There's no artist in this world that doesn't enjoy the dream that if they have bad reviews now, the story of Keats can redeem them, in their fantasy or imagination, in the future. I think Keats' poem 'Endymion' is a really difficult poem, and I'm not surprised that a lot of people pulled it apart in a way.

In this quote, Jane Campion reflects on the idea of redemption in the world of art, particularly how artists often hold onto the hope that their work will be appreciated in the future, even if it receives negative reviews in the present. She references the story of the poet John Keats, whose work, particularly his poem 'Endymion', was initially criticized, but later came to be regarded as beautiful and important. Campion suggests that many artists fantasize about this kind of recovery, where their work may be misunderstood now but will be celebrated later in history.

Campion acknowledges the challenges that come with creating work that may not be immediately embraced by the public. She specifically mentions 'Endymion' as a poem that was met with heavy critique due to its complexity. This highlights a common theme in the artistic world: difficult or avant-garde works often face initial rejection, but may later be celebrated as masterpieces. Campion's reference to Keats alludes to the timeless idea that an artist's legacy can transcend initial judgment, giving hope to those who create work that may not be appreciated in their time.

The origin of the quote lies in Campion’s perspective as a filmmaker and artist, drawing parallels between the struggles of modern creators and the historical experiences of past greats like Keats. She uses Keats' experience as a form of consolation for artists facing criticism, reminding them that art's true value is often recognized only in hindsight. The message is both a reflection on the nature of art and a nod to the endurance of creative works over time.