Jane Austen discussion

Watch Bright Star anytime over the weekend and then tell us what you think of it.

Bright Star

I have only watched part so far, but this movie has such a beautiful tone to it. Such a quiet movie! The cast is wonderful, including the cat. I am really looking forward to the rest of it.

I watched the movie last night, but I don't know how I feel about it. The first part was rather confusing, the characters weren't really properly introduced. I almost turned it off. But, the ending was quite moving, so I am glad that I watched all of it. I'll have to think about this one.

I'm not really sure about this one.. I mean, I liked it a lot but it was just so sad, you know?
And I didn't ever really like Fanny a whole lot, for some reason. My sister went crazy for it, though, so maybe I'm just odd, I don't know. :/
But over all I enjoyed it. The acting was spectacular!

Jeannette, I completely understand what you are saying about the film. Campion does just sort of 'drop' you right into the midst of Keats's life without any context whatsoever. I would say that, for me, it really helped that I knew so much about Keats's life and poetry before I saw the film.

I look forward to your thoughts after they've had a chance to percolate and ripen. Hopefully, this film will inspire all of you to take up a volume of his poetry and read some every once and a while. Of all of the poets I read (and I read a lot of poetry), Keats is my favorite. The Penguin Classics edition of his poetry is well worth keeping on your shelf. Cheers!

I read some of his poetry online last night, as well as more biographical notes regarding his death, and his relationship with Fanny.

My daughter did The Purple Cow parodies for high school speech contest, and Keats was one of the authors in the parody. "A cow of purple is a joy forever; it's loveliness increases....." Got a little kick out of hearing the original in the film! :)

I've just watched this film and I do agree that as a viewer you arrive in the midst of family life with no prelude but this didn't bother me or affect my enjoyment of it.

Fanny caught my eye immediately, mainly because I thought "what is she wearing??" Then, her spirit, natural cleverness and curiosity (although she feels out of her depth with poetry) and witty, not intimidated easily - I liked her alot.

Then Keats - creative and quietly charasmatic, admired by his peers but with no income and his brother on his deathbed. His attraction to Fanny is hesitant as he knows himself to be socially beneath her.

Their romance is a rollercoaster from beginning to end - I was touched by the vehemence of his reaction to his friend sending her a valentine. Elatated as their affection grows and frustrated with the constraints of society and family. The ending just broke my heart, floods of tears!

In all I thought Bright Star was beautifully shot, well acted and certainly inspired me to read more of his poetry. Remembering just how much Keats acheived and the longevity of his work - all completed in 25 short years! Amazing.

Completed watching -- nice film. I understand what you are saying that it wasn't a completely built backstory. It did just take up a story -- so it made me feel it was just taking up a story of people, a family, a young girl, a poet.. and maybe that made it seem simpler to me.

Also, my first thought after finishing it was "what a poetic film!" And what should a film about a poet be, but poetic. I saw a nice mix of beauty, emotion, dialog. And a lack of over-drama. After all, one of the most dramatic events of the story -- his death -- occurs offscreen. Beautifully done. I think that is my complaint with many period movies and historical novels -- just too much needless drama.#P

The separate elements that I really loved -- as Em says --this girl Fanny who is a bold girl from the beginning it seems but also calms and begins to understand something deeper in life. I also loved the tie of friendship among these men who supported Keats. I also liked the way it showed the lifestyle of Fanny's family -- I assume they were not wealthy -- just seemed to be living pretty simply. Again, many period films concentrate on opulence, so I like to see a simpler setting that seems more easy to contemplate.

I really have no background on the subject matter at all, but fact or fiction, it was something I enjoyed.

I would like to read a biography work on Keats. Campion mentions one in the special features. It sounds like Keats had interesting views and philosophy according to her.

I am so glad to hear all the positive things about this film here! I got to see this film in theaters and now own the DVD, and it has become a favorite among my period dramas.

The production values--locations, costuming, music--are GORGEOUS and like Chris, I was lucky enough to have read Keats and had a little biographical knowledge about this period of his life, so that helps. It prompted me to read Andrew Motion's bio of Keats, which I think is the one Campion mentions, Jeanette. I think Abbie Cornish and Ben Whishaw are wonderful performers and I love the use of Keats' poetry and letters in the film. Sigh...it's just such a beautiful film!

The film itself is poetry. The shot choices, the colors - just everything is visual poetry. I was a bit confused in the beginning of the film like most others that have commented, but I stuck with it for the stunning visuals.

I liked how as the emotional tone of the film changed, so did the lighting and color choices. The end of the film became less lit, more dark, as did the color choices of the cast's costumes.

The acting was great - Abbie Cornish was amazing when she found out about Keats' death. Her acting in that scene was superb.

I'm definitely more intrigued with Keats now and find myself wanting to go get a book of his poems! Thanks for suggesting this film!

I love this movie: it was my favorite movie of 2009 and it's one of my favorite movies period. It was so unique and beautifully made. Abby Cornish and Ben Whishaw were incredible. Bright Star is my kind of movie: a subtle romance that has poetry and beauty in it and has a tearjerker ending. I saw it twice in theaters and I cried both times.

This movie also introduced me to John Keats's poetry and I got two different editions of his complete poetry for Christmas. It's great; I'm loving it!

Last week was the first time I ever watched Bright Star and while I knew Keats was a famous poet, I knew nothing of his personal life. After watching the movie I admit I was slightly confused. Why was Brown so mean/angry to Fanny. Why was Keats not coming back to the house only to show up in the next scene. How could they be so in love when they never seem to be together. I think if I had stopped here I would have said I enjoyed the movie, but didn't fully get the depth of the story.
But, not being one that let's things go ;-), I went to good ole Wikipeia; looking up Keats and Fanny to gain an understanding of them and their relationship. I then sat down and watched Bright Star for a 2nd time. I can say I had a deeper appreciation for the movie.

The scenes were beautiful, the actors pretty fantastic in their roles. If it hadn't been on the list; I probably would not have watched this film for years. So I thank you for recommending it. In fact, I was so moved that I am eager to learn more of Keats. I just ordered Andrew Motion's Bio. Can wait to start reading it!

I had to do the same thing! I was so confused at first. I think Keats was so angry because he knew he couldn't marry her and provide for her, but his heart was in too deep and it just caused anger.

His poetry is wonderful and I'm waiting for my copy of his poems too!

I really enjoyed this movie from top to bottom. I agreed with most postings on here. The first time I watched it at the theatre when it first came out and it was a bit confusing at the beginning. But as you all stated, the colors, music, costumes, poetry etc. was amazing. I love the tree scene. It really stuck with me for some reason. I did what everyone else did I looked up info. on Keats life etc. and then I checked out the DVD to watch at home and really watch it. I still cried but I enjoyed it more with more background info. I bought it later and hope to read more poetry.

I am glad I own it too, Sue. It was so appealing that I know I will watch again. Seems like something to pull out when you need something very visually delicate along with a strong story. You know what I mean?

absolutely!