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John Keats as played by Ben Whislaw, was a 19th century British poet. He and his neighbor, Fanny Brawne, played by Abbie Cornish, have an intense, but apparently chaste, three year romance. Please notice that I have already used the word "romance" several times.
Joyce: This is another film by the famed, female New Zealand director Jane Campion, whom most will remember from the highly awarded "The Piano" some years ago. This love story, though, seems almost in love with love and of course, poetry.
Rico: Keats is 23 at the beginning of the film, and I suppose Fanny is just a little younger. I was struck by how much more photogenic she is as a moving image as opposed to the image captured in still photos.
Joyce: The romance is given gravitas by the illness of Keat's brother, and eventually his own illness. Most viewers will already know that Keats will die a very early death and knowing that makes their passion all the sweeter, in my opinion.
Rico: Fanny is a student of fashion, makes her own clothes of which there are a bunch, and wears them stunningly. I don't think she appeared in the same costume twice or more.
Joyce: The film is gorgeous, shot beautifully. The outdoor scenes where the two often meet are lovely. Fanny's wardrobe is indeed varied and beautiful--truely representative of the times. Her gowns are mostly everyday wear, not usually formal.
Rico: I'm afraid that I'm not much of a judge of 19th century poetry, but those who understand it will probably love the film.
Be alerted, this is a romantic drama featuring poetry and fashion.
Probably not the first choice of a football fan. However, those in the target audience - women - should enjoy "Bright Star"
Joyce: But an important part of the story is that of money or should I say, lack of it. Keats is impoverished himself being supported by a Scot best friend, Mr Brown, also a poet and who in reality is quite jealous of Keats' love affair with the lovely Fanny. He's quite upset when Keats agrees to teach Fanny about poetry. When Brown's money runs out, Keats, who by this time is very ill, has to make significant and most difficult decisions regarding his career and his love for Fanny.
Rico: I won't fault the film for appealing to it's intended audience, but I don't think it will win over anyone not already predisposed to the subject.
*** Green light for those who know.
Joyce: I found it a lovely film, though somewhat slowly paced, but I agree it would not appeal to everyone. I gave it ***1/2
Film: Bright Star
Writer, Director: Jane Campion
Cast: Abbie Cornish, Thomas Sangster, Ben Whishaw, Paul Schneider, Samuel Barnett, Kerry Fox, Roger Ashton-Griffiths
Genre: Drama, Romance
Running Time: 1:59
Rated: PG
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