Kristian Mercer

As I was driving home this afternoon, I saw a billboard for "Bright Star." It is currently playing in one of Seattle's art houses and I thought to myself, oh, I'd like to see that.

For those of you who haven't yet heard about this film, it's a portrayal of the romance between poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne, which began in 1818. (Keats died of consumption in 1821). Sounds like a perfect way to conduct period research, yes?

Well, as it turns out, the critics agree. Check out the NYT review, which called it "perfectly chaste and insanely sexy." Or head over to NPR and listen to the interview with director Jane Campion.

As for me, I'm hoping to talk someone into seeing the film with me. Mr. Mercer has already declared it's not for him. Any takers?