Book 2 Reel Wednesday

 

I have always been fascinated with the entire adaptation process and finding this weekly blog topic is great. I just rented BRIGHT STAR last week and can still feel the after effects from viewing it. The story, despite its sad outcome, was inspirational and made me realize what a talent Keats was and is. Like Jane Austen (and others), the power of his written words are everlasting. The tale told in this film lasts for three years. Fanny lives next door to Charles Armitage Brown (Paul Schneider), a writer and host to Keats. It becomes obvious he is envious of Keats--of his talent and love for Fanny. He is especially hard on her and the scene in which he grills her over her supposed reading of literary classics displays his meanness. But Fanny is spirited and sassy, with an independent streak as strong as  Austen's Elizabeth Bennett.  She pursues Keats much to the dismay of society. Keats, ever the gentleman, cannot give in to his desires unless he can amply provide for her. Unfortunately, in his sickly condition, his wish never comes true.

Jane Campion directed this film and brought to it a genteel beauty. The scene in which Keats knocks on his bedroom wall to communicate with Franny next door brought tears to my eyes. The leading actors, Ben Whishaw and and Abbie Cornish, are a delight to watch and truly bring the story behind this doomed love affair to life.  

Fanny and Keats' affair lasted for three years and we are able to see how she became his muse. When he seeks inspiration in order to write, all he needs to do is look out the window at her. When I studied the Romantic poets I always admired Keats' works. It is indeed sad to know he died believing himself a failure. This movie has helped reinvigorate my admiration for a poet who was taken much too soon (he died at 25).

Book 2 Reel Wednesday was started by Lori at escapebetweenthepages.

To Fanny by John Keats

I cry your mercy -pity -love! -aye, love!
Merciful love that tantalizes not,
One-thoughted, never-wandering, guileless love,
Unmasked, and being seen -without a blot!
O! let me have thee whole, -all -all -be mine!
That shape, that fairness, that sweet minor zest
Of love, your kiss, -those hands, those eyes divine,
That warm, white, lucent, million-pleasured breast, -
Yourself -your soul -in pity give me all,
Withhold no atom's atom or I die,
Or living on, perhaps, your wretched thrall,
Forget, in the mist of idle misery,
Life's purposes, -the palate of my mind
Losing its gust, and my ambition blind!