Bright Star Cinema Review

Bio pics don’t always get right inside the mind of their subjects, whether living or dead, but this film about John Keats is as good an attempt as you are likely to encounter. Keats slowly falls for Fanny Brawne, the daughter of his neighbour. She is feisty, independently-minded, and besotted by the fashions of the day. He is the young romantic poet, without parents, virtually penniless and therefore not marriage material, and hugely doubtful of his own talents.  In many respects they are opposites, but despite that their love becomes intense, remains unconsummated, and is ultimately doomed. It’s enough to make you weep, or write a poem.
 
Jane Campion brings to this story her own poetic sensitivity. Hampstead is portrayed correctly as a rural village: the exterior scenes – whether winter or summer – are beautifully rendered, and the interiors have a solid and reassuringly woody feel. The unfolding romance is perfectly paced. What truly anchors the film, however, is the performance of Abbie Cornish as Fanny. When called for, she has a lovely stillness about her. Ben Wishaw is exactly right for the frail, tubercular poet, and all the secondary roles are played to perfection, especially Edie Martin as Fanny’s little sister Toots. Also impressive is Paul Schneider as the annoyingly prissy Charles Brown, Keats’ older friend and protector, and in many senses a bitter rival to Fanny.
 
We are given enough of the poetry to remind us how delightfully Keats wrote, without being overburdened or lectured to. Music is used sparingly to great effect, costume design is spot on, and the production design balances the sumptuous look of Hampstead in summer with, for instance, a foray into the squalid pre-Victorian slums of Kentish Town. All in all, a treat.