Rime of the Ancient Mariner in Film and Television.

Despite the fact that most people in this time are not familiar with Samuel Coleridge’s "Rime of the Ancient Mariner", references to this popular ballade can be found all through out pop culture. The film industry borrows heavily from the poem, as most of the business is made up of creative borrowing. A production directed by Ken Russell in 1978 was rightfully titled, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner", which was about the life of Coleridge. Even more popular film titles such as "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" share something with piece. pirates of the Caribbean is nearly a parallel of the poem, one of the references includes life in death playing dice for the souls of men. Willy Wonka has a similar quote to one found in the poem that goes, "Bubbles, bubbles, everywhere, but not a drop to drink...yet." The quote, "Water, water, everywhere, but not a drop to drink," is a line that has seen many uses, whether it be a direct quotation or a parody. In The Simpson’s episode "Boy-Scoutz N the Hood", Homer parodies the quote by saying, "What do you think we're floating on? Don't you know the poem? 'Water, water, everywhere, so let's all have a drink.'". In a 1952 episode of Looney Toons, the title was called, "Water, Water Every Hare". References are even apparent in modern children's cartoons. In episode 92 of the Popular television series "Pokemon", one of the characters recites the opening stanza with her Raichu. While in an episode of "Samurai Jack", a mariner approaches Jack and asks him if he would like to hear his story with the same title as the poem. Even though we might not see it at first, references to this poem are all over modern pop culture. It is amazing how a poem so old as this, continues to shape society in different and creative ways. And it is through references like these that the poem continues to live on, and to be introduced to newer audiences. Because of this, the poem will live on for generations to come, and continue to influence the future.



Alex Jorge