In my mind, 'Brideshead Revisited' is one of the finest book-to-television mini-series ever made. It is a perfect example of how to remain faithful to brilliant source material without falling into the dangers that come with being faithful (and potentially too much so) and be brilliant on its own terms. The latter has always been a fairer way to judge to me and the series has always been never short of sublime, if you haven't seen it yet count me in as another one of the majority to call it a requirement to do so if it's your sort of thing.
Anyone who may be (understadably) confused by my review summary for 'Brideshead Revisited's' fourth episode "Sebastian Against the World", what is meant by it is that Sebastian may feel like it's him versus the world but the viewer doesn't really find themselves against him (from personal experience that is) despite him being in constant trouble. "Sebastian Around the World" is as exceptionally high quality as the previous three episodes "Et in Arcadia Ego", "Home and Abroad" and "The Bleak Light of Day". All the good assets of those episodes are here to perhaps even better effect and the storytelling and characterisation (especially Sebastian) continues to progress in a relatively leisurely but always riveting way.
"Sebastian Against the World" boasts still the never less than great and on the most part even masterly acting that was seen previously. Consider Sebastian Flyte Anthony Andrews' best role and he gives some of his best work with his meatiest material of the series. Jeremy Irons, in a landmark performance, is a note-perfect match, especially in the latter portions of the episode when he is bereft. John Gielgud plays the stiff, indifferent character of Charles' father, he plays him with complete ease and authority and one isn't cold towards him. The bond between the actors is great, that between Charles and Sebastian is one of the more important ones to get right and this adaptation nailed that aspect, making it layered and not rushed and making them flawed but easy to get behind.
From beginning to end, 'Brideshead Revisited' is impeccably well made and has held up very well in that respect. This is apparent in the whole of "Sebastian Against the World", the photography intimate but opened up enough to not make it stagy and complementing the scenery, both Oxford and Brideshead looking positively picturesque, beautifully. The music has presence while also being sensitive, the main theme is a classic (it has to be highly regarded enough to be played reasonably regularly on ClassicFM for example).
The script is wonderfully eloquent, very like Waugh's prose in the book which it is very faithful to, the best of it quite poetic. Especially Charles' dialogue. The story always compels with the latter portions being quite moving.
Altogether, wonderful as to be expected. 10/10
Anyone who may be (understadably) confused by my review summary for 'Brideshead Revisited's' fourth episode "Sebastian Against the World", what is meant by it is that Sebastian may feel like it's him versus the world but the viewer doesn't really find themselves against him (from personal experience that is) despite him being in constant trouble. "Sebastian Around the World" is as exceptionally high quality as the previous three episodes "Et in Arcadia Ego", "Home and Abroad" and "The Bleak Light of Day". All the good assets of those episodes are here to perhaps even better effect and the storytelling and characterisation (especially Sebastian) continues to progress in a relatively leisurely but always riveting way.
"Sebastian Against the World" boasts still the never less than great and on the most part even masterly acting that was seen previously. Consider Sebastian Flyte Anthony Andrews' best role and he gives some of his best work with his meatiest material of the series. Jeremy Irons, in a landmark performance, is a note-perfect match, especially in the latter portions of the episode when he is bereft. John Gielgud plays the stiff, indifferent character of Charles' father, he plays him with complete ease and authority and one isn't cold towards him. The bond between the actors is great, that between Charles and Sebastian is one of the more important ones to get right and this adaptation nailed that aspect, making it layered and not rushed and making them flawed but easy to get behind.
From beginning to end, 'Brideshead Revisited' is impeccably well made and has held up very well in that respect. This is apparent in the whole of "Sebastian Against the World", the photography intimate but opened up enough to not make it stagy and complementing the scenery, both Oxford and Brideshead looking positively picturesque, beautifully. The music has presence while also being sensitive, the main theme is a classic (it has to be highly regarded enough to be played reasonably regularly on ClassicFM for example).
The script is wonderfully eloquent, very like Waugh's prose in the book which it is very faithful to, the best of it quite poetic. Especially Charles' dialogue. The story always compels with the latter portions being quite moving.
Altogether, wonderful as to be expected. 10/10
