Film/TV Sep 17, 2009 at 4:00 am

Bright Star: Jane Campion Ruins Keats

Paul Constant
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Comments

1
Are you kidding me? Paul Schneider is probably the LEAST convincing of anyone in the film due to his obvious FAKE accent. You missed the beautiful shots and scenery as well as the costumes. It sounds to me as if you slept through the whole thing which apparently films like this are not for you anyway...Your comment about the worst film of her career is way off and you are definitely in the minority!
on September 16, 2009 at 2:31 PM Report this
2
The best thing in this movie is the huge, black & white cat.
on September 16, 2009 at 2:52 PM Report this
3
I couldn't agree less. Bright Star is one of the best films of Campion's estimable career. I have some quibbles with the last act--as well as the misleading end titles--but I loved almost everything else about it. Cornish and Whishaw (not Winshaw) are fantastic, Kerry Fox (Shallow Grave, etc.) is her usual excellent self and, yes, the cat, who is as much a part of the family as Fanny's siblings, is a nice touch.
Kathy Fennessy on September 20, 2009 at 1:10 PM Report this
4
Throughout the film, I couldn't help feeling that we were ALMOST to a good part and things were ABOUT to get moving. An uninitiated lay moviegoer and not an erudite film critic, I don't know what would constitute a "good part" or how to describe "moving" cinematically. I know I was rooting for the film itself, however, because I just wanted to like it. Ultimately, I cared no more for Keats the poet or this film's characters having experienced (wakefully) the entire thing unto the last word uttered at the very end of the credits. There was applause from some audience members, which indicates that Bright Star is for some people. My first response: I really liked the trailer!
apo on September 23, 2009 at 10:21 AM Report this
5
Although this movie is visually very beautiful and has some great moments, I have to agree with the reviewer that it doesn't have much to do with John Keats. It seems to be more about Campion's ideas about suppressed sexuality and just happens to have a character named Keats and quotes (not often and not very well) some of his poetry.

I felt it had the worst of both worlds: it over-simplified relationships and either idealized or vilified the characters in a historically-inaccurate way, like some Hollywood movies, but at the same time, it had the slow pacing and pretense of some not so good art films.
alcina on October 8, 2009 at 7:57 PM Report this
6
One of the best dramas I've seen all year! The cast was amazing, and the music haunting. You should check out the film Bright Star’s official site, where they've announced the Love Letter Contest. Those who enter will have to submit a hand-made love letter or love tweet for their chance to win two unique diamonds from A Diamond Is Forever. Find more details here:
http://www.brightstar-movie.com/contest
Follow Keat's Tweets here: http://twitter.com/KeatsTweets
I'm glad Jane campion decided to step back into the director's chair for this one. I don't think anyone else could have captured the heart of the story like her.
turner1938 on October 15, 2009 at 3:43 PM Report this
7
I couldn't of said it better, so I'll just leave you with this man's words: http://movies.nytimes.com/2009/09/16/mov…
A.O. Scott of the NEW YORK TIMES compared Ms. Cornish to that of Kate Winslet mind you. Whishaw is a beautiful actor, I mean this not only physically he arrests the audience with his elfin-like build---which all the more adds to his character portrayl, but his acting is so clear and pure on the screeen---spot on for someone playing a poet! Campion is a VISIONARY---she surrounded herself with youth on this set (the leading actors, the composer for this film...etc.) which is not to undermind her own ingenuity and an evident fierceness to capture and present a story with her name tied to it...Are you aware of historical context btw?? (obviously not, since you threw Merchant Ivory down the gutter immediately).

Do keep in mind that the pause is just as important as the note. And DO look at the link to read the real review.

***ATTENTION 'THE STRANGER'...please REVIEW mr. constant's credentials and attention!
on November 8, 2009 at 10:46 PM Report this
8
Just Constant crap!

What on earth does PC know about films like this? Jane Campion is an excellent film maker and has proved so again with Bright Star. Perhaps the story is too simple for you; the unfortunate lovers were beautifully portrayed, yes, the costumes were wonderful but just added to the gorgeous use of light and colour. Went straight home and read Keats again, and I bet there will be a lot of people who have never read him will go out and find his words!
tinadiva on November 16, 2009 at 7:04 AM Report this
9
Just saw it and I thought Toots was the best thing in it.

And the best line was 'Mr Keats is pretending he's a bee'.

Ponderous but pretty.
on November 22, 2009 at 9:22 AM Report this

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