As boring as John Keats' odes may have seemed back in high-school English class, "Bright Star," a film about the author's life, makes viewers care about the man behind the verse. Set in 19th century England, this film brings Keats (Ben Whishaw) to life. His story will captivate, as long as poetry recitations do not chase viewers out of the theater. For all of Keats' fame as a writer, the movie centers not on his literary work, but on the powerful and ultimately doomed romance between protagonists Keats and Fanny (Abbie Cornish).
"Bright Star" tells the true tale of the poet John Keats, who met his untimely death at age 25 and harbored a passionate love for a sassy seamstress named Fanny Brawne. It is a now-familiar tale of forbidden love between a starving artist and the girl next door. However, thanks to the quality of the film, the romance feels new and untarnished.
Fanny is a young woman who speaks her mind freely and never lacks a dance partner. Keats is a less sociable poet, who is worried about his sick brother. As soon as this unlikely pair meets, the viewer catches a glimpse of the muse that inspired much of Keats' romantic writing, be it letters or poetry.
The film is not all poetry and tragedy either. Keats' friend and fellow poet Charles Brown (Paul Schneider) provides much of the comedic relief in the film with his crude humor and active dislike of Fanny. Brown is overly protective of Keats and fends off Fanny to the best of his abilities, but he is unsuccessful in stopping the inevitable romance.
When Keats' illness, which is alluded to throughout the movie, takes a turn for the worse, the audience really feels the strength of his devotion to Fanny through his letters and poetry. There are few physical displays of affection; words are the way this love is demonstrated, and they prove themselves more than adequate.
Though Keats is the focus of "Bright Star," Cornish steals the spotlight, expertly portraying a strong, witty girl who is so in love that she is often emotionally unstable. Her costumes are fantastic and her dialogue is even better. The chemistry between Cornish and Whishaw is undeniable, making the film a certain tearjerker. Whishaw plays the part of the sickly poet well. He is charming and pensive, and he creates a Keats who is very easy to love.
Director Jane Campion does a stellar job at capturing the essence of 19th century London and the romance of one of its greatest poets. She weaves a story as intricate as Fanny's hand-crafted outfits. New Zealander Campion is best known for directing "The Piano" (1993), which she won an Oscar for writing. Campion has also directed "Sweetie" (1989), "Holy Smoke!" (1999) and "The Portrait of a Lady" (1996).
The setting of the film is what really sets it apart. A love story like this one told in any other place during any other time would not carry the same weight. The film's direction itself is pure poetry, and the stanzas scattered throughout it only emphasize the beauty of each scene.
Despite its strengths, "Bright Star" is a bit on the slow side. This suits its subject matter, but may deter audiences interested in a quick chick flick. The poetry and historical setting might also alienate certain audiences, but anyone with a love for language or romance will revel in this film.
"Bright Star" will find and capture all of the romantics in the audience, and perhaps awaken a new love for poetry in some viewers. It is a film that makes one nostalgic for a distant past and a world in which romantic love can be expressed through beautiful words.
