A major detour, away from the chick flicks, bio-pics and feelgood movies, to a period drama tonight. Based on the the novel, first published in 1945, written by Evelyn Waugh, we have the 2008 film;
Brideshead Revisited.
Now, before you say; "wasn't that a series from the early 80's"?
Yes, yes it was, however and we only found this out recently, it was also made into a film in 2008.
Starring Matthew Goode as Charles Ryder, the story, if you are unfamiliar with the novel, or even the TV adaptation, follows "The Sacred & Profane Memories of Captain Charles Ryder", indeed that is the subtitle to the novel.
During the 2nd World War, Charles Ryder is stationed at Brideshead, a magnificent stately home belonging to the Marchmain family. What follows is his recollections of the home and it's family, especially that of the Marchmain children; Sebastian and Julia Flyte.
Charles meets Sebastian at Oxford, and they become firm friends, however, there is some dispute as to whether Evelyn Waugh has written the characters as overtly homosexual, or just very close friends. The book does little to support or deny this, the TV series plays them as close male friends with undertones of sexual kinship. The film however, does play the homosexual card quite clearly. Ben Wishaw, who plays Sebastian Flyte, has certainly "camped up" the role compared to that of Anthony Andrews (who played Sebastian in the TV series).
Regardless of this, the film adaption certainly follows the story as penned by Waugh. Charles Ryder's dalliances with the Flyte family, provide the plot for the film, the interaction between the indivduals provides the drama and in places humour.
Charles' relationship with Lady Marchmain is especially poignant, (beautifully portrayed by Emma Thompson by the way). Lady Marchmain is devout Catholic, Charles is a self professed atheist, they shouldn't get on, but they do, but don't at the same time. It is their joint love of Sebastian that brings them together, but ultimately forces them apart.
Charles, although loving Sebastian, until he becomes a worthless alcoholic, falls for the Sister; Julia. And what then follows, is an on and off relationship there also.
If you know the story of Brideshead, you will know the intricacies of the relationships.
As to the film itself, it's a fantastic, sumptuous period drama. The sets and locations are superb and exquisite, with the magnificent Castle Howard playing host Brideshead yet again.
I should note here, that the score to this movie provided a much needed aural backdrop to the stunning scenery. When you watch an action movie, you see the action, you don't necessarily see what else is going on in the background, with this movie you saw and heard a great deal of atmosphere enhancing the story.
Having seen the film and the TV adaptation, I really should read the book, just to intepret for myself the relationships as described by Waugh. For me, the film played the Charles and Sebastian relationship as too openly homosexual. Waugh writes that; Charles had been "in search of love in those days" when he first met Sebastian. Whether you interpret that as the physical love of a man, or the close friendship of kindred youthful spirits, is difficult to say.
All in all I don't think the film compares well with the TV adaptation. Although the film was very enjoyable, it is always going to be compared with the TV show, which coming first and being so succesful, is going to be a hard act to follow.
Up to you. See what you think.
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