Greetings again from the darkness. From writer/director Jane Campion (The Piano), this is beautiful and touching story of unrequited love between the incredible poet John Keats and designer/seamstress Fanny Brawne.
Ben Whishaw (Perfume) does a fine job capturing the frailty, sensitivity and many moods of the poet, and give us a peek at his thoughts regarding his own death. The only real glimpses we get into Keats' writing process are his scenes with Paul Schneider (as Mr. Brown). Schneider's character is overly protective of Keats the genius and Keats the man ... almost to the point of obsession.
The real Bright Star of the film is Abbie Cornish (Elizabeth, A Good Year) as Fanny Brawne. She brings much depth to character and her emotions caused me to well up a couple of times (not a common experience for me). Star-crossed lovers seems so cliché, but certainly fits this story.
While I would have preferred more insight into the Keats genius, this is really a story of love and emotions. So we make do with the voice overs and bits of Keats poetry that Campion tosses in.
Ben Whishaw (Perfume) does a fine job capturing the frailty, sensitivity and many moods of the poet, and give us a peek at his thoughts regarding his own death. The only real glimpses we get into Keats' writing process are his scenes with Paul Schneider (as Mr. Brown). Schneider's character is overly protective of Keats the genius and Keats the man ... almost to the point of obsession.
The real Bright Star of the film is Abbie Cornish (Elizabeth, A Good Year) as Fanny Brawne. She brings much depth to character and her emotions caused me to well up a couple of times (not a common experience for me). Star-crossed lovers seems so cliché, but certainly fits this story.
While I would have preferred more insight into the Keats genius, this is really a story of love and emotions. So we make do with the voice overs and bits of Keats poetry that Campion tosses in.