In this clip from
The Double Life of Véronique, the performer Weronika is going to sing herself to death. The conceit of the film is that there are two versions alive of the same woman: Véronique (in France) and Weronika (in Poland). Both are musically talented; both have the same heart condition that prevents them from engaging in strong exertions. Weronika lands a role as a soloist: during her greatest moment of
kleos, the singing of her song, her heart fails and she dies.
Véronique, by contrast, is warned of the condition by her doctor, and she breaks off her vocal training, resigning herself to a life as a music teacher. Throughout her whole life, however, she is nagged by the suspicion that she could have had another life: one filled with song (if only one great song).
Véronique and Weronika are perfect for thinking about Akhilles' choice, and in some ways, the Iliad could be called "The Double Life of Akhilles." However, before the Iliad begins, Akhilles has made his choice -- the same choice as Weronika: to become a star of a song, even if that means death.
The words that Weronika sings are from Dante's Paradiso, and beautifully appropriate for a course on Greek civilization. Notice how Weronika summons the Muses on her voyage past the stars, as she sails across the sea and crosses over to the lands beyond death.
