In the Scene: Jane Campion

I've been fascinated with Jane Campion's career ever since I saw "The Piano" make its debut at the movie theater. Ellen Cheshire did a very good job in detailing the gifted Campion's "brilliant career," but it seemed that most of the contents came from previously published articles. I think this book could have been made great if a little more work had been done in obtaining fresh quotes etc. that haven't already been in the public record.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fresh look at a filmmaker's career and work.
I have always held Jane Campion in high regard and enjoyed her movies. The insight this new series takes enabled me to understand some of the motivating forces in determining her choice of projects and the common themes seen in her cannon of work.
What should be understood in this book, part of a collection of pieces planned is that the writer is not sharing just biographical material but cinema critique and personal reflection.
You do learn aspects of Campion's life but it is her filmography that drives the piece.
While her choice of project is uniquely personal, using film to tell stories that mean something to her, there are themes that return and this overview works well for a director that seems to be loyal to her principles in life and political leanings.
It throws up a new perceptive with cinema, and in examining each movie in chronological progression showsthe real development of Jane Campion's work.
The book does not appear to have been written with Campion's direct involvement and it's weakness lies in the interviews it chooses to share for quotes on aspects the author is making in her commentary. Thereforethere is not a freshness to the words attributed to Campion; her comments seem to fit and be genuine but the original context or questioning isn't fully understood. However, the author does reflect in detail the interviews, dates and publications those comments were aired.
The strength of the book for me is the critical analysis from early short films to box office successes, ranging from the actors involved and the awards gained. I particularly like the appraisal of mood, colour, camera angles and locations which brings the movies alive again for me.
A bit like those special box sets and DVDs that carried extra edited bits and alternative scenes/endings. What the book lacked was the director's commentary, speaking with hindsight and hopefully candid honesty rather than just the promotional spiel interviewscarry at the time of premieres. I will look at for further books in this series to explore deeper into the world of cinema.