Quietly paced and sumptuous with the perfect balance of tension and humor, but be warned: Bright Star is not for everyone.   (You might want to sneak into this one alone.) My attitude is reserved when it comes to romantic love, but for the sake of having the full film experience I believe in letting yourself go.  What harm can two hours do?

Ben Whishaw as doomed poet John Keats makes for a quirky romantic lead but is all the more poignant and interesting for his imperfect edge.  Abbie Cornish is compelling and believable as his muse and obsession, Fanny Brawne, even if she delivers no surprises.   Ms. Campion infuses her story of fated love with a painterly sense of color and a silvery light that gilds and magnifies every surface, Keats overly red mouth, Fannie’s pale perfect hands, crisp pleated lace and intricately carved woodwork – (noted again below.)  The dialogue interplay resonates and held my full attention.  Although Bright Star charts a familiar territory and might play a bit heavy on the death-rattle and poetry, I left wanting more of Jane and her superb cast.
– S.C.

Footnotes -
I saw Bright Star with my movie friend A.M. who describes himself as a true romantic but fell asleep, mouth agape, right from the opening shots.  There was little from this quiet film to stir him but in an effort to prove that he wasn’t missing anything A.M. would occasionally wake to offer his comments.  “I have a set of teacups just like those!” or “What gorgeous woodwork!” before nodding back off… I guess I am confused about the meaning of  ‘true romance.’