Friday, July 17, 2009

Bright Star

Bright Star (2009)
Tonight was opening night of the Wellington International Film Festival and we were lucky enough to get tickets to Bright Star, Jane Campions new film. Bright Star tells the story about Fanny Brawne, who falls in love with the poet next door, John Keats. Over three years they are often kept apart by Keats interfering friend Brown, and by Fannys family who worry over the Keats lack of funds.

How hard it must have been in those days, when you were at the mercy of your family and the choices they made for you. How gossip could destroy your reputation, and how poverty was such a real hardship. Like in The Piano, I admired Jane Campions ability to show passion and desire with the touch of a hand, heaving heartbeats and stolen glances. Something male directors often fail to focus on.

Luckily for us, Jane Campion came to speak before the movie as Wellington is her hometown, and we were privlidged to get a sneak peek at this beautiful movie. 4/5

1 comment:

Pia K said...

Sounds wonderful! I see that Ben Whishaw stars in it too, he's such a great actor, have you seen the TV-series "Criminal Justice"? If not, you should, heartbreaking and brilliantly played http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1188927/