Review of Bright Star (2009) by Anna M — 12 Mar 2010

When I was eighteen, Jane Campion's "The Piano" reached out and took hold of me. Images and feelings from that movie, Michael Nyman's score, will forever be part of me.

I was already in love with John Keats, so when I saw Campion was writing-directing a film on his love affair with Fanny Brawne, I had to see it. I bought it, unwatched.

I will admit to being somewhat disappointed. Keats writes with an understanding well beyond his years, but Ben Whishaw played a teenaged boy, largely lacking in direction, caring or conviction. Abbie Cornish's emotional dynamism seemed incoherent at times. She is by turns pacific and by turns on the point of dying of heartsickness--the reasons for these changes in weather aren't always apparent. Keats and Brawne part with a whimper--not an ending worthy of Jane Campion, and so, because it was based on life, not a story worthy of Jane Campion. All the best bits are in Keats' poetry. Story aside, Cornish's acting is powerful--probably the best portrayal of anguish I've ever seen on screen--the nearness of heartache to physical death.

The most fascinating character to me, and an excellent performance, was that of Paul Schneider as Charles Brown, Keats' friend and roommate. He is piquant stew of conflicting motivations--strength and weakness, love for others and love for self, confidence and insecurity. Watching him was fascinating.

The rest of the supporting characters almost made me nervous. They were so ill-defined--lacking set personalities, which gave the world of the film a sense of unreality.

In conclusion:

If you want Jane Campion, watch The Piano.

If you want John Keats, read his poetry.

If you want to see anguish, watch Abbie Cornish as Fanny Brawne in Bright Star.

And if you want to see a complex, human character, watch Paul Schneider as Charles Brown in Bright Star.