Gormenghast
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Movie Reviews of Gormenghast
Movie Review: !
Summary: 5 Stars
a really beautiful, faithful adaptation of the books. the characters and set are rightfully surreal, grotesque, and comical, and the series definitely captures the decaying quality of gormenghast. i only wish it could have gone on longer, and would have loved to have seen them continue with titus alone.Movie Review: Fantasy Genre Revived
Summary: 4 Stars
I ordered "Gormenghast" on the basis of the favorable reviews offered by other Amazonian viewers. Having only "perused" the Peake novels, I came into the Groan's world as a newbie, with no real expectations of liking, loving, or disliking the mini-series.
I was pleasantly surprised with the vigor and boldness of the direction. The wide camera angles, the purposely muted colors of all of the characters' clothing, all added to the trippy-dippy feel that is the daily life of Gormenghast.
It was interesting to see the huge view of the castle from the opening scenes (and throughout the film), then gain an almost claustrophobic feeling in the quite small bedrooms of the main characters. Metaphorically, it shows that although one may live in this large, open space, our inner sanctums are what's most important; the veritable fishbowl of life.
Zoe Wanamaker and Lynsey Baxter do a superb rendition of the "simple sisters," Ladies Clariss and Cora. Christopher Lee can do no wrong in any role he tackles (although for me, he is the quintessential Saruman of the LOTR trilogy). Although I do agree with an earlier reviewer that Neve McIntosh was a *touch* too mature to play Lady Fuchsia in parts 1 and 2, she's a welcome part of acts 3 and 4. Celia Imrie (who was fantastic in CALENDAR GIRLS) was virtually unrecognizable in her puffy suit. Even underneath all of that unattractive veneer, she gives an impressive performance. The young actors playing Titus convey a potent sense of loneliness and frustration over his lack of options in life.
This miniseries belongs to 2 actors though: John Sessions as Dr. Prunesquallor and Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Steerpike. Sessions' Prunesquallor is equal parts absurdity and calculating wisdom. But young JRM is a marvel (as always). Not overdoing it, chomping scenery, his Steerpike is a grasping, sucking, social climber, whom will let nothing (nor anyone) get in his way. This is possibly Rhys Meyers' strongest performance to date.
If you're a fan of sci-fi, this is an interesting work to pick up and view. Reading of the Peake novels isn't a prerequisite to enjoying "Gormenghast."
Movie Review: Great followup to the book
Summary: 4 Stars
If you have read the book and enjoyed it, as I have, then this is a very good video. I'm not sure how it would be received by someone who had not read the book first.Movie Review: Like Dickens on acid directed by Dali
Summary: 3 Stars
I read Gormenghast about 35 or 40 years ago and found it intriguing, quirky, and memorable. I also see that the book (actually a trilogy) has gained a cult following over the years.
As I watched the long (240 minutes) dvd over the course of several evenings, I glimpsed fragments of the book I remembered, but suspected, as other reviewers have pointed out, that some deviations, both in plot and flavor have been made. Same issue that fans of the Trilogy had when they apprehensively stepped up to see it. Had they ruined the classic?
In any case, it's an interesting dvd, worth looking at if you enjoy surrealistic fantasy. Actually, it's more like Dickens on acid directed by Dali.
The ending seems like a quick rap-up after a lengthy prologue (kind of like Dune did). Steerpike does Les Miserables, then a cheesy Phantom of the Opera transformation, Fushia does Ophelia from Hamlet, and Lady Gertrude does her turn as Queen Elizabeth. Who knows what Titus does? Parsifal, Jim Bridger, Tarzan? All of which I didn't remember, so I'll have to read the books again.
Movie Review: Terrible DVD transfer of beautiful series
Summary: 1 Stars
I just received the new NTSC "widescreen" DVD version of Gormenghast (ISBN 1419838172). It is the worst DVD transfer I have seen. The original series was shot in widescreem (1.66:1). The Region 2 PAL version (which I also have) shows the full picture full screen (on a widescreen TV) with excellent sharpness and detail. The new NSTC version I am describing in this review is cropped heavily and has black borders on all four sides; it is also as fuzzy as a cheap VHS tape.
Bottom line - do not waste your money on this new DVD version.
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