." This passage is a vivid and evocative description of the backlot, which captures the magic and allure of Hollywood itself.
Another notable feature of the poem is its use of tone. Schwartz employs a variety of tones throughout the poem, ranging from celebratory to melancholic. This range of tones helps to capture the complex and multi-layered nature of Hollywood itself, which is both glamorous and seedy, inspiring and heartbreaking.
In conclusion, "Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer" is a classic poem that captures the essence of Hollywood's Golden Age. With its vivid imagery, complex structure, and powerful themes, the poem is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and captivate readers today. Whether you are a fan of classic Hollywood cinema or simply appreciate great poetry, "Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer" is a must-read.
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