Romancefest 2014: Bright Star

Back to the UK for something a little more reserved, 2009's BRIGHT STAR, the true story of the love of poet John Keats' life, Fanny Brawne. This film was directed by the great Jane Campion, an Australian filmmaker of some note.

Abbie Cornish stars as Fanny Brawne, a young woman who meets John Keats (Ben Whishaw) through family friends and eventually develops a romance with him. The drama of the film comes from two elements, the first being that it's the 19th century, and Keats, being a man of little means, doesn't dare actually court Brawne for real, and the second being that Keats is not well and may not make it through a bout of consumption.

The drama is heightened by the fact that Keats' attention is torn by his best friend and writing partner, Brown (Paul Schneider) and by the fact that the two would-be lovers are basically living in each half of a combined house. They're so close, but so far away. They kiss and hold hands and write love letters and really, honestly love each other -- but so much keeps them apart.

It's frustrating, but I guess that's what makes it romantic. To be honest, I was bored for much of the film, but I don't think that's entirely the film's fault. It's beautifully shot and well-acted, and actually takes a very mature approach to what could have otherwise been schmaltzy. Still, I think you really need the period and the costumes to fill in that extra missing x-factor for you, to really thoroughly enjoy the movie. And, all that stuff is nice, but not quite enough to keep me engaged.

I did like the fact that it was about a famous poet, and I liked the fact that a lot of his poetry was read in the movie and it was read very well. I also liked how beautiful the movie was, and how restrained it was. Campion does a great job of showing things at all levels around the house, particularly when she allows the camera to linger on Brawne's youngest sister, who must be seeing real romance for the very first time, play out right in front of her. You can tell she knows what's going on, but doesn't know quite what to think of it. And that's kind of how I felt.

Maybe the film could have used a stronger Keats, but I don't know. Whishaw is fine in the role, and the role doesn't really demand a strong presence, necessarily. Also, the movie's about Brawne anyway, so why overshadow her? Schneider is great in the thankless role as the guy trying to keep them apart.

So in the end, it's not like there's anything wrong with this movie, and there's actually a lot right with it. But it still left me kinda cold. Maybe it's just tough to adjust after HEAD-ON. I guess you could say that's a drawback to Romancefest -- watching things back to back might not give them time to breathe and shine on their own.