SpikeDurden
07-28-2008, 03:35 PM
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Directed by Julian Jarrold
Written by Andrew Davies and Jeremy Brock, based on the novel by Evelyn Waugh
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Starring Matthew Goode, Ben Wishaw, Emma Thompson, Michael Gambon, and Hayley Atwell
Rated PG-13 for some sexual content
Running Time of 135 Minutes
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I am a huge fan of Waugh's novel and of the 1981 BBC miniseries, both of which are absolutely fantastic. So I was both excited and hesitant regarding the new film adaptation. Much like Joe Wright's recent adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, Julian Jarrold's new Brideshead Revisited cuts to the core of the novel and chooses to focus on one main relationship, that of Charles and Julia, above all others. And I think it's a resounding success. Granted purists of the novel may be a bit upset that Sebastian is relegated to more of a supporting character in the 2nd half of the film, however I think Jarrold and his screenwriters are completely successful in examining the main themes of the novel, faith and greed, and how Catholicism has such a hold on the Marchmain/Flyte family.
There is no doubt that the film is stunningly made, and every aspect of the production is impeccable. From the costumes to the original score to the cinematography, the film looks and sounds wonderful and truly helps capture the time period and the nature and themes of the film. It is a joy to behold. Jarrold is a master in being able to portray a wealth of feeling and development in a short, beautifully shot montage.
Matthew Goode is most excellent as Charles Ryder, the film's protaganist, but it is Ben Wishaw as Sebastian Flyte that truly steals the film. Wishaw is a talent to be reckoned with, so assured and confident in his skills as an actor, and so unafraid to let it all go. I have no doubt that he'll be around for a long time. Also check out his work in Perfume and I'm Not There. The rest of the cast is solid (Michael Gambon, Emma Thompson, Hayley Atwell), but it is Goode and Wishaw that made the strongest impression.
I would not say that this is the premiere adaptation of the story as the BBC miniseries is undoubtedly one of the greatest filmed dramas of all time, however this is a delightful and successful adaptation of the novel, and hopefully it can bring this classic story to a new generation.
8/10
Directed by Julian Jarrold
Written by Andrew Davies and Jeremy Brock, based on the novel by Evelyn Waugh
http://l.yimg.com/img.movies.yahoo.com/ymv/us/img/hv/photo/movie_pix/miramax_films/brideshead_revisited/_group_photos/ben_whishaw1.jpg
Starring Matthew Goode, Ben Wishaw, Emma Thompson, Michael Gambon, and Hayley Atwell
Rated PG-13 for some sexual content
Running Time of 135 Minutes
http://l.yimg.com/img.movies.yahoo.com/ymv/us/img/hv/photo/movie_pix/miramax_films/brideshead_revisited/_group_photos/ben_whishaw2.jpg
I am a huge fan of Waugh's novel and of the 1981 BBC miniseries, both of which are absolutely fantastic. So I was both excited and hesitant regarding the new film adaptation. Much like Joe Wright's recent adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, Julian Jarrold's new Brideshead Revisited cuts to the core of the novel and chooses to focus on one main relationship, that of Charles and Julia, above all others. And I think it's a resounding success. Granted purists of the novel may be a bit upset that Sebastian is relegated to more of a supporting character in the 2nd half of the film, however I think Jarrold and his screenwriters are completely successful in examining the main themes of the novel, faith and greed, and how Catholicism has such a hold on the Marchmain/Flyte family.
There is no doubt that the film is stunningly made, and every aspect of the production is impeccable. From the costumes to the original score to the cinematography, the film looks and sounds wonderful and truly helps capture the time period and the nature and themes of the film. It is a joy to behold. Jarrold is a master in being able to portray a wealth of feeling and development in a short, beautifully shot montage.
Matthew Goode is most excellent as Charles Ryder, the film's protaganist, but it is Ben Wishaw as Sebastian Flyte that truly steals the film. Wishaw is a talent to be reckoned with, so assured and confident in his skills as an actor, and so unafraid to let it all go. I have no doubt that he'll be around for a long time. Also check out his work in Perfume and I'm Not There. The rest of the cast is solid (Michael Gambon, Emma Thompson, Hayley Atwell), but it is Goode and Wishaw that made the strongest impression.
I would not say that this is the premiere adaptation of the story as the BBC miniseries is undoubtedly one of the greatest filmed dramas of all time, however this is a delightful and successful adaptation of the novel, and hopefully it can bring this classic story to a new generation.
8/10