Tom & Viv

This film explores the early life of poet T.S. and his little-known first marriage to Vivienne Haigh-Wood, a talented writer who served as his muse. Vivienne, who suffered from an hormonal imbalance that caused violent mood swings, encouraged her reserved husband's talents but her passion and unpredictable behavior embarrassed him; their relationship unraveled as the side effects from her medication made her even more unstable. When the success of his poem "The Wasteland," brought him fame, Eliot devoted himself to his literary career and to a new circle of friends. Eventually, with the assistance of his wife's family, Eliot gained control of Vivienne's estate and had her committed to a mental hospital. Vivienne eventually regained her health, but by then all was lost. (Verleiher-Text)