Review: Bright Star (2009)

Released December 26, 2009

Love and longning in the air in Bright Star

It's a bit tardy, but here is my review of Jane Campion's latest:

Contrary to the beauty and elegance of many of their works, the lives of 19th century romantic artists – poets, composers, novelists – were frequently difficult and fleeting. Such could be said of poet John Keats, who died in 1821 from tuberculosis at the age of 25. It is however not true of Jane Campion’s film, a beautiful ode to the works and genius of John Keats, and his love for the girl next door, Fanny Brawne.

With subject matter that could have become a sensationalised melodrama, Campion instead deliberately downplays her directorial hand in favour of beautiful and painterly images that are kind of, well, poetic. They enhance the smouldering love between Keats and Brawn which is chaste but desperately passionate. Restrained by circumstances (they cannot marry for Keats is not of appropriate financial standing), they instead exchange letters, stare longingly, and kiss with barely restrained sexuality.

This is not surprising from a director who, throughout her films, seems most interested in the female awakening, sexual or otherwise. And it is through the eyes of Fanny, played with heartbreaking grace by Aussie actress Abbie Cornish, that we view Keats (a scrawny, pale Ben Whishaw). Aside from Fanny’s mother (Kerry Fox), who approves of Keats personally but not socially, one of the many hindrances to their relationship is Keats’ reader and friend, the contemptuous Mr. Brown (Paul Schneider). Brown disapproves of Fanny mostly because he feels she is stealing Keats’ attention away from his work, though his hostility also suggests a peculiar sexual attraction.

There’s little in the way of story in Bright Star, though Keats does eventually leave Hampstead and Fanny for the warmer climate of the Mediterranean in an effort to stave off his worsening illness. It is instead a film of images – Fanny in a flowered meadow, the wind blowing over her bed, their embrace against the trees. They enlighten Keats’ poetry and his intense relationship with his muse. Over the end credits Whishaw recites Keats’ “Ode to a Nightingale”. It’s worth staying for.