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Bright Star: Love and Hot English Chastity

Posted on 06 October, 2009 | No Comments

by Erin Riley

“Bright Star” is a love story and not for the feint of heart. The film stars Ben Whishaw as John Keats and Abbie Cornish as Fanny Brawne. This film is about the tragic affair between the romantic poet and his unexpected love with the girl next door, literally.

While he was living, John Keats was not as well known as he is today. He scrapped by on a very small income and the charity of his friends so he could focus on his craft – poetry. Keats moved in with his friend Mr. Brown so the two poets could collaborate on their work. The Brawne family rented rooms from Brown and occupied the same home, but they kept their households mostly separate. Keats soon met Fanny Brawne, a snarky woman with an obsession with fashion. Keats is the quintessential dreamer and Brawne is very practical. Their story goes on from there – stereotypical boy meets girl and they have a wonderful love story – a very short lived one.

The way Jane Campion, the director, visually sets the film and brings it to life really transports the viewer from the modern day to the early 19th century Regency era. She uses color and lighting to really set the mood. There are times during the movie when one can see the mood is joyful from the colors of Brawne’s dresses or how the light blinds the screen for one moment with the contrast of the bright sunshine.

Whishaw and Cornish’s chemistry on screen is impeccable. It’s intoxicating to watch them together. One point I really enjoyed was the innocence of the two characters. It’s obvious they are each other’s first loves. When they first kiss, both in their 20s, the viewer can see the nervousness of Keats and Brawne’s. As their story progresses, Keats must leave Brawne because of his failing health. She begs him to stay saying, “I’ll do anything you want.” Keats replies, “I’m too much of a gentleman for that.” I really love how Campion captures the time period by the lack of a sexual appetite on Keats part and how naive Fanny is. It’s refreshing to see from an oversexed pop culture.

Before seeing the film, I thought Keats was another stuffy romantic poet I had to read in AP English to pass the class and gain college credit. Even on a trip to Rome, I passed his home and memorial by the Spanish Steps in complete ignorance. I knew Keats died of tuberculosis as a young man, but I never really understood the true symptoms and how he was robbed of his life. I was really wrong about Keats.

I would strongly suggest seeing this film, but a few warnings first. If you’re not in the mood for a period piece or romance, don’t see it because the movie will be spoiled. It’s longer, but worth sitting through it. Also, this is by no means a biography about Keats life. It’s a small part of his life brought to the silver screen.