I saw Jane Campion's latest film on Friday night. She is one of my favorite directors ("Sweetie," "An Angel at My Table," "In the Cut," "The Piano") and since my boyfriend went camping, it seemed the perfect opportunity to indulge in a little romantic fervor of the chaste English variety. "Bright Star" tells the story of Fanny Brawne and English poet John Keats and their hot-under-the-ruffle-collar love affair. We're all so cynical these days and I'll admit to rolling my eyes at certain dialogue, especially those lines involving "her bosom." But when my eyes weren't occasionally rolling, they were enraptured. Filmed almost entirely in natural light, Jane Campion's direction is masterful (as is Greig Fraser’s cinematography). The images are so sensual and lyrical and match Keats' poetry, which is woven nicely into the script. I will see "Bright Star" again on the big screen before it leaves - it's just so well made.
If seeing this gorgeous film makes you want to tweet, do so poetically and enter it here (click on "Love Letter Contest"). Inspired by the film, Mont Blanc and A Diamond is Forever have joined forces to sponsor a contest for the best homemade love letter or poetic tweet (Oh, stop spinning in your grave, Keats. Drama queen!) The winners will get swanky Mont Blanc pens and some bling. You can follow the tweets here.
