This is an outstanding production of the famed Hedda Gabler. Janet Suzman gives a flawless performance. SHE IS HEDDA. Ian Mclellen as well as the other actors also give top rate performances. This is a joy to watch and is one of the best TV films ever produced. If you ever get a chance to see this, don't miss it.
4 Reviews
One of the best adaptations ever recorded
mlumiere12 January 2003
Warris Hussein (director of the mini-series "War and Peace") directs a clear, full-bodied, and very fine adaptation of the Ibsen classic. One of the great powerhouse Janet Suzman's greatest performances, her Hedda is also the best interpretation of the famous complex anti-heroine I've ever seen, hands down. Sir Ian McKellan gives an outstanding co-performance as George, as do the remaining cast members. It's gripping and a bit shocking (even now) in its depiction of psychopathy, thanks in large part to Suzman's highly intelligent, highly organic, dynamo of a performance.
I'm hoping that the BBC will release this on DVD, as well as other taped classic plays from the same series, including "The Duchess of Malfi" with Eileen Atkins and "The Wild Duck" with Denholm Elliot.
I'm hoping that the BBC will release this on DVD, as well as other taped classic plays from the same series, including "The Duchess of Malfi" with Eileen Atkins and "The Wild Duck" with Denholm Elliot.
Ibsen's tragedy with flawless performances
kermatio13 June 2006
This is a "made-for-TV" production of the Ibsen play which contains the finest performances imaginable for these characters, especially Hedda. Janet Suzman is brilliant in this role. To watch her interpretation is to understand the play. Ian McKellan and the rest of the cast are also superb. The film quality is definitely TV video, but all other production values are very high, including scenery and costumes. The director's understanding of the script is flawless and he works with the actors to bring out their very best. The only copy I have seen of this belonged to a friend and was taken from an episode of Masterpiece Theatre (I think). I would love to own a legit copy in any format if I could find one!
A marvellous production
brentonn22 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This is a marvellous production. So simple just one set, two rooms, five main characters - and yet so powerful.
Janet Suzman gives a dominant performance as the strong-willed Hedda but the rest of the cast is also outstanding. Suzman's performance is faultless and wide-ranging emotionally as she demonstrates, by turns, her contempt for her husband Tesman, her animation in Lovborg's presence, her teasing conversations with Judge Brack, her jealousy and spite towards Mrs Elvsted. Tom Bell is magnificent as the brooding, brilliant, wayward Lovborg; Jane Asher wonderfully innocent and naïve in the role of Mrs Elvsted; Ian McKellen splendid as the uncreative and bumbling Tesman with his constant "what?"; Brendan Barry superb as the sophisticated and cunning Judge Brack.
But it is Suzman who is the star, with her wonderful subtle acting. There is a moment perhaps the finest acting moment I have ever seen when she uses her face, eyes, voice, posture and even the smoke from her lungs to put the blame on another woman.
Look out for the silent sequence right at the beginning of the play where Hedda wanders the house at dawn and returns to the marital bed. It prefigures the events of the play and sets her emotional tone and attitude.
On a personal note, I first saw this on transmission in 1972 and I believe that this was the production which first alerted me to Ibsen's works and Hedda Gabler in particular. I was lucky enough recently to see it again, after more than 30 years. It stayed in my mind over that period and it is still a thrilling and powerful experience.
Possibly the definitive production.
Janet Suzman gives a dominant performance as the strong-willed Hedda but the rest of the cast is also outstanding. Suzman's performance is faultless and wide-ranging emotionally as she demonstrates, by turns, her contempt for her husband Tesman, her animation in Lovborg's presence, her teasing conversations with Judge Brack, her jealousy and spite towards Mrs Elvsted. Tom Bell is magnificent as the brooding, brilliant, wayward Lovborg; Jane Asher wonderfully innocent and naïve in the role of Mrs Elvsted; Ian McKellen splendid as the uncreative and bumbling Tesman with his constant "what?"; Brendan Barry superb as the sophisticated and cunning Judge Brack.
But it is Suzman who is the star, with her wonderful subtle acting. There is a moment perhaps the finest acting moment I have ever seen when she uses her face, eyes, voice, posture and even the smoke from her lungs to put the blame on another woman.
Look out for the silent sequence right at the beginning of the play where Hedda wanders the house at dawn and returns to the marital bed. It prefigures the events of the play and sets her emotional tone and attitude.
On a personal note, I first saw this on transmission in 1972 and I believe that this was the production which first alerted me to Ibsen's works and Hedda Gabler in particular. I was lucky enough recently to see it again, after more than 30 years. It stayed in my mind over that period and it is still a thrilling and powerful experience.
Possibly the definitive production.
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