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Title

Bright Star

Review

Bright Star, written and directed by Jane Campion (Piano, 1993), is based on the true romance between the poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne. Campion elegantly portrays the sincerity of their love, as well as the inspiration driving their creativity.

In the first scenes, the connection between John (Ben Whishaw) and Fanny (Abbie Cornish) is apparent. Both John and Fanny are spirited and imaginative - he a writer, she a fashion designer and seamstress. Though poor, John is respected for his artistic endeavors. Fanny, however, is ridiculed for her fanciful pursuits. As their love develops, so does their artistry. John Keats's most notable work stems from this three-year love affair. Unfortunately, their match does not fit within society's constructs. The lovers must combat social restrictions and physical maladies in order to achieve the life for which they so desperately long.

Jane Campion does an excellent job of weaving John Keats's poetry with the natural landscape, and capturing the repressive atmosphere of nineteenth-century England. The contrast between light and dark pays homage to the Romantic Movement and one of its most celebrated writers. ~
Amy Merill

Review Date

Reviewed October 2010