The James Cameron film is a big-budget Hollywood studio disaster/action movie, in which the main characters are fabrications who are not based on historical fact. This television series is a sober and serious drama that tells the story of class conflict and tragedy, based on real life characters who actually were present on the voyage. They are two different things. I was very moved by this version. It takes patience and attention to detail to appreciate the emotional momentum that builds to the final episode. Special effects are not the focus here--appreciate the subtlety of the writing and the fine performances of the actors involved.
Reviews
2 Reviews
A Countess from Hong Kong
(1967)
A film that deserves a better reputation
26 January 2012
It is gratifying to see such understanding reviews! This film was savaged at the time it was released, partly because it was considered old fashioned, but partly also because Chaplin's reputation and entire artistic legacy were under attack from reactionary critics. The negative view of this movie as a "bomb" persisted for decades. I recommend producer Jerry Epstein's book of memoirs, "Remembering Charlie", for an enlightening description of the process of making this film and its aftermath. The book goes on to give a haunting description of Chaplin's unfinished final film, "The Freak." It is a pity he could not make it.
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