In this romantic drama based on the true story of the short life of poet John Keats (Ben Whishaw), a lovely young neighbor (Abbie Cornish) falls in love with the struggling poet who moves into the nearby home with his friend and patron, Charles Armitage Brown (Paul Schneider). Despite Brown’s discouraging words and dark glares, Fanny Brawne continues to visit the handsome, though frail, poet whose words inspire her even though she has no previous understanding or appreciation for poetry.
John Keats, English Romantic Poet
Although “Bright Star” is the title of one of Keats’s poems (inspired by Fanny), it also describes the poet’s shining presence for her in the dreary days in Hampstead, England, around 1818. A passionate woman who throws all her energies into designing and sewing new garments, Fanny Brawne becomes preoccupied by the impoverished poet. She buys a copy of his little-read book that earned lukewarm responses from the critics, and wants Keats to provide her with private tutoring lessons in poetry.
Their relationship slowly builds over a three-year span, yet because of his low income – he lives off the donations of friends and patrons, plus his meager book sales – Keats cannot afford to marry the well-to-do young lady. In addition, he develops an internal hemorrhaging from a severe chill, due to his threadbare clothing in the frigid English winter. His ill health and poverty keep him from marrying her; his “conscience” keeps him from bedding her – even though Fanny tells him she will do anything he wants to consummate their love.
Anyone who has studied the English Romantic Poets knows this story doesn’t have a happy ending. These star-crossed lovers enjoy a brief, bright passion that inspires his poetry and alters the direction of her life.
About the Movie Bright Star
Director Jane Campion (The Piano) brings the early 19th century countryside to life in this beautiful period piece. The blooming wild flowers, sun-drenched afternoons, and delicate frocks display all their glorious color and texture from extreme close-ups to long shots and everything in between. Small details such as Keats’s beautifully written letters on carefully folded parchment, the hole in his well-worn sock, and the latest frill on Fanny's fancy new gowns tell stories about the characters beyond mere words.
In fact, it’s this exquisite attention to detail (the costumes, the furniture, the curtains, the bed linens, the writing quills, and so forth) that takes the viewer into another time and place. Although poverty and poor medical care ensure this story’s tragic final act, the beauty of Keats’ words, the depth of the characters’ love, the sincerity of the actors’ portrayals, and the finesse of Campion’s direction combine to offer an unforgettable glimpse into the transcendent world of the Romantic poets.
- Bright Star
- English Romantic poet John Keats begins a tentative romance with a young neighbor whom he cannot marry.
- Starring Abbie Cornish, Ben Whishaw, Paul Schneider, Thomas Sangster, Kerry Fox, Edie Martin, Samuel Roukin
- Director: Jane Campion
- Writer: Jane Campion
- Run Time: 119 minutes
- Rated: PG (for thematic elements, some sensuality, brief language and incidental smoking)
For more information about movies with literary characters, read Movie Review of The Answer Man.
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