'Bright Star' is sensitive, classy

BRIGHT STAR — ★★★1/2 — Abbie Cornish, Ben Whishaw, Paul Schneider; rated PG (mild vulgarity, mild profanity, slurs, brief drugs, brief gore); in general release

Any description of the movie "Bright Star" should include the key words "restraint" and "subtlety."

The handsome-looking period drama takes material that could have been portrayed in lurid and sensationalistic detail but instead portrays it with real sensitivity and class, without going too far in showing a passionate romantic relationship.

In fact, it's almost hard to believe that the film could have possibly come from Jane Campion. As acclaimed as the New Zealand screenwriter/director has been during her career, her films are often startling in their explicitness and rawness — witness her girl-power features "The Piano" (1993), "Holy Smoke" (1999) and "In the Cut" (2003).

Yet here she tackles similar material without showing any discernible sexual content.

It's a refreshing change from Campion. And as a result, this well-acted, smart drama is sure to appeal to fans of classy literate period dramas, such as the Merchant-Ivory productions, or the Oscar-nominated adaptations of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" and "Pride and Prejudice."

"Bright Star" is also potentially a star-making vehicle for Australian actress Abbie Cornish. She stars as Fanny Brawne, a real-life figure who was a supposed inspiration for poet John Keats.

This drama looks at the sometimes intense relationship that developed between Keats, played by Ben Whishaw, and his would-be seamstress neighbor Fanny. Their initial verbal sparring quickly turns into something more.

However, their romance appears doomed from the start. Keats' best friend and working partner, Charles Armitage Brown (Paul Schneider), thinks Fanny is distracting John from his writing.

And since Keats has no money, there's no way for him to marry Fanny.

Those who are familiar with Keats' story will know that this tale in tinged with tragic elements.

But Campion and cinematographer Greig Fraser smartly contrast that with a bright, warm color palette. Welcome comic relief arrives in the form of Fanny's little sister, Margaret, better known as "Toots." (Newcomer Edie Martin, who plays the character, is delightful.)

Also, Schneider's Brown is such a commanding presence that he steals at least one scene.

Still, this really is Cornish's show. As sweet and sincere as she portrays Fanny, you can understand why Whishaw's Keats would be drawn to her.

"Bright Star" is rated PG and features some mildly suggestive references and language, scattered mild profanity, derogatory language and slurs, brief drug references and content (pharmaceuticals), and some brief bloody imagery. Running time: 119 minutes.

e-mail: jeff@desnews.com