“POETRY IN MOTION”
Starring: Abbie Cornish, Ben Whishaw, Thomas Sangster, Paul Schneider and Kerry Fox
Directed by: Jane Campion
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements, some sensuality, brief language and incidental smoking.
Genre: Art/Foreign, Drama, Romance, Adaptation and Biopic
By John Delia
Words like elegant, engaging and enjoyable are best used when referring to Bright Star, a very good film by director Jane Campion who gave us The Piano. The true story period piece comes alive with extremely good performances from the whole cast and the exceptional cinematography depicting the romance of the 1800’s. If you like historical dramas that are well acted and replicate an era then Bright Star should top your list to see.
The story centers on 18-year-old Fanny Brawne (Cornish) who falls for the romantic destitute poet John Keats (Whishaw) after a chance meeting. The true account follows the two falling in love, dealing with John’s hardships, and Fanny coping with her greatest loss.
Greig Fraser’s engaging camera directed by Campion does its work as it moves methodically from scene to striking scene. Much like a line from a poem by Keats, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever…†Campion creates the romantic feel of undying love between her main characters while using superb costumes, numerous sets and natures elements.
Cornish and Whishaw deliver noble performances at the smitten lovers. Under the able guidance of Campion the two are believable in their roles; Whishaw as the frail poet and Cornish breathing life into the flirtatious teenage who will stop at nothing to get Keats’ attention. I loved the way Brawne uses her dress making to stand out in a crowd, always different yet sometimes criticized. Strong in her convictions Brawne is adamant in her ways and only breaks down when she finds out her one true love will never be at her side.
The film’s title Bright Star comes from a love poem for Brawne that John Keats
wrote on the flyleaf of his copy of the works of Shakespeare. Keats writings include Ode on a Grecian Urn, Ode on Melancholy and Ode to a Nightingale.
The film is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some sensuality, brief language and incidental smoking all of which add to the romance of the plot.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good period piece, Period! (4 of 5 Palm Trees)