Jack Stillinger comments on "Bright Star"

[BrokenLyre]

I have wondered for months if Dr. Jack Stillinger (Keats Scholar - University of Chicago) has seen "Bright Star" and what he must think about it. So I decided to ask him via email. He wrote me back and I wanted to share this with you (since I told him about this Forum). He is a wonderful man:

He wrote:

"BRIGHT STAR is getting a lot of discussion (favorable and unfavorable) among the Keats community, and people have been writing to me about it from all over the country. I haven’t seen it yet, but have an opinion even so—mainly that it’s really great to have a popular film about Keats and his poems getting so much attention (especially in the reviews). I understand that the film does an excellent job of presenting the poetry, and this is all to the good. I feel as if some stock that I invested in has just quadrupled in value! So we’re all pretty happy about the whole thing.
Very best.—Jack"

Amazing that he hasn't seen it yet - but I'm sure he will. I encouraged him to do so. Hopefully his critical eye will not diminish his ability to enjoy what this movie does. I love his comment about his stock that just "quadrupled"! I feel the same way. Don't we all?

[Malia]

Wow, BrokenLyre! That is *awesome*. Ifeel like you've just rubbed shoulders with a celebrity. My poetical works collection is edited by him (and it is a great edition!). I also have a neat book of essays composed by scholars to celebrate Keats's bicentenary and Jack Stillinger included one about how he was introduced to Keats. (I'll have to post it somehow so you all can read it--very nicely done.)

I have a feeling that Bright Star will end up following the same "path to fame" that Keats, himself, has. Released to a public that just doesn't "get it," but then gaining a following (ever slowly but surely) over the years. At least I hope it gains a following!

Feeling a bit depressed that it (and especially Abby Cornish's performance) are getting snubbed at the awards ceremonies.

[Raphael]

Thanks for that Malia- not familiar with Jack though!

I have a feeling that Bright Star will end up following the same "path to fame" that Keats, himself, has. Released to a public that just doesn't "get it," but then gaining a following (ever slowly but surely) over the years. At least I hope it gains a following!

It can take time to "get" our dear poet- took me long enough...

Feeling a bit depressed that it (and especially Abby Cornish's performance) are getting snubbed at the awards ceremonies

Wha-a-a-a-at????!

[Herberre]

Hello. Where can i get The Complete Poems and Selected Letters (Vintage Classics)?

[Raphael]

Any big bookstore or Amazon.