Let It Come Down: The Life of Paul Bowles
| 1998Directed by: Jennifer Baichwal
Main Plot
"Let It Come Down: The Life of Paul Bowles," directed by Jennifer Baichwal, is a documentary that delves into the enigmatic life of American expatriate writer and composer Paul Bowles. The film explores his journey from New York to Tangier, Morocco, where he spent much of his life. Through interviews, archival footage, and Bowles' own reflections, the documentary examines his literary contributions, musical compositions, and the cultural milieu that influenced his work. It also touches on his relationships with other literary figures and his impact on the Beat Generation. The film paints a vivid portrait of Bowles' complex character and his enduring legacy in both literature and music.
Characters
- Paul Bowles himself is the central figure, chronicling his life as a composer, writer, and expatriate in Morocco, exploring his relationships and creative journey.
- Paul Bowles, the protagonist, navigates existential and cultural challenges in Tangier, reflecting Burroughs' themes of alienation and the human condition.
- Cherifa is a Moroccan woman who becomes Paul Bowles' lover and muse, significantly influencing his life and work, adding depth to his experiences in Tangier.
Ending Explained
"Let It Come Down: The Life of Paul Bowles," directed by Jennifer Baichwal, concludes by encapsulating the enigmatic and influential life of the American expatriate writer and composer Paul Bowles. The film's ending delves into Bowles' later years in Tangier, Morocco, where he lived from 1947 until his death in 1999. It reflects on his enduring impact on literature and music, as well as his complex relationships with other literary figures, including his wife, Jane Bowles, and friends like William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg. The documentary wraps up by highlighting Bowles' reflections on his own life and work, offering insights into his philosophical outlook and the themes that permeated his writing, such as existentialism and the human condition. The film uses interviews, archival footage, and Bowles' own words to paint a portrait of a man who remained an outsider and a keen observer of the world around him. The conclusion leaves viewers with a sense of Bowles' lasting legacy and the profound influence he had on 20th-century literature and culture, emphasizing his unique voice and the timeless nature of his work.