Jane Campion, as one of the best directors of all time, is a New Zealand filmmaker who has won numerous awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Director, the Silver Lion for Best Director at the Venice Film Festival, the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, and the Academy Award for Best Director.
Jane Campion’s Best Movie include The Piano, The Portrait of a Lady, In the Cut, Bright Star, Top of the Lake, and The Power of the Dog.
In this article of BESTCINEMAREVIEW, we will review some of Jane Campion’s Best Movies, one of the most acclaimed female directors in the world.
Jane Campion movies and tv shows
Here we follow Jane Campion movies ranked from worst to best:
Holy Smoke
Year of Release: 1999
Starring: Kate Winslet, Harvey Keitel, Sophie Lee, Julie Hamilton
IMDB User Rating: 5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 45/100
For most filmmakers, winning an Oscar is considered a special achievement as it opens new doors for them. They are more likely to receive larger budgets for future projects and have greater creative freedom to produce their desired artistic works. Many filmmakers have made their best films solely because they were previously successful at the Oscars or a major film festival.
However, Jane Campion took a different path. After the successes she achieved with the film “The Piano” (which earned her the Best Original Screenplay award at the Oscars), she made two weak films, with “Holy Smoke” being the worst Jane Campion’s Movie. Nevertheless, Campion should be admired for her ambition and the courage to create such a film.
If you watch “Holy Smoke” in close proximity to Campion’s other films, you quickly realize that it bears her signature. Familiar themes of the filmmaker, such as sexual discrimination and relationships between men and women, are prominent, albeit presented in a different and experimental framework.
Unfortunately, the film is a complete disaster. It lacks a focused narrative, occasionally suffers from pacing issues, and seems to be overwhelmed and visually disturbing to the audience (Campion’s use of yellow and orange colors to depict the heat of Australia did not yield the desired effect). “Holy Smoke” also lacks good editing and, overall, stands as Campion’s most disappointing film.
The Portrait of a Lady
Year of Release: 1996
Starring: Nicole Kidman, John Malkovich, Barbara Hershey, Mary-Louise Parker
IMDB User Rating: 6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 46/100
The first film Campion made after “The Piano,” “The Portrait of a Lady,” has all the elements required to achieve success: a historical drama based on a classic novel by a prominent writer (Henry James), delving into the pressures of patriarchy, and featuring a major star at the height of her popularity (Nicole Kidman) in the lead role.
However, the bitter truth that the film failed in all aspects cannot be overlooked. Campion, with the same ambitions and perspective that led to the creation of “The Piano,” stepped behind the camera for “The Portrait of a Lady,” but this time, it did not pay off. Of course, no one expected Campion to have a strong presence at the Oscars again, and “The Portrait of a Lady” was not the type of historical romantic drama that wins awards.
For some reason, Campion has overly simplified the film, but at the same time, it fails to connect with any type of audience. This Campion creation focuses more on the study of characters than being a true melodrama, which might not have been the wisest decision.
While the film may not be a pure melodrama, it competes with weak and dull melodramas and sometimes surpasses them! The dramatic segments are not properly executed, and Nicole Kidman does not have ample opportunity to shine. Campion attempted to distance herself from the style and conventions of similar films with “The Portrait of a Lady,” but this approach did not result in a better film.
Angel at My Table (1990)
Jane Campion’s Angel at My Table is a groundbreaking biographical film that tells the story of Janet Frame, a celebrated New Zealand author who struggled with mental illness throughout her life. The film is a moving and honest portrait of a complex and fascinating woman, and it offers a unique perspective on the challenges of living with mental illness.
Campion’s film is not the typical biopic. It does not focus on Frame’s most famous accomplishments or her impact on the world. Instead, it focuses on her inner life and her struggles with mental illness. Campion’s approach is refreshing and insightful, and it helps to humanize Frame and make her story more relatable.
Sweetie (1989)
Campion’s first feature film, Sweetie, is a more challenging and experimental work. It tells the story of three sisters who are all struggling to find their place in the world. The film is funny, sad, and thought-provoking, and it offers a unique glimpse into the lives of three complex and flawed characters.
Sweetie is not a conventional film, but it is a powerful and crucial one. It is a testament to Campion’s talent as a filmmaker, and it helped to establish her as a rising star in the film industry.
Bright Star (2009)
Why did Jane Campion make Bright Star?
Imagine Jane Campion, the mind behind electrifying films like “The Piano” and “Top of the Lake,” stepping away from the contemporary world. She’s traded cityscapes for rolling English hills, traded car chases for the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds. This isn’t just a change of scenery; it’s a pilgrimage into the soul of a poet – John Keats.
Bright Star isn’t just a film; it’s a whispered conversation between Campion and Keats, a dance with his words and the emotions they evoke. After the adrenaline rush of In the Cut, Campion craved something deeper, something quieter. She found it in Keats’s verses, in the fleeting beauty he captured, the bittersweet ache of his young life cut short.
Campion doesn’t just film Keats’s life; she inhabits it. We see the world through his eyes, feel the sun warm his skin as he wanders amidst meadows, hear the music in the rustling leaves as he composes his masterpiece, “Ode to a Nightingale.” We fall in love with Fanny Brawne, his muse, as he does, witnessing the tender ache of their brief, intense romance.
Bright Star is a film bathed in golden sunlight and moonlight, a tapestry woven with delicate brushstrokes of emotion. It’s a love letter to art, to the fleeting beauty of life, and to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of mortality. It’s a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, a whisper of poetry echoing in your heart.
So, if you’re looking for a film that will transport you to another time and place, that will make you feel and think and dream, seek out Bright Star. It’s more than just a film; it’s a journey into the heart of a poet, and into the depths of your own soul.
In the Cut (2003); one of the Jane Campion’s Best Movies
Released: 2003
Cast: Meg Ryan, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Jason Leigh
IMDb user rating: 5.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 34%
This film almost ended the careers of its creators (and was actually one of the reasons for Meg Ryan’s decline in popularity). In the Cut is now considered an important feminist film thanks to the passage of time and the change in perspective. For some Critic movies, In the cut is Jane Campion’s best works.
In the Cut is one of those works that was met with extremely negative reviews during its release and was described as a “complete disaster,” but now some critics consider it a “masterpiece” and the most complex work of Jane Campion’s that was ahead of its time.
What is surprising is why and how most critics at the time did not understand the film and had strange interpretations of it. Critics saw the film as a superficial erotic thriller, while Campion was trying to transform the erotic genre, rebuild its misogynistic foundation, and provide a fresh account of the essence of femininity.
It is worth noting that Campion did not soften the genre in question to create a subversive work, but on the contrary, In the Cut is one of the most radical mainstream films of the last two decades that is not afraid to present violence or unconventional images.
The Power of the Dog (2021); Jane Campion’s Best Movie
Released: 2021
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Jesse Plemons
IMDb user rating: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Jane Campion is a daring filmmaker. Although many criticized her for not continuing her own style after making the film In the Cut, The Power of the Dog showed that Campion is capable of making more diverse films.
The Power of the Dog, as one of best Movies of Jane Campion, was one of the best films of 2021. This film shows the emotional struggles of a charismatic and abusive man and those around him. This film can be interpreted in different ways. The film’s suspense and unpredictability have made it a late masterpiece. This film is in the Western and thriller genres, and suspense is the main element of it.
The Piano (1993)
Released: 1993
Cast: Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel, Sam Neill, Anna Paquin, Kerry Walker
IMDb user rating: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
The Piano is considered to be Jane Campion’s best movie. This drama is about a young woman who is passionate about the piano and, as her father says, has the “black art” of being “unable to speak!”
Campion has undoubtedly made good films that challenge The Piano in terms of quality, and even surpass it in some areas, but there is a magic in this film that made it stay and be called Campion’s best work.
Jane Campion Biography
From the heart of New Zealand’s cultural hub, Wellington, emerged Jane Campion, a visionary artist whose path defied conventional expectations. Born into a family deeply immersed in the performing arts, Campion’s early exposure to stagecraft nurtured her innate storytelling prowess. While her initial inclinations veered towards the written word, it was the captivating world of painting that captivated her artistic spirit.
Seeking a canvas that could fully express her soul, Campion delved into the depths of visual arts, earning a Graduate Diploma in Visual Arts (Painting) from the esteemed Sydney College of the Arts. Her artistic journey, however, was not without its discontents. Campion found herself yearning for a medium that could transcend the static nature of painting, yearning for a realm where movement and emotion could intertwine. Thus, filmmaking beckoned, with its boundless possibilities and the promise of capturing the raw essence of human experience.
In 1980, Campion’s artistic restlessness manifested in her pioneering short film, “Tissues,” a testament to her innate talent for weaving cinematic magic. This groundbreaking work marked the beginning of her ascent as a cinematic force, propelling her towards the hallowed halls of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Within its nurturing environment, Campion’s artistic vision blossomed, and she embarked on a journey of fearless experimentation, her subsequent short films showcasing a masterful blend of innovation and emotional depth.
In 1992, Jane Campion entered into matrimony with Colin David Englert, an Australian individual who served as a second unit director on the film “The Piano.” The duo shared the joy of parenthood, welcoming two offspring named Jasper and Alice Englert, prior to officially parting ways in 2001 through the process of divorce.
Jane Campion’s awards
As one of the best Female directors all time, Jane Campion, a name synonymous with cinematic brilliance, has graced the world with her masterful storytelling and captivating narratives. Her journey through the realm of filmmaking has been adorned with accolades, each one a testament to her exceptional talent and enduring legacy. From her groundbreaking directorial debut to her latest masterpiece, Campion has consistently pushed the boundaries of filmmaking, captivating audiences worldwide with her poignant stories and unforgettable characters.
Campion’s rise to prominence began in the early 1980s, with her short film Peel, which garnered critical acclaim and marked her entry into the world of independent cinema. Her debut feature film, Sweetie (1989), further showcased her unique perspective and earned her a place among the most promising filmmakers of her generation.
The decade of the 1990s saw Campion embark on a path of groundbreaking achievements. Her film The Piano (1993) cemented her status as a cinematic visionary, earning her an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and Best Actress for Holly Hunter. The film’s exploration of female strength, communication barriers, and the power of music resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying Campion’s reputation as a storyteller with a profound understanding of human emotions.
Throughout the following years, Campion continued to deliver cinematic gems, each one a testament to her artistic vision and unwavering commitment to storytelling. Her films Holy Smoke! (1999), In the Cut (2003), Bright Star (2009), and Top of the Lake (2013) garnered critical acclaim and further expanded her international recognition.
Campion’s most recent triumph, The Power of the Dog (2021), marked a triumphant return to form. The film, set in 1920s Montana, delves into the intricate relationships between two brothers and their new wife, exploring themes of masculinity, power, and human vulnerability. Campion’s masterful direction and nuanced storytelling earned her numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Director, making her the first woman to achieve this feat twice.
Campion’s awards serve as a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft and her unwavering commitment to storytelling. Her films challenge conventional narratives, explore complex themes, and feature characters that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. As she continues to push the boundaries of filmmaking and explore new cinematic territories, Campion’s legacy as a groundbreaking auteur is firmly established in the annals of cinematic history. Her journey through the realm of filmmaking is a testament to her exceptional talent, enduring legacy, and unwavering passion for storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
Some may ask Has Jane Campion won 2 Oscars? In fact, Jane Campion has been nominated twice for the Oscar for Best Director and is the only woman who has had such a position.
Along with offering stunning and unforgettable scenes, Jane Campion’s Best Movies also establishes her as a rare screenwriter and writes characters that are deep and well-developed. Campion’s films leave an impression on the mind that remains with the viewer for years to come.
