Jane Campion

Jane Campion

Jane Campion-Finding Oneself

Jane Campion was born in New Zealand in 1954 she being the youngest of two daughters and a brother who is younger than both named Michael. Her sister Anna the elder by a year and a half is also a film director. They were brought up mainly by nannies as their parents were often absent traveling with the theater company they had established.   This forced Campion to retreat into a solitary world for companionship and entertainment. This manner of upbringing parallels her mothers’. Edith Campion, Jane’s mother, was filled with experiences that could be fodder for a novel. Though heiress to considerable fortune from her grandfather’s business venture she was orphaned at an early age and shared solitary experiences similar to Jane’s.
Sweetie the film portrays the lead female protagonist Kay as a victim of her surroundings. She is an individual who cannot relate to others emotionally. We see her defect almost immediately as she avoids walking on the cracks in the sidewalk. The point is further emphasized when she seeks the advice from a tea leaf reader in regards to her romantic affairs. The reader sees a man with a question mark on his face and tells her that this is her fate. Acting upon this revelation Kay proceeds to steal a co-workers fiancée who matches the readers’ description. Kay’s lack of thoughtfulness and shallow veneer is present as she is caught practically having sex with Louis in the parking garage where Kay is employed. Not long after living together does Kay cease sexuality activity with Louis on the pretense that she might spread her cold to him.
    Kay’s inability to feel an emotional connection is due to the fact that her sister Sweetie has monopolized her parent’s affection and attention over her formative years. We are witness to Sweeties’ destructive influence on Kay’s life by the tantrums and sexual misbehavior with the men she comes in contact with. Kay’s mother leaves her spouse in...