'The Power of Dog,' 'The Piano': Jane Campion's best works
Jane Campion stands as one of cinema's finest and most visionary directors. Beginning her career in the '80s, she won two much-deserved Oscars with the 1993 film The Piano and the 2021 film The Power of the Dog. From haunting tales of love and loss to complex family relations, Campion's filmography is marked by powerful performances and evocative visuals. Check them out below.
'The Power of the Dog' (2021)
The Power of the Dog is a masterful exploration of power dynamics and suppressed emotions in 1925's Montana. The film follows rancher Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his complex relationships with his brother George (Jesse Plemons) and George's new wife Rose (Kirsten Dunst). Campion weaves a haunting tale of masculinity, jealousy, and hidden desires, creating a visually stunning and emotionally gripping cinematic experience.
'Bright Star' (2009)
Based on Andrew Motion's biography of 19th-century poet John Keats, Bright Star is a lyrical portrayal of the ill-fated love affair between Keats (Ben Whishaw) and Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish). The film delicately captures the poetic brilliance and heart-wrenching romance, exploring the constraints of societal expectations and the fleeting nature of life. Besides Campion's visual elegance, the performances of the leads are noteworthy.
'The Piano' (1993)
The Oscar-winning film The Piano is a haunting and visually arresting tale set in 19th-century New Zealand. Ada McGrath (Holly Hunter), a mute pianist, arrives with her daughter and prized piano for an arranged marriage to Alisdair Stewart (Sam Neill). It explores McGrath's complex relationships with Stewart and the enigmatic George Baines (Harvey Keitel), earning critical acclaim for its evocative storytelling and powerful performances.
'An Angel at My Table' (1990)
Campion's biographical masterpiece An Angel at My Table chronicles the life of New Zealand author Janet Frame. The film unfolds in three parts, tracing Frame's struggles with mental illness, her institutionalization, and her eventual literary success. Kerry Fox as Frame captures the nuances of resilience and creativity. Campion's empathetic storytelling and rich cinematography make this a poignant exploration of an extraordinary life.
'Sweetie' (1989)
The dark comedy film Sweetie explores a dysfunctional and psychologically complex family. The film centers on the strained relationship between two sisters, Kay (Karen Colston) and Sweetie (Genevieve Lemon). As their tumultuous dynamic unfolds, Campion weaves a surreal narrative that delves into the eccentricities of human behavior, blending humor and discomfort in a unique cinematic experience that showcases Campion's early directorial prowess.
