Volcano: An Inquiry Into the Life and Death of Malcolm Lowry

Apr 7 1976 N/A 1h 40m
Documentary

This feature-length Oscar®-nominated documentary focuses on Malcolm Lowry, author of one of the major novels of the 20th century, Under the Volcano. But while Lowry fought a winning battle with words, he lost his battle with alcohol. Shot on location in four countries, the film combines photographs, readings by Richard Burton from the novel and interviews with the people who loved and hated Lowry, to create a vivid portrait of the man.

Plot

A documentary on the life of the alcoholic writer Malcolm Lowry, interspersed with readings of Lowry's work by Richard Burton. Lowry was born and educated in England. He moved to Mexico in 1936, where he lived near the volcano Popocatepetl, on an allowance from his father. There, between drunken bouts, he started writing his one important novel, "Under the Volcano" that takes place on the Mexican day of the dead. He takes eight years to finish it, writing most of it while living in a shack in British Colombia, Canada.

Written by

Donald Brittain

Directed by

Donald Brittain, John Kramer

Cast

Marjorie Bonner, Donald Brittain, John Buchan

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

Canada

Production Companies

ONF | NFB

Languages

English

Awards

Nominated for 1 Oscar. 9 wins & 2 nominations total

Scores
# of Votes
215
Average Rating
7.1 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA