Film Rediscovery:: Charles Burnett's quirky 1999 romantic comedy "The Annihilation of Fish," never released theatrically or on home video, has been restored in 4K by Milestone Film and Video.
Plot:: The film follows Obediah "Fish" Johnson (James Earl Jones), recently released from a mental institution, and Poinsettia Cummings (Lynn Redgrave), a woman who believes she's dating the ghost of Puccini, as they find an unconventional connection in a boarding house run by Mrs. Muldroone (Margot Kidder).
Troubled History:: A scathing review by Variety critic Todd McCarthy after its Toronto Film Festival screening effectively killed its distribution prospects. Director Burnett suggests the review might have been personally motivated.
Director's Context:: Burnett, a pioneering Black filmmaker known for classics like "Killer of Sheep," has often faced challenges getting his work seen, highlighting the precarious nature of independent filmmaking.
Screening:: The restored film is screening at the Brattle Theatre in Cambridge, MA, from March 28-30, 2025.
Why this matters:: This release offers a rare chance to see a previously lost work by a significant director, featuring endearing late-career performances. It also serves as a case study on the power of film criticism and the challenges of film preservation and distribution.
"The Annihilation of Fish," adapted from Anthony C. Winkler's short story, centers on two lonely souls grappling with mental health challenges. Fish literally wrestles invisible demons, while Poinsettia carries on conversations and dates with the ghost of composer Giacomo Puccini. Their landlady, the eccentric Mrs. Muldroone, provides a non-judgmental space for their unique relationship to blossom. The film explores themes of loneliness, acceptance, and finding love in unexpected places, arguing that perhaps everyone needs someone who complements their 'crazy.'
Charles Burnett is a highly respected figure in American independent cinema, yet his career exemplifies the difficulties many filmmakers, particularly Black directors, face in securing funding and distribution. His acclaimed debut, "Killer of Sheep" (1978), wasn't widely available until 2007 due to music rights issues. Similarly, "The Annihilation of Fish" languished for decades. Originally envisioned with Sidney Poitier and Shirley MacLaine, financing proved difficult for a story about older, unconventional characters. After completion, Todd McCarthy's exceptionally negative Variety review proved fatal, calling it "a drear moment" and effectively warning distributors away. The complex rights and production agreements further complicated matters. The restoration and current release by Milestone Film and Video represent a significant effort in film preservation, finally allowing audiences to judge the film for themselves.
What is 'The Annihilation of Fish' about?
It's a quirky 1999 romantic comedy directed by Charles Burnett. It stars James Earl Jones and Lynn Redgrave as two individuals with mental health challenges who find comfort and love with each other in a boarding house.
Why wasn't the film released for so long?
A combination of factors, including a highly negative review from a major trade publication (Variety) that discouraged distributors, difficulties securing financing for its unconventional subject matter, and complex rights issues common in independent filmmaking.
Appreciate Film Preservation:: The rescue of films like this highlights the importance of organizations dedicated to restoring and releasing movies that might otherwise be lost.
Consider Critical Impact:: This story shows how influential film criticism can be, sometimes preventing unique works from finding an audience.
Support Independent Venues:: Screenings like the one at the Brattle Theatre provide crucial opportunities to see rare and independent films.
Mental Health Representation:: The film offers a whimsical, though potentially controversial, take on mental illness, portraying it as a condition to be lived with rather than solely a problem to be 'solved'.
The rediscovery of "The Annihilation of Fish" raises questions about art that gets lost to time. How important is it to preserve and rediscover films that initially failed to find an audience? Do you think the portrayal of mental health in the film sounds intriguing or problematic? Let us know your thoughts!
*Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!*
The Criterion Collection’s Mobile Closet, a traveling version of the legendary film archive, made its first visit to Chicago as part of the ...
Luca Guadagnino's "After the Hunt," starring Julia Roberts and Ayo Edebiri, uses New Haven and Yale as a backdrop to explore complex social ...
⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer