‘The Annihilation of Fish’
Obediah Johnson — portrayed by the magnificent James Earl Jones in The Annihilation of Fish — carries a presence as deep and resonant as his voice, known to many from Star Wars and The Lion King. Yet, it’s in lesser-known works like Annihilation, Charles Burnett’s deeply humane film, that Jones’s voice becomes even more profound. Now receiving a theatrical release 26 years after its initial festival screening, the film offers a singular, moving view from society’s margins, highlighting Burnett’s mastery beyond his acclaimed Killer of Sheep (1978), a cornerstone of American cinema.
The delayed release of The Annihilation of Fish is surprising, especially given Burnett’s celebrated career. His films, like To Sleep With Anger (1990), have consistently defied categorization, blending genres and tones. Independent films that eschew formula are notoriously difficult to market, and Burnett’s refusal to conform to commercial expectations may have kept Annihilation in obscurity. Yet, its recent release highlights the timelessness of Burnett’s storytelling and his commitment to voices often left unheard.
Like much of Burnett’s work, The Annihilation of Fish resists easy classification. It blends gentle comedy with bursts of slapstick and undercurrents of melancholy, leaving viewers uncertain whether to laugh or reflect. This tension — between humor and sorrow — destabilizes conventional storytelling, forcing audiences to confront the complexities of the characters without the usual narrative cues. The result is a film that feels both familiar and disarming, a delicate balance that Burnett navigates skillfully.
The film, written by Anthony C. Winkler, follows Obediah “Fish” Johnson, a Jamaican immigrant living in a New York mental facility, tormented by an invisible demon named Hank. After a disruptive church tussle with Hank, Fish is expelled from his group home and sets off for Los Angeles. There, he moves into a run-down apartment complex run by the eccentric Mrs. Muldroone (Margot Kidder), where he attempts to build a new life in a decaying yet vibrant setting, transforming his squalid apartment into a humble home.
It’s in this new environment that Fish meets Poinsettia (Lynn Redgrave), a flamboyant woman who believes she’s in a relationship with the long-dead composer Giacomo Puccini. Burnett carefully intertwines their stories, hinting at their eventual meeting through parallel scenes. Poinsettia’s eccentricity borders on absurdity, yet when she moves into the apartment across from Fish’s, their connection forms the heart of the film. Together, they navigate loneliness, mental illness, and the human desire for companionship.
As Fish and Poinsettia grow closer, their relationship unfolds through late-night talks, games of gin rummy, and shared vulnerabilities. Both characters live on society’s fringes, isolated yet yearning for connection. Fish, a widower, reveals his inner gentleness through Jones’s nuanced performance, while Poinsettia remains harder to embrace due to her exaggerated mannerisms. Redgrave’s portrayal, at times bordering on pantomime, adds complexity to the character, making her both endearing and unsettling.
Despite her eccentricities, Poinsettia’s isolation mirrors Fish’s, particularly in moments when society rejects her. A telling scene during an outdoor concert, where she sings along to Madama Butterfly, results in scornful glances from fellow attendees, reinforcing her status as an outsider. Burnett’s compassion for these marginalized characters shines through, offering a tender exploration of human connection amid loneliness and social alienation.
Ultimately, The Annihilation of Fish is a modest but deeply affecting film about love and acceptance. Burnett’s gentle touch and refusal to sensationalize his characters allow their humanity to shine. In a world that often dismisses those who don’t fit neatly into societal norms, the film offers a poignant reminder that everyone deserves compassion and understanding. It’s a love story, yes, but more importantly, it’s a story about two lost souls finding solace in each other.
