Cinema Society

BRIGHT STAR

Average
Rating

3.2

Wednesday, September 23, 2009, AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

7:00PM: Cinema Chat with Andy, Auditorium 4

7:10PM: Introduction, Auditorium 4

7:15PM: Introduction, Auditorium 5

7:30PM: BRIGHT STAR Auditoriums 4 & 5

Discussion will follow screening in Auditorium 4

AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

BRIGHT STAR

From the internationally acclaimed director of THE PIANO—Jane Campion—comes a drama based on the three-year romance between 19th century poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne, which was cut short by Keats' untimely death at age 25.

BRIGHT STAR, an Apparition Release, stars Ben Whishaw (I’m Not There, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer) and Abbie Cornish (Stop-Loss, Candy). Paul Schneider (NBC’s Parks & Recreations, Lars and the Real Girl, All the Real Girls), and Kerry Fox (Intimacy) co-star.

Running Time: 119 Minutes

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT TAKES PLACE ON A WEDNESDAY!

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8-Oct-09: M.Roe - Rating: 4

I thoroughly enjoyed the romantic and sensitive film. The Cinematography added to the beauty of the love affair between Fanny and Mr. Keats. The lower ratings from others may be because the film was done more from Fanny's perspective so there wasn't as much insight to Mr. Keats. Fanny conveyed pain and torture so well it moved me. I also liked that this story was not depicted in the same "lite" and fluffy way like "Emma" or "Sense and Sensibility". "Bright Star" seemed to portray the time/era in a more realistic way, a time that was simpler and less cluttered (but suppressed by the class system), I can appreciate what they have and what I/we have today.

5-Oct-09: Mark - Rating: 2

Beautiful cinematography and fine acting cannot make up for a painfully slow pace and a narrative that seems only partially realized. Chunks of the story are left unstated, and Campion fails to provide sufficient cues to permit the viewer to fill in the gaps. The result is that watching this movie requires the same sort of patience and commitment and interpretive skill that it takes to understand and appreciate complex (some might say impenetrable) poetry. I found this a hard one to sit through.

25-Sep-09: ms - Rating: 4

Slow can be good when the ride is engaging an beautiful as this was. I have to say I was not entirely sold on the love story but thought they were almost more in love with being in love.

I can't give it a 5 but I enjoyed it. I'd say 3.5 but I'll round up

24-Sep-09: Karolen - Rating: 5

It was a bright star for sure. It may have been slow but it was worth every beautiful moment. The opening shot reminded me of a Vermeer painting—the lighting so soft and lyrical. Yes—I loved it. I’m probably going with 5 stars on this one. Did you see David Elliot’s review today---doesn’t get much better than that. Glad you got to see the end of the movie minus the guys hanging upside down! In terms of Campion's movie The Piano, it was set in a far more primitive setting---hence a very different type of story with more graphic love scenes between Holly Hunter and Harvey Keitel. Let us not forget they were already adults who were experineced in the ways of physical intimacy. John and Fanny were very young adults living in very proper early 19th century England.

24-Sep-09: Barry - Rating: 1

Too too slow. I did not even like the story line. The love relationship of Keats was a dud.

24-Sep-09: Wendy Parker - Rating: 2

I gave it a 2 ONLY because of the lovely photography, costumes and fine acting. I thought the story was extremely slow and didn't really convey the supposedly strong love story.

24-Sep-09: Georgi Bohrod Gordon - Rating: 3

Is this a case of of "The Emperor's New Clothes?" (Must acknowledge that reference...my husband Rich!) Granted the cinematography was exquisite. The lighting was rich and evocative. What didn't work for me was the lack of any chemistry between Keats and his muse. They emotionally, intellectually and physically did not connect and if they did, that message was not transmitted to the audience. Where The Piano seared with energy, this barely simmered. Keats's description of being and feeling a poem fits this movie. It was lovely. Just lovely. Nothing more.

23-Sep-09: pb - Rating: 5

Wonderful, beautiful film. Excellent acting and exquisitely directed.