We are very nearly at the halfway point of 'Brideshead Revisited' with the fifth episode (of eleven) "A Blow Upon a Bruise", and the mini-series is still going strong at this point. It has all of the strengths, everything is good about the mini-series and nothing is bad, of the previous four parts and executes them all brilliantly as to be expected. 'Brideshead Revisited' is in my mind, and it is the same for many others, one of the best book to television adaptations ever made, treating the literary masterpiece that is the book with respect without being too faithful.
"A Blow Upon a Bruise" perfectly shows that 'Brideshead Revisited' had yet to lose any momentum and actually as the story progressed in 'Brideshead Revisited' and became richer the more momentum built (evident here), while still keeping things deliberate to give the events and characterisations depth (again evident here). Nothing felt too rushed or too dull, not easy to do with a lot going on in the storytelling and the running times of each part not being desperately long. And it is not easy to not drag things out when trying to give as much breathing space as possible.
The previous four parts all looked impeccable and the series has definitely held up well. That can be seen in "A Blow Upon a Bruise", the locations and costumes are so evocative and full of elegance and atmosphere. Never looking too elaborate that it becomes overblown and swamps everything else, and there is nothing stagy or static about it (or at least to me this is). The music fits perfectly, never being over-bearing or anaemic as well as getting the style and placement just right.
Dialogue doesn't disappoint in any shape or form, staying true in spirit to Evelyn Waugh's eloquent and powerful prose that provokes thought and delivers emotionally. Especially towards the end with Charles and Lady Marchmain and the bond between Charles and Sebastian is also nailed. Sebastian is a richly drawn character, more interesting than Charles in the book though Charles is a long way from bland or dull in the mini-series.
It is to Anthony Andrews', whose later work in my opinion never bettered his Sebastian Flyte, and Jeremy Irons', in his breakthrough role and one of the best of his career, credit that that is the case. Claire Bloom is a firm and quietly dignified Lady Marchmain.
Overall, masterly. 10/10
"A Blow Upon a Bruise" perfectly shows that 'Brideshead Revisited' had yet to lose any momentum and actually as the story progressed in 'Brideshead Revisited' and became richer the more momentum built (evident here), while still keeping things deliberate to give the events and characterisations depth (again evident here). Nothing felt too rushed or too dull, not easy to do with a lot going on in the storytelling and the running times of each part not being desperately long. And it is not easy to not drag things out when trying to give as much breathing space as possible.
The previous four parts all looked impeccable and the series has definitely held up well. That can be seen in "A Blow Upon a Bruise", the locations and costumes are so evocative and full of elegance and atmosphere. Never looking too elaborate that it becomes overblown and swamps everything else, and there is nothing stagy or static about it (or at least to me this is). The music fits perfectly, never being over-bearing or anaemic as well as getting the style and placement just right.
Dialogue doesn't disappoint in any shape or form, staying true in spirit to Evelyn Waugh's eloquent and powerful prose that provokes thought and delivers emotionally. Especially towards the end with Charles and Lady Marchmain and the bond between Charles and Sebastian is also nailed. Sebastian is a richly drawn character, more interesting than Charles in the book though Charles is a long way from bland or dull in the mini-series.
It is to Anthony Andrews', whose later work in my opinion never bettered his Sebastian Flyte, and Jeremy Irons', in his breakthrough role and one of the best of his career, credit that that is the case. Claire Bloom is a firm and quietly dignified Lady Marchmain.
Overall, masterly. 10/10
