MovieChat Forums > Bright Star (2009) Discussion > Not what I expected from Campion.

Not what I expected from Campion.

posted 14 years ago by dorotakolbuk
2 replies | jump to latest

Before 'Bright Star' I had seen two Jane Campion movies: 'The Portrait of a Lady', which left me a bit confused, and 'The Piano', which I consider a masterpiece.
'Bright Star' is somewhere between these two films (I am referring to the whole production). The story, actors and frames are great, but as a whole it let me down a bit. I don't know why. When I saw the trailer, I really wanted to see the whole movie and when I finally could see it, I felt slightly disappointed. Nevertheless, I think some people might find 'Bright Star' touching. If you want to see a tender and calf love story without sex and/or violence, you should check out 'Bright Star'.

[–] tigerbos 14 years ago

I understand where you're coming from sort of on this one as I'm a huge Campion fan. After The Piano, Portrait of a Lady seemed a bit of a letdown. I have revisited it since then I appreciate it a little more but it's not the masterpiece the Piano is. I suggest you see An Angel at my Table if you've not and Sweetie which is totally different from any of the films mentioned here - if nothing more than for the quirky characters and tremendously well done,off the wall cinematography.
Bright Star I believe was intended to be more of a visual poem and I see it as a gift for us all - particularly after Campion's total departure from the romantic with In The Cut which left me cold and wondering what was in the director's head during that time period.

I think she's the saddest girl ever to hold a martini.

[–] aGuiltySoul 14 years ago

I'm with tigerbos, this is a visual poem. Campion took the poetry of Keats and surrounded it within an appropriately stunning visual tribute to both his poetry and his love. Just as one would expect from the depth of his poetry, nothing about him was conventional even though he lived without scandal.

Unconventionality is meat and potatoes to Campion. She is the one person most qualified to show this completely unique individual, and completely uniquely talented artist, who crafted some of his greatest poetry within this dynamic yet short time period. Being as uniquely talented herself, Campion crafted a film like no other she has ever made, nor will ever make again, I suspect.

I have a depth of respect for Jane Campion for having mastermined this fine piece of film.

"I'd never ask you to trust me. It's the cry of a guilty soul."