John Ashbery: Love for French writers and culture

The Poet's View offers unprecedented access into the life and work of some of America's finest poets. These films are warmly insightful portraits recorded in the personal setting of each poet's home and at various locations.

The series was produced by the Academy of American Poets with generous assistance from the Wallace Stevens Fund. The director/producer was Mel Stuart, whose credits include the original Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and many critically acclaimed documentaries. 

The full series is available on DVD, and includes portraits of John Ashberry, Louise Gluck, Anthony Hecht, Kay Ryan, and W. S. Merwin.