Endless Poetry

In this poignant tale, Alejandro Jodorowsky (Alejandro) finds himself at a crossroads as he navigates the complexities of his Jewish heritage in Santiago, Chile. Refusing to conform to the expectations of his family, who urged him to pursue a career in medicine, Alejandro instead chooses to follow his passion for poetry. His creative outlet takes the form of puppetry, which leads him to a chance encounter with a mysterious figure who offers him a studio as his new residence.

As he settles into this new life, Alejandro is surrounded by artists, poets, and performers, including the notable Nicanor Parra, whom he inadvertently offends during a misunderstanding about the enigmatic Stella Díaz Varín, the muse behind his poem "The Viper". His closest friend and fellow poet Enrique Lihn (Enrique) faces a tumultuous period in his life, marked by a violent altercation with his girlfriend. Alejandro's quick thinking saves her from taking drastic action, leading to an intimate moment between them that results in her pregnancy.

In search of solace, Alejandro is drawn back to the circus world of his childhood, where he finds comfort and laughter among the performers. However, this newfound sense of peace is short-lived as Enrique and Alejandro later reconcile, only to face a crushing blow when they learn that their childhood home has been reduced to ashes, along with all of Alejandro's cherished writings and mementos.

Seeking guidance, Alejandro turns to Parra, who is now teaching mathematics at an engineering school. Despite the poet's advice to abandon his own creative pursuits, Alejandro remains resolute in his commitment to his art, refusing to compromise on his vision. As the political climate in Chile shifts, with a strong pro-Ibáñez sentiment gaining traction during his second term in office, Alejandro decides to leave for Paris, driven by his determination to "save surrealism".

In a poignant farewell, Alejandro's father Jaime (Alejandro's father) appears at the dock, desperate to prevent his son from departing and instead forcing him back into working at their family store. However, Alejandro's resolve is unshakeable, and he ultimately overpowers his father, setting sail for Paris and leaving behind the only life he has ever known.