GREAT READS

Bright Star

A tale of tragic romance, Bright Star is a lush film filled with the texture of shift gowns, the color of wildflowers, and an enchanting soundtrack which weave together to give the film a poetry worthy of the poet who inspired it.  Based on the true story of John Keats, one of the greatest romantic poets of the 19th century, the movie portrays the birth of a great love between Keats and Fanny Brawne.  Students of literary history will know how the story ends, but as a cinematic Keats says "A poem needs understanding through the senses.  The Point of Diving in a lake is not immediately to swim to the shore but to be in the lake, to luxuriate in the sensation of water".  Bright Star is a film that allows us to luxuriating in the joys and sorrows of a beautiful love. This film will appeal to fans of literary and cinematic historical romance like Romeo and Juliet, Pride and Prejudice, or Casablanca.  It might also interest fans of modern films like Twilight since the films share the tale of a strong, forbidden love and the pain separation can bring.   If you enjoy the movie try the novel Passion by Jude Morgan who has written a fictional account of the love stories of all the great Romantic writers including John Keats and Fanny Brawne.   

Recommended by Megan Willan

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