Home / Arts and Entertainment / Poetry Icon Mary Oliver Celebrated in New Film
Poetry Icon Mary Oliver Celebrated in New Film
24 Aug
Summary
- Steve Buscemi lends his voice to a documentary on poet Mary Oliver.
- The film explores Oliver's life, influences, and celebrated poetry.
- Documentary features interviews and readings by notable figures.
A new documentary, "Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World," is set to premiere, offering an in-depth look at the life and work of the renowned American poet Mary Oliver. Actor Steve Buscemi lends his distinctive voice to recite Oliver's poem "The Last Time Percy Came Back" within the film.
The documentary traces Oliver's early writing career and explores the people and landscapes that shaped her influential poetry. It includes interviews with prominent figures such as Maria Shriver and John Waters, alongside readings from notable personalities like Oprah Winfrey and Stephen Colbert.
Mary Oliver, born in 1935, achieved significant acclaim, winning both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. Her work, often inspired by the natural world and her walks in Provincetown, Massachusetts, cemented her status as one of America's most beloved poets. She passed away in 2019.
Director Sasha Waters expressed her honor in working with Buscemi, calling him an "original voice of a generation," much like Oliver herself. The film is available to stream starting August 25th on pbs.org/americanmasters, the American Masters YouTube channel, and the PBS app.
