Post by BIGFANBOY on Sept 18, 2009 4:22:10 GMT -5
BRIGHT STAR
Review by Gary Dean Murray
Young love, how it warms the heart. Everyone remembers that first pang of feeling, that ember that glows inside the breast and never is ever fully extinguished. It is that idea that drives the period piece Bright Star, the latest film by Jane Campion, the creative force behind the Oscar-winning flick The Piano.
This film is about John Keats (Ben Whishaw), one of the world's most renown romantic poets. We see him as a young man, crafting words under the tutelage of Brown (Paul Schneider). Brown understands all the talent the young man possesses and works with diligence to make sure his focus is on his muse. Even though the works of Keats generate little money, he has many benefactors who keep the artist out of the poor house. Brown does everything he can to keep distractions away from the creative environment.
But Brown never expects Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish). She is 'the girl next door' who rents them their room. but she is anything but the atypical girl next door. Keats is instantly smitten by this young lass. Brown sees her as a distraction to the work. Keats sees her as a purpose of his work. The two are instantly attracted to each other, but in Victorian England no one ever gets what they want. Constantly watched by a younger brother and sister, Fanny and John have to struggle to achieve moments of bliss in a world that respects dignity and wealth more than creative expression.
Exposed to this world, there is death and disease on every corner. John Keats is a weak individual to begin with and the harsh winters do take a toll on his frail being. Bright Star is a love story and a doomed one from the first frame.
I felt that Abbie Cornish was just perfect as the muse of Keats. She is a subtle beauty in Bright Star, but a classic beauty as well. We are with her in the affections for her man, the audience to the creative process. Watching the contemplative musing of the muse shows that what seems to be doing nothing is a part of crafting poetry. As the yin to the yang, Paul Schneider truly steps out of his element to play the role. This is one of the harder roles to perform, because he must be both a stern task master and a loyal friend. He has to do a tightrope walk between what is best for art and what is best for his companion. The American does such a solid job with the accent, one never doubts that he isn't born of the Isle.
Ben Whishaw gives a nice reading of the poet Keats, but we never see the true struggle of the artistic statement. We know he will produce “Ode on a Grecian Urn” and other celebrated works, we just ever see the haunting doubt that accompanies crafting the words. Here he is more of a lovesick puppy than a man of creative energy.
There is so much to like about the films of Jane Campion. The overall look is magnificent, with sweeping camera angles and beautiful scenes and sceneries. But this time out the story doesn't match the effort. There are struggles and hardships but never that do or die moment where everything is on the line for love.
This will be discussed as an early Oscar contender but by the time the end of the year roles around, it will fall in the 'wanna be' category and not a contender. Bright Star is an interesting idea on a age old subject but just never stands out from the pack.
To go back to BIGFANBOY.com click here - www.bigfanboy.com