Another of the fine Brother Cadfael series about a medieval monk who solves the murders that crop up continually around his monastery -- amazing that anyone is still alive in the neighborhood.
But I write this review not to bury this series, but to praise Derek Jacobi, who, like the late Alec Guinness, has the uncanny ability to disappear into his roles and still remain utterly entertaining. Whether playing the emperor Claudius, Cyrano de Bergerac or the worldly wise monk of this series, he vanishes into his roles so completely that when one asks who plays Brother Cadfael, my immediate reaction is to say "Why.... Cadfael, of course." Then I do a double take and head to the records.
Guinness was something of the same way. I can't think of any other actor of whom that could be said. Even the greats of British acting who rose to prominence in the 1920s were always clearly themselves: Gielgud, Richardson, Olivier..... a myriad of Hamlets, all true and each clearly a collaboration between the playwright and the actor.
I never have that feeling about Jacobi. Maybe it prevents him from being at the top of his profession; other actors will get the roles, but Jacobi will keep on performing.... and I will keep on looking for his performances. I suggest you do the same.
But I write this review not to bury this series, but to praise Derek Jacobi, who, like the late Alec Guinness, has the uncanny ability to disappear into his roles and still remain utterly entertaining. Whether playing the emperor Claudius, Cyrano de Bergerac or the worldly wise monk of this series, he vanishes into his roles so completely that when one asks who plays Brother Cadfael, my immediate reaction is to say "Why.... Cadfael, of course." Then I do a double take and head to the records.
Guinness was something of the same way. I can't think of any other actor of whom that could be said. Even the greats of British acting who rose to prominence in the 1920s were always clearly themselves: Gielgud, Richardson, Olivier..... a myriad of Hamlets, all true and each clearly a collaboration between the playwright and the actor.
I never have that feeling about Jacobi. Maybe it prevents him from being at the top of his profession; other actors will get the roles, but Jacobi will keep on performing.... and I will keep on looking for his performances. I suggest you do the same.