Bright Star - 3 1/2 smiles

What English teacher would not enjoy a story that brings to life John Keats’ poetry? And for all those English students who have had to struggle though Keats’ Endymion, or “Ode to a Nightingale,” “Bright Star” provides background information that helps to explain the meaning behind his words. “Bright Star” concerns the latter years of poet John Keats (Ben Whishaw), who died of tuberculosis in 1821 at the age of 25. At this time, Keats was involved in a love affair with his neighbor, Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish) and the story is told from her perspective. They do not seem like a good match when they first meet. Fanny is obsessed with fashion and knows nothing about poetry while Keats agonizes over negative criticism to his published works. To make matters worse, Keats’ friend Charles Brown (Paul Schneider) considers Fanny superficial and continually denigrates her. Nonetheless, they fall in love and plan to marry until Keats fading health sends him to Italy.

This is Abbie Cornish’s movie from beginning to end, with her remarkable performance enhancing the credibility of Fanny and Keats’ romance. Although Whishaw does an adequate job as the fragile Keats, tormented by poverty and illness, when Cornish is on the screen, she dominates. Her radiant beauty and impassioned speeches deliver an emotional impact. And a Best Costume Design nominee might be Janet Patterson, who has created some visually stunning costumes for “Bright Star.” “Bright Star” is a tribute to the poet, the love of his life and the period in which he lived. 9/23/09