Sorting Facts, or Nineteen Ways of Looking at Marker

This book offers a deep reflection on the filmmaker Chris Marker, blending poetry with visual art to explore themes of memory and existence.

In Sorting Facts, or Nineteen Ways of Looking at Marker, Susan Howe presents a profound exploration of the works of filmmaker Chris Marker. This meditation is not just a reflection on Marker’s cinematic contributions but also an intricate weaving of poetry and visual art. The book features a series of film stills that accompany the text, enhancing the reader's experience and providing a visual context to Howe's eloquent prose. Howe's unique perspective invites readers to reconsider the relationship between words and images, making it a compelling read for both poetry enthusiasts and film lovers alike.

The text is rich with evocative language and vivid imagery, as Howe contemplates the nature of memory, survival, and the act of creation. Through her poetic lens, she captures the essence of Marker’s work, delving into themes of existence and representation. The excerpts from the book reveal a fragmented yet cohesive exploration of thought, where each line resonates with the weight of personal and collective history. Howe’s ability to blend her insights with Marker's cinematic vision creates a dialogue that transcends traditional literary boundaries.

Sorting Facts, or Nineteen Ways of Looking at Marker is not merely an academic study; it is a heartfelt tribute to a filmmaker whose influence continues to inspire. Howe’s reflections encourage readers to engage with the text on multiple levels, prompting them to consider their own interpretations of art and memory. This book is a testament to the power of poetry to illuminate the complexities of human experience.