The film Bright Star is portrayed as a 19th century realistic film based on romance and tragedy. The setting and photography gives the film more of a classicism appeal. Greg Fraser, Director of Photography goes to great lengths to capture the essence of the romance and tragedy in the film through excellent use of lighting, color and camera angles. Most of the indoor scenes use low lighting, backlighting and available lighting. The dialogues are central to the film and the use of medium shots brilliantly captures the viewer’s attention to the dialogue. The close-up shots show the facial expressions, emotions and moods of John Keats and Fanny Brawne.
The outdoor scenes and the some of the scenes by the window use high key lighting and available light to demonstrate the changing mood when Brawne is happy and bursting with happiness and exuberance. The camera angles are mostly eye-level to make the viewer feel that they are looking directly at the characters. The use of colors symbolizes the two main characters. During the early shots in the film, Brawne is dressed in warm colors that depict her aggressiveness towards Keats apprentice Charles Brown and her gestures that stimulate Keats. Keats is dressed in cool colors which portray his aloofness and tranquility earlier on in the relationship.
This photograph is a medium to a close-up shot of Keats and Brawne during a romantic moment. The camera angle is at eye-level which draws the viewer to the different emotions experienced by the two characters. Keats appears limp and powerless slipping into the upright arms of Brawne who appears to be in control and holding him together. The lighting is dark with low key lighting to show the somber mood of the couple. The blue dress symbolizes Brawne’s tranquility and serenity about herself and the stage she is with her relationship. Both the reality of the eventual tragedy of Keats deteriorating health and the romance they share through their difficult times is beautifully captured in this photograph.
I really enjoyed your analysis of this still from the movie. I think you are spot on with saying, "Keats appears limp and powerless slipping into the upright arms of Brawne who appears to be in control and holding him together." The scene does so much to portray their togetherness and feelings toward one another, and also show her confidence and his dependence on her. It's beyond me that someone who could become known for his work in such a profound way would have such little self esteem. It's though he lived before his time.
ReplyDeleteIt is clear the director wanted the viewers to be "in" this moment, but still far enough away that it appears a private, intimate moment between John and Fanny, hence the medium to close, eye level shot. I think he acheived exactly what he was going for in this scene.