Borges and Me: A Whimsical Journey with a Literary Giant on Screen

A chance encounter, a winding road, and the unexpected bond forged between a young, aspiring writer and a towering figure of 20th-century literature form the heartwarming core of Marc Turtletaub’s latest film, 'Borges and Me.' Based on American author Jay Parini's 2020 memoir, the movie transports audiences to the Scottish Highlands of the 1970s, where an improbable road trip unfolds between a doctoral student and the renowned, visually impaired Argentine literary icon, José Luis Borges. More than a straightforward biopic, the film is an exploration of mentorship, creative awakening, and the profound, often humorous, moments that arise when disparate worlds collide.

Quick summary

• 'Borges and Me' is a screen adaptation of Jay Parini's memoir, detailing his road trip with José Luis Borges in 1970s Scotland.
• The film portrays Borges as a quirky, charismatic figure, acting as a catalyst for the young protagonist's creative and romantic development.
• Critically, the film is lauded for its charm, strong performances by Luis Gnecco as Borges and Fionn Whitehead as Parini, and the scenic beauty of its Scottish locations.
• While amiable and sentimental, the adaptation prioritizes the whimsical odd-couple dynamic and personal journey over a deep dive into Borges's literary output.

Why it matters

'Borges and Me' offers more than just cinematic entertainment; it delves into universal themes that resonate deeply with audiences. For aspiring writers and artists, it beautifully illustrates the transformative power of mentorship and the serendipitous encounters that can shape a creative path. The film highlights the often-unconventional ways inspiration strikes, showcasing Borges not merely as a literary legend but as a vibrant, albeit eccentric, human being who profoundly impacts a young man's worldview. It also speaks to the enduring appeal of biographical narratives, particularly those that offer a unique, personal lens through which to view historical figures. In an era where many crave authentic connections and stories of personal growth, this film provides a refreshing exploration of human interaction and the journey of self-discovery, wrapped in the nostalgic charm of a bygone era and stunning landscapes.

Background

The genesis of 'Borges and Me' lies in Jay Parini's 2020 memoir, 'Borges and Me: An Encounter,' which itself spun a compelling anecdote into a full-length account. Parini, a respected author and academic, recounted his extraordinary experience as a college student in the 1970s, tasked with accompanying the legendary, sightless Argentine writer José Luis Borges on an unexpected journey across the Scottish Highlands. Borges, a titan of 20th-century literature celebrated for his intricate short stories, essays, and poetry, was known for his vast intellect and unique perspective on reality, labyrinths, and dreams. His physical blindness in his later years, far from hindering his imagination, often fueled it. The decision to adapt Parini's memoir into a feature film, with Marc Turtletaub directing and Oren Moverman penning the screenplay (from an earlier adaptation by Parini and Ross Clarke), signaled a clear intent to capture the memoir's 'charming extension of an anecdote.' The film's setting in the autumnal Scottish Highlands, captured with 'dewy autumnal crispness' by cinematographer Christopher Norr, contrasts sharply with Borges's Argentine roots, adding another layer to the cultural and personal journey central to the narrative. This transatlantic co-production, featuring talent from Britain, South America, and North America, aimed to bring this singular literary road trip to a global arthouse audience, building on the memoir's blend of healthy embellishment and heartfelt reminiscence.

Qnews24h insight

In adapting 'Borges and Me,' the filmmakers faced the perennial challenge of bringing a celebrated literary figure to the screen while honoring a personal, almost mythical, account. The film wisely pivots from a strict biographical study of Borges's literary output to focusing on his persona as a 'general, buoyant, heavily imagined spirit' through the eyes of a young, impressionable student. This approach allows the film to explore themes of mentorship and personal awakening without being burdened by the immense academic weight of Borges's bibliography. While some might desire a deeper engagement with Borges's actual writing, the narrative's strength lies in its affectionate portrayal of an odd-couple dynamic and a coming-of-age story. The choice to emphasize sentimental warmth and fuzzy nostalgia over a rigorous intellectual examination suggests a conscious decision to appeal to a broader audience, demonstrating that the profound impact of literary giants can often be found in the most human, and sometimes humorous, of interactions rather than solely in their published works. It positions the film as a testament to the power of human connection in shaping identity, rather than a definitive critical analysis.

Further Exploration: A Literary Road Trip Unfolds

At the heart of 'Borges and Me' is the quintessential 'odd couple' road trip. Jay Parini, portrayed by Fionn Whitehead, is introduced as a seemingly earnest yet unworldly English literature doctoral student from St. Andrew’s University. His tortoiseshell glasses and oversized duffel coat immediately mark him as a fish out of water in the bohemian intellectual circles of his supervisor, poet Alastair Reid (Alan Cumming). When Reid unexpectedly departs for London, Parini finds himself reluctantly appointed as caretaker to the septuagenarian Borges, played with impish wisdom and childlike wonder by Chilean veteran Luis Gnecco. What begins as a practical necessity—Parini needed to interview an elusive poet, George Mackay Brown (Peter Mullan), in the Highlands—transforms into a series of unplanned detours and poignant, often amusing, adventures.

The journey becomes a crucible for Parini's growth. Tasked with describing the unseen Scottish scenery to the blind Borges, he is forced to articulate beauty and wonder in lyrical terms, pushing his own creative boundaries. Borges, despite his visual impairment, delights in every 'scrap of local color,' embodying a zest for life that challenges Parini’s more reserved nature. The film explores the dynamic tensions between them: Borges's constant chatter and 'earthy vulgarity' against Parini's initial weariness and virginal earnestness. These interactions, from a bumbling boat excursion on Loch Ness to hallucinatory visits to ancient battlefields, serve to peel back the layers of Parini's 'interior anxieties,' including the distant specter of his brother serving in Vietnam.

Crafting Character and Setting

The success of 'Borges and Me' hinges significantly on its performances and the evocative power of its setting. Luis Gnecco, known for his role in 'Neruda,' delivers a 'sprightly performance' as Borges, imbuing the literary giant with a captivating blend of 'impish wisdom, earthy vulgarity and childlike wonder.' He captures the essence of a man whose mind is constantly at play, even if his eyes cannot see the world directly. Opposite him, Fionn Whitehead, recognized for his work in 'Dunkirk,' portrays Parini with a 'shy, sweet earnestness' that grounds the more fantastical elements of Borges's personality. Whitehead provides the 'stillness it needs to avoid feeling mawkish or shticky,' allowing the audience to connect with his internal struggles and personal journey.

Supporting roles further enrich the narrative. Alan Cumming is noted for being in 'pleasingly Alan Cumming form' as the breezily bohemian Alastair Reid, while Peter Mullan contributes a 'mischievous extended cameo' as the reclusive poet George Mackay Brown. Freya Mavor shines as Ailith, a kindly pub worker with whom Parini forms a tender connection, providing moments where the film 'positively breathes in the old man’s absence.' Beyond the performances, the film's visual landscape is a crucial character. The 'tawny, textured splendor' of the Scottish Highlands, captured with 'dewy autumnal crispness,' elevates the journey from a simple road trip to a visually immersive experience, contributing significantly to the film's mellow, quietly sentimental tone.

Balancing Anecdote with Depth

While celebrated for its charm, 'Borges and Me' is also noted for its particular narrative choices. The review highlights that the film, much like the memoir it's based on, feels like a 'tall story' that is 'extended beyond its natural capacity' as a feature film. This suggests a delicate balance between the captivating nature of the anecdote and the demands of a full-length cinematic narrative. The adaptation often leans into the 'simpler feelgood sentiment,' occasionally at the expense of 'little engagement with Borges’s own writing.' This stylistic decision underscores the film’s intent to portray Borges as a catalyst for Parini’s self-discovery rather than as a subject for literary analysis. It reflects a choice to prioritize the 'porous, knowledge-gathering naïveté of youth' and the 'warm feeling and fuzzy nostalgia' that permeates the story.

This approach positions 'Borges and Me' as an amiable, character-driven piece that resonates on an emotional level, even if it might leave those seeking a deeper intellectual dive into Borges's oeuvre wanting. The review notes the upcoming five-hour-plus documentary, 'Life of Jorge Luis Borges,' as a potential complementary viewing for audiences seeking a more comprehensive exploration of the author's work and life, suggesting a potential future for a 'complementary release strategy' between the two films. Ultimately, 'Borges and Me' carves its own niche as a film that cherishes the spirit of a legendary figure and the transformative power of an unlikely friendship.

Sources

• Variety: 'Borges and Me' Review: A Nostalgic Literary Road Trip

FAQ

Q: What is 'Borges and Me' about?

A: 'Borges and Me' is a film adaptation of Jay Parini's memoir, detailing his improbable road trip through the Scottish Highlands with the legendary, blind Argentine writer José Luis Borges in the 1970s, exploring themes of mentorship and artistic awakening.

Q: Who are the main actors in 'Borges and Me'?

A: The film stars Luis Gnecco as José Luis Borges and Fionn Whitehead as the young Jay Parini. Alan Cumming and Peter Mullan also appear in supporting roles.

Q: Is 'Borges and Me' a documentary or a fictionalized account?

A: While based on a real memoir by Jay Parini, the film is described as a 'loosely biographical' and 'amiable' screen adaptation. It builds on Parini's 'charming extension of an anecdote,' suggesting a narrative that leans into storytelling and sentiment rather than strict factual documentation.