"another superb adaptation"
"5-stars" |
 |
Middlemarch
Period drama set in the 19th Century and based on
the George Eliot novel which follows the lives and loves of a group of
people living in a small town, possibly Coventry, in the 1830s. Filmed in
Stamford, Lincolnshire.
This BBC adaptation of George Eliot's Middlemarch is
so remarkable that after viewing it disaffected English Literature
students may find themselves revisiting the once-dreaded novel with
pleasurable anticipation. Over the course of six hours, we are immersed in
the lives of Dorothea Brooke, Mr Ladislaw, Dr Lydgate and, by the end,
you'll be wanting even more. Set in the fictional town of Middlemarch in
the early 19th century, the stories of the townsfolk are woven seamlessly
together, with strands of political fervour and social commentary subtly
incorporated.
Dorothea (Juliet Aubrey) wants desperately to make something of her
life; however, as a woman she is forbidden the study of Greek and Latin
and no one takes her notions of societal improvement seriously. She
chooses to marry the elderly Rev. Casaubon (Patrick Malahide), a scholarly
man whom she can aid in his work. Meanwhile, new to Middlemarch is the
handsome Dr Lydgate (Douglas Hodge), who has grand notions for running a
free hospital and finding a cure for cholera. His plans are sidetracked,
however, when the beautiful but materialistic Rosie Vincy (Trevyn
McDowell) sets her sights on him. Other sub-plots run throughout,
including Rev. Casaubon's dashing but disapproved-of cousin Will Ladislaw
(Rufus Sewell), who has his eye on Dorothea; the scandals of banker Mr
Bulstrode (Peter Jeffrey); and the prodigal son Fred Vincy (Jonathan
Firth), who urgently wants the hand of Mary but can't find the money or an
honest career to provide for her.
Each of the actors fully embodies his or her role, and all the
performances are wonderful. The locations
are dark and fitting to the mood, and the costumes and set decorations are
period perfect. For anyone who enjoys the BBC's adaptations of great
novels or for those just looking for a great story to sink their teeth
into, Middlemarch will not disappoint.
Click below for more information, or to buy from Amazon:
|
