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In 1996, Australian author David Malouf won the world's richest literary award with his novel Remembering Babylon, which was considered by the IMPAC literary judges to be the best novel written by anyone, anywhere, in any language, in the preceding three years. An Imaginary Life illuminates Malouf's life and work.

In his beautiful and evocative stories the past is always very close to the surface of the present. Half-forgotten memories, inner states, obligation and friendship all provide inspiration for the writer. This documentary interweaves the imagined world of Malouf's writing with the reality of places and experiences that have inspired him. Filmed on location in Australia, England and Ireland, it visits places from his past, delves into his memories of growing up in war-time Brisbane, and explores his Lebanese and English heritage. Malouf is also seen in the tiny Tuscan village of Campagnatico where he has written much of his work.

The complex and poetic writer talks about his belief in the power of perception and imagination. His novels are driven by emotion rather than storyline and he is particularly interested in the way people relate to each other, in friendship and the codes of behaviour between men.

An Imaginary Life is richly illustrated with archive footage and atmospheric dramatisations from Malouf's books, including Johnno, Remembering Babylon, 12 Edmonstone Street, Easier and The Great World. It offers an emotive exploration into the life and mind of an extraordinary writer and poet.

Extracts from Malouf's works are narrated by Geoffrey Rush, who won a Golden Globe and an Oscar for Best Actor for his performance as pianist David Helfgott in the acclaimed Australian feature film Shine. Programme contributors include Michael Ondaatje, Colm Toibin and Clive James.

Cast: David Malouf
Director(s): Don Featherstone
Format: Colour
Classification: n/a/
Running Time: 55 minutes
Download Size: 330.34 MB