Bright Star (2009)

Starring: Topper

Directed by: Jane Campion

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this film!

Synopsis: The story of the romance between poet John Keats (Ben Whishaw) and Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish)

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): The Brawne family own an adorable tuxedo cat named Topper. When Keats first visits their home he is immediately drawn to the cat.

Bright Star - Keats Ben Whishaw sitting on floor with tuxedo cat Topper
Bright Star - Keats Ben Whishaw holding tuxedo cat Topper
Bright Star - Keats Ben Whishaw holding and petting tuxedo cat Topper animated gif

After falling for Keats, Fanny endeavors to learn more about poetry and literature in general. Topper is by her side as she reads.

Bright Star - Fanny Abbie Cornish reading a book with tuxedo cat Topper
Bright Star - Fanny Abbie Cornish reading a book with tuxedo cat Topper animated gif
Bright Star - Fanny Abbie Cornish reading a book with tuxedo cat Topper
Bright Star - Fanny Abbie Cornish reading a book with tuxedo cat Topper
Bright Star - Fanny Abbie Cornish reading a book at the window with tuxedo cat Topper animated gif

The Brawnes later move into a home which they share with Keats and his companion Charles Armitage Brown (Paul Schneider). Fanny’s little sister Toots (Edie Martin) carries Topper into the new house.

Bright Star - Toots Edie Martin carrying tuxedo cat Topper into new home

Topper is also on hand when Mr. Brown is talking to the family about writing.

Bright Star - Fanny Abbie Cornish behind family with tuxedo cat Topper
Bright Star - Fanny Abbie Cornish reading a book with tuxedo cat Topper

As Fanny waits anxiously for word from Keats, who is travelling, Topper sits in her lap.

Bright Star - Fanny Abbie Cornish sitting with tuxedo cat Topper on her lap
Bright Star - Fanny Abbie Cornish sitting with tuxedo cat Topper who jumps down from her lap animated gif

Fanny learns Keats will not return because he has not been able to support himself and her, so she threatens suicide. Topper is more concerned with the butterflies Fanny has been raising in her room.

Bright Star - Fanny Abbie Cornish crying in corner of room with tuxedo cat Topper
Bright Star - Fanny Abbie Cornish with tuxedo cat Topper jumping at butterfly
Bright Star - Fanny Abbie Cornish with tuxedo cat Topper jumping at butterfly in window animated gif

The family is together with Topper when Mr. Brown brings bad news at the end.

Bright Star - Fanny Abbie Cornish and Toots Edie Martin sitting with tuxedo cat Topper

The cat actor was credited as Topper in the end credits. The animals were supplied by Animals O Kay.

Bright Star - Toots Edie Martin carrying tuxedo cat Topper into new home

Final Mewsings: With books and a cat, who needs romance??

Many thanks to Mark Murton for reminding us of the cat in this film.

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