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mdefrance
Traveller in the arts
Posts: 3
(1/10/02 3:43 pm)
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The Films of Jane Campion
Does anyone have any thoughts on Jane Campion's films (e.g. "The Piano", "Portrait of a Lady")? If anyone has seen these and has a comment, I would love to hear it and discuss further!

Sanduleak
Wordsmith
Posts: 171
(1/10/02 8:52 pm)
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Re: The Films of Jane Campion
I didn't get to see "Portrait of a Lady" but I have seen "The Piano" and studied the script (in hard copy.) Beautiful use of visuals (and indeed the musical sequences) as metaphorical dialogue. I would consider the piece a master class in the 'art' of film making as a visual medium, with some of the best unspoken dialogue outside of Sergio Leone.

Personally I would call it short of a 'great' movie as I'm not convinced the totality of the film lived up to the standard of its visuals. Holly Hunter and Sam Neill (in a difficult role) were superb but I thought Harvey Keitel was strangely flat. In a film where so much of the acting was deliberately underplayed, I thought Keitel sank into the scenery and for once his 'method' background didn't work for him.

What's your opinion of the film? (Also "Portrait of a Lady.")

(P/s If you have a chance to see her earlier (1989/90) work "Angel at my Table" - take it. Much of that piece (originally made - I believe- as a television miniseries then later released to cinema) is among Campion's finest work.

mdefrance
Traveller in the arts
Posts: 4
(1/11/02 5:30 am)
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Re: The Films of Jane Campion
We are in total agreement. Funny you should mention Harvey Keitel because I found him totally incompatible with the role, as if he felt entirely uncomfortable with his character. I am not exactly sure that I can put my finger on what the problem is here, but for whatever reason he was just not suited to the role. I find him to be "flat" as an actor in general. Holly Hunter was brilliant as was the young girl, Anna Paquin. Their eyes are so telling.

But back to Campion-- "The Piano" shows her masterful use of light and shadow (this is ever apparent in POAL as well) and her ability to completely convey a tone, a mood through camera movement and again, through use of light/shadow and color. There is something distinctly feminine about her style I think and she brings to mind L'ecriture Feminine . . . one can only surmise that Campion is acquainted with the works of French feminist writers Cixous and Kristeva. I digress and know this potentially may open a huge can of worms. . . I just know that as a woman there is something I can relate to when I experience her movies-- they are utterly beautiful and disturbing at once.

I recommend "Portrait of a Lady"; I think her casting decisions are more on target here. However, when I saw this one for the first time I thought Kidman was entirely inappropriate as Isabelle. Kidman did not convey the strength of will or independence of Isabelle, nor did she convince me of her feelings for Osmond. I have seen it a few times since and she has grown on me as there are some subtleties I picked up on which are easily missed the first time around. Malkovich is perfect (as always). This is such a beautiful film and should not be missed. I look forward to your thoughts if you ever happen to see it.

I will attempt to find a copy of "Angel at my Table". I am certain it will be worth the effort!
Sanduleak
Wordsmith
Posts: 176
(1/11/02 10:35 am)
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Re: The Films of Jane Campion
I forgot to mention Anna Pacquin in my post about "The Piano" when actually I thought she gave the strongest performance in the film. A mixture of naivete and an inherent 'knowing' without stumbling into cliche. It'll be interesting to see where her career develops from here.

I would agree with the reference to L'ecriture Feminine, especially Cixous. With the intimacy of the movie's 'feel' I'm reminded of Cixous line about (paraphrasing from memory) 'engagement with a text involves one in the 'process of creation.' This intimacy, blurring the lines between work and viewer, is a strength in Campion's work. Also the challenging of society's norms with regard to gender roles in cinema.

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