50 Comments

1. 1
   

   Joolz says:
   Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 5:36pm

   I used to live near Keats House in South End Green, Hampstead in London and walked past it every other day. Its open to the public and you can have a look around and lounge in the garden under cherry orchard trees and imagine Keats composing, falling in love, being consumptive, and contemplating what it would be like to be in an artful movie directed by an Australian woman one day. Very calming and beautiful to be in the space a man like Keats inhabited.
2. 2
   

   filmboymichael says:
   Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 5:38pm

   sigh, swoon, moan.
3. 3
   

   ángel ramos says:
   Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 5:44pm

   WOW. Beautiful Trailer…

   I cant wait to see this.

   I Predict:

   Best Picture
   Best Actress
   Best Original Screenplay
   Best Cinematography
   Best Art Direction-Set Decoration
   Best Costume Design
   Best Original Score
4. 4
   

   Danilo says:
   Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 5:48pm

   They played the trailer at the cinema recently. As usual I looked away, which I do with almost all trailers, ’cause I don’t want to see any of it until the actual film is released in cinemas here.
   I can’t wait. I’m sure it looks real pretty. One of my most anticipated films of this year
5. 5
   

   Noah R. says:
   Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 5:48pm

   With that annoying voiceover gone from the first trailer, I want to see this film twice as much. The music is just gorgeous; very much reminds me of Michael Nyman’s score for The Piano which insanely wasn’t nominated for the Oscar considering it’s a film about music.
6. 6
   

   Dew says:
   Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 5:55pm

   I love this trailer especially because it highlights the more poetic and tender aspects of the film. The original North American trailer makes the film seem like your typical melodramatic costume piece, which it is not. The lack of a pretentious voice over is a plus, as well.
7. 7
   

   m1 says:
   Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 6:00pm

   Abbie Cornish will GET that Oscar nom.
8. 8
   

   Kay says:
   Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 6:01pm

   Looks visually amazing.
9. 9
   

   ladylurks says:
   Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 6:06pm

   Ooh, yeah. Great trailer!!

   Thou still unravish’d bride of quietness,
   Thou foster-child of silence and slow time,
   Sylvan historian, who canst thou express
   A flowery tale more sweetly than our rhyme:
   What leaf-fring’d legend haunt about thy shape
   Of deities or mortals, or of both,
   In Tempe or the dales of Arcady?
   What men or gods are these? What maidens loth?
   What mad pursuit? What struggle to escape?
   What pipes and timbrels? What wild ecstasy?

   Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard
   Are sweeter: therefore, ye soft pipes, play on;
   Not to the sensual ear, but, more endear’d,
   Pipe to the spirit ditties of no tone:
   Fair youth, beneath the trees, thou canst not leave
   Thy song, nor ever can those trees be bare;
   Bold lover, never, never canst thou kiss,
   Though winning near the goal – yet, do not grieve;
   She cannot fade, though thou hast not thy bliss,
   For ever wilt thou love, and she be fair!
10. 10
    

    Meredith says:
    Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 6:08pm

    Looks amazing! She is beautiful!
11. 11
    

    JAB says:
    Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 6:18pm

    that might be one of the prettiest trailers i’ve ever seen… i love the use of cinematic orchestra’s beautiful song, “To Build a Home” and i am way more excited for this movie than i was 3 minutes ago.
12. 12
    

    Aaron says:
    Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 6:32pm

    Just got back from seeing this actually. It’s a wonderful, beautiful film. Abbie Cornish really gives a stunning performance. Not only is she great, the film as a whole is really spectacular. Not a wasted moment throughout. Hopefully it will be in the running for best picture, and it would be an absolute travesty if Cornish is not nominated for her wonderful performance.
13. 13
    

    Dew says:
    Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 6:38pm

    JAB,

    thanks for the info on the piano music. I was wondering what it was called. It was used very well in the trailer.
14. 14
    

    Sasha Stone says:
    Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 7:01pm

    *swoon*
15. 15
    

    j says:
    Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 7:26pm

    Ok, I’ll finally bite. The last film I bought a ticket to was Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix. The only film since then I’ve watched that I would have felt okay about forking over my money to see is Milk. But constantly checking reviews and leaving a bajillion comments about the film, and now this trailer which looks and sounds beautiful (esp w/o the bad voiceover) and is better than A Single Man’s since there’s also out-loud acting…I think I’m going to pay the $13 (ugh) tomorrow.

    I mean, it’s playing in less than 20 theatres this week. I should count myself lucky I have the chance. And maybe I’ll pay money to see A Single Man whenever that comes out…
16. 16
    

    Dew says:
    Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 7:36pm

    j,

    you should count yourself lucky. Also, it’s one of those films that deserves to be seen on the big screen. That way you can get the full effect of the beautiful cinematography.
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    sartre says:
    Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 8:01pm

    Having seen Bright Star the trailer brought a tear to my eye as I reconnected with the work’s emotional heart. This trailer features much of the most lyrical imagery on offer. What makes these moments shine all the more in the context of the whole film is their placement within what is mostly an earthy real world naturalistic context. As one reviewer put it the film manages to somehow be lyrical yet plain spoken.
18. 18
    

    Stéphane says:
    Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 8:14pm

    Is it me, or is Meryl’s nomination suddenly looking less obvious? What with Cornish, Sidibe and Mulligan guaranteed a nomination, makes you wonder about the other two…
19. 19
    

    jorge says:
    Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 8:51pm

    meryl not gonna make it this year, the other 2 spots are going to be for natalie portman in brothers and tilda swinton for julia… though i would like to see, jennifer cornelly for creation of michelle monaghan for trucker….
20. 20
    

    Kay says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 2:40am

    The trailer isn't working for me for some odd reason. But anyway, I still have doubts on the film, it looks visually amazing but so boring.
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    Diane says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 2:53am

    I am going to love this film. I just know it.

    And the international trailer is so much better. Why do so many North American trailers suck so bad?
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    j says:
    Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 10:26pm

    The # of surefire, put-your-life-on-it nominations at this point in all the categories:
    zero.
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    Diane says:
    Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 10:26pm

    Kay,

    I have heard that even men are liking the movie (although they may be embarrassed to admit it).

    It is slower moving than most movies, which might not appeal to some viewers.
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    Charles says:
    Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 10:46pm

    Beautiful trailer!
    Anyone know this piece of music?
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    The Natural says:
    Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 10:51pm

    I don’t like “The Piano” and wasn’t really interested in seeing this, but I might now.
26. 26
    

    Diane says:
    Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 10:51pm

    Jab, above mentioned that it’s from a band called Cinematic Orchestra. The song is called “to Build a Home”. I think the version in the trailer is different since there is more cello/violin, while the original is mostly piano with vocals.
27. 27
    

    Laura says:
    Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 11:39pm

    Ok, this trailer is much, MUCH better than the silly American trailer with the cliche voice over. I am planning on seeing this movie tomorrow, and now I have much higher expectations for it – even though Ben Whishaw’s hair and facial scruff is inexplicably not at all like the real Keats, as seen here:
    http://fcom.us.es/blogs/vazquezmedel/files/2009/07/john-keats.jpg
28. 28
    

    Rainer says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 12:19am

    Wow. I know Bright Star is not one of the front runners for Best Picture, but I do hope it gets some recognition, especially for Cinematography by the looks of this amazing trailer.

    Jane Campion is one of the few working female directors out there. She is amazing, and I’m glad she’s back. It’s sad that only about 3% of directors working now are female. With so many good movies out by female directors this year, I say this is a theme this year for Oscar winners and noms?
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    indiemarketer says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 12:29am

    What happened to BRIGHT STAR?
    Buzz off of festivals, solid reviews, Cornish Actress (I know its very period and materials are not great)
    Why would Apparition go 19 screens to open? 6 screens deep in LA?
    Could they have killed it opening weekend?
    Challenging expansions/holds when you wind up with an $8-10k screen average
    Anybody have any thoughts/insights?
30. 30
    

    Diane says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 12:38am

    Maybe the distributors can’t afford to open it in wide release? I dunno. I have no clue how these things work. I would love to see it, but I don’t even know if I’ll have the chance. It might be not until it goes to DVD or until later on next year that I’ll get to see it.

    It’s also possible that they just don’t think there’s a wide audience for this art house film. Poetry isn’t popular.
31. 31
    

    Dan says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 1:45am

    I absolutely adored this film! Saw it yesterday in LA. However, it is a rather slow movie, by today’s standards, so the appeal is fairly limited.
32. 32
    

    ladylurks says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 3:02am

    Bright Star is expanding to 120 theaters on Friday. Beyond that, we can only hope.
33. 33
    

    Ivich says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 9:51am

    Gosh Ben Whishaw looks like a dream in this and when he recites Keats at the end I think I nearly fainted. Oh I really wish I get to see this soon and also I want more Whishaw!
34. 34
    

    John says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 9:56am

    Here’s why I love movies like ‘Bright Star’ …

    They’re usually gorgeous to watch. They usually include good performances.

    AND …they are usually long (almost to a fault), slow (almost to a fault), & contemplative

    But they are also my PERFECT rainy Sunday afternoon – put it in and watch it – types of movies. Even if it’s on in the background, I love watching these types of movies … then.

    Anyone else agree? They may not be my favorite genre. But there IS time & place for me to like/love certain types of films at my disposal.
35. 35
    

    Alvin says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 10:41am

    Judging by the trailer, each frame seems perfect for, well, framing. What dreamy cinematography–hope it gets nominated come Oscar season.

    Thank God Jane Campion is back in fine form. “The Piano” is an absolute favorite of mine.
36. 36
    

    Dew says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 11:55am

    I agree with you John. I don’t care how slow the movie is- it’s just one of those films that allow you to enjoy and luxuriate in its beauty.
37. 37
    

    indiemarketer says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 12:40pm

    120 screens will be challenging after a $10k screen average opening on 19 screens. Not the traditional indie art house release plan and marketing support. Long time to go before any award discussion/recognition can help them. I fear first film out of the gate for Berney will be DOA from a box office perspective before it has a chance to gain momentum. Terrence Malick, Brad Pitt and Sean Penn cant come soon enough. Maybe company will have figured it out by then.
38. 38
    

    Dew says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 12:46pm

    Indie,

    what would be considered a good opening for 19 screens?

    I think the most Bright Star will get for nominations is Best Actress, Cinematography, Costume Design, Production/Set design, and maybe for Original Screenplay.
39. 39
    

    indiemarketer says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 12:53pm

    Dew,

    I more so disagree with the approach to go 19 screens in week 1. NY, LA and TOR only coming off TIFF. Why would you open 6 screens in LA? Pasadena and Irvine? Should have been exclusive, or maybe 2 runs in LA (Arclight & Landmark). Opening week should have been tighter because of the nature of the film, the amount of films out there, and their lack of marketing support.

    Having said that, you would still want to see $20k screen average for this opening to be “good”. $10k opening is hard to make your next move on…not a disaster, but not good enough to make you feel good about a really fast/wide week 2 expansion. Do you go for it and spend some money? Probably dont want to, but you are going to have a lot of those 190 screens empty!

    With “Capitalism”, “The Boys Are Back”, “Coco Before Chanel” all opening indie exclusive, and even with “Fame” and “The Invention of Lying” creating noise, “Bright Star” will be hard pressed to shine.
40. 40
    

    Dew says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 12:58pm

    I’m confused too. From Cannes and TIFF, Bright Star had some good buzz and reviews. I guess the distribution company that bought Bright Star has a really small marketing budget???

    Is the same company also carrying the next Malick film?
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    Dorothy Porker says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 1:02pm

    That trailer gave me chills. Truly a thing of beauty.
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    indiemarketer says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 1:04pm

    Yes, “Apparition” is new company from Bob Berney & Bill Pohlad. They do have Mallick film, “Tree of Life”, as well as “The Young Victoria”, “Black Dynamite”, and “The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day”.

    Not sure the depth of their marketing pockets not who is running Distribution and making decisions on release patterns.
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    j says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 7:55pm

    Yay finally watched it. Didn’t surpass my expectations, but met them and they were pretty high. T10 of the decade for me. The film looks amazing and Abbie Cornish is quite brilliant in it. Likely one of my T5 performances of the decade. She’s also beautiful; I was struck by her resemblance to Scarlett Johansson; she also looks a bit like Natalie Portman. Glad she’s getting her breakout. And in comparison to the other young actress who’s been buzzed about since her film’s fest premiere…Carey Mulligan’s face seems too pinched to me, and based on 15 mins of clips from the film, as well as her supporting turn in Northanger Abbey, she doesn’t seem that special. She’s also overly scrawny-looking, and this is coming from someone who’s a big enough fan of Audrey that I’ve seen 15 of her films.

    Whishaw was pretty and good enough, but Cornish is much more Lead than him. But you know there’s 16-min Lead nominee Anthony Hopkins. Schneider has supporting buzz already, too; he’s good and funny.

    But the noms I’d like the film to have most, from most deserving: Actress, Art Direction/Cinematography, Directing, Picture, Costumes, Screenplay.
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    Laura says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 9:13pm

    Just got back from seeing Bright Star this afternoon. It’s quite poetic and beautiful – very much like Keats’ poetry. Abie Cornish was exquisite, Ben Whishaw was very heartfelt and gave really excellent readings of Keats’ poetry. Cinematography was gorgeous, obviously, and I also loved the fact that there wasn’t a lot of music – the soundtrack was mostly the sounds of nature and the sound of Keats’ poetry being read, which is so perfect. So far I would put it in my Top 10 for the year, but time will tell if the Academy will go for such a quiet, poetic, romantic film…
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    j says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 10:28pm

    Weekend estimates put it as 10k per theatre, slightly higher than the #1 movie of the weekend, Cloudy Meat.
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    Diane says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 10:37pm

    I got the impression that 10k per theater for 19 theaters was a bad weekend take.
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    indiemarketer says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 10:59pm

    $10k per theater is very “luke warm”, “just okay”, “insert your own middle of the road phrase here”

    You cannot compare limited release (19 screens) averages to wide release averages. (If indeed that was what “J” was doing)

    Thats comparing apples to meatballs
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    Seankgallagher says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 11:47pm

    I liked this movie a lot, especially Abbie Cornish’s performance, and it’s definitely Campion’s best movie since THE PIANO. It was a bit too restrained at times, but overall quite good. And as with THE PIANO, Campion got nice performances from the children in the movie.
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    Diane says:
    Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 11:53pm

    indie,

    if it’s the average per screen, than should it not matter how many screens it opened in total? It would be different if we were talking about total gross numbers. But then, again most limited release films open in tiny art house cinemas and not your multiplexes, and *that* would be comparing oranges to apples.
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    Rainer says:
    Monday, September 21, 2009 at 12:16am

    From Cinema Signal:

    “–this film is also, and for me, mostly, a celebration of the huge talent that is Abbie Cornish. It’s here where that becomes fully realized. Her reaction to a development that can’t be described just yet is delivered at a level beyond the norm but which marks all the passion and emotion that has preceded it.

    Which is not to imply that Cornish has been anything less than elegantly fascinating throughout. Rather that there comes a climax, and Ms. Cornish is entirely up to its demands in such a way that she galvanizes us. I raved about her screen power in “Stoploss.” Here she surpasses that. Given the right opportunities, I detect that this actress will occupy an acre of Meryl streep territory. And, I smell Oscar buzz.”

    A.O Scott wrote Cornish was as good as Kate Winslet and here, she is compared to Streep. I say, that Cornish right now is locked for a Best Actress nom.