Lost Charles Burnett Film 'The Annihilation of Fish' Resurfaces After 26 Years

In-Depth Analysis

### The Story of Fish and Poinsettia "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.'

### A Director's Struggle and a Film's Rescue 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.

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FAQ

Takeaways

• **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'.

Discussion

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!

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