I surprised myself - I actually liked it. The 1980's mini-series was more complete, but I enjoyed this 2008 film adaptation. I read the novel years ago, so I do not recall much detail, and I never watched the television production more than once or twice, so I was like a virgin watching this one. I love the story and all the Catholic characters, but I'm not a fanatic about the script. It is what it is and I enjoyed it very much. I watched it once and I will most likely watch it again. I also have something to say about Charles and Sebastian's relationship - but that can wait..
That will be all for now.
Funny. My mom just saw it and loved it, too. She raved about it and is now reading the book.
ReplyDeleteTerry - I have the second CD from the original series sitting in bedroom right now, but I am struggling. I just can't seem to get "into" it... Maybe it's my ADD...
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised to find people really enjoyed the film. Then again, I'm a Brideshead fanatic who has re-read the book every year since high school, so I am a little weird.
ReplyDeleteAll the supporting/Catholic characters were my favorite part of the new film. I wish we could have seen more of them. You're right Terry, the script was pretty insipid. But the final chapel scene was what really ticked me off.
Adrienne - it had great general appeal in the '80's when eberyone wanted to be dressed in Polo and be rich. I liked it then and now. I should re-read the book.
ReplyDeleteSarah - You know and love the story and so I can see why you would be disappointed. I missed the depth the original adaptation had - so much was compressed in this film.
I've not seen the new version nor read all the book--I've only seen the television version. Hence, although even (or especially) Ann Heche might've played Charles Ryder in the new version, I doubt if anyone could possibly finesse Anthony Andrews' tormented Sebastian (--and still leave one hoping he wasn't permanently askew). That seems about as doable as someone else following Sam Waterson's "Ofoeti".
ReplyDeleteSomewhere between that little antihero Sebastian who had a tenacious hope for love, and his cold-hearted matriarch who could not have loved him less -- there's a level-headed Cordelia (a hopeful little Julia who doesn't fall over a boulder of either illicit love or Traditionalism) who knows that although the Kingdom is established, after the Two Hearts, it is only peopled with those who fell and fell, but who ultimately trusted God and His sacraments. I hope an eye toward rational orthodox Catholicism was what Waugh intended, but I'm hoping even more that this version did not leave Catholicism a dull roar of a side-story, while making the film into a Brokeback Brideshead. (I don't know--I didn't see that, either.)
I'm with Sarah. No way. The recent film adaptation changed quite a bit. Watch the 80s miniseries. Better yet, read the book.
ReplyDeleteOh really Cath? Really?
ReplyDeleteI think you are Cordelia.
Cath - I'm just being silly you know.
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