Gormenghast (2000)

Fantasy Genre Revived

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."
June 23, 2008

Gormenghast, a great mini-series from great novels

The Groans have ruled over the earldom of Gormenghast for seventy-six generations. Just as the future seventy-seventh Earl, Titus, is being born, rebellion rears its head in Castle Gormenghast, within whose walls dwell a collection of madmen and grotesques.

This BBC mini-series retells Mervyn Peake's epic fantasy novels, Titus Groan and Gormenghast, in a very faithful treatment. This one is a must-see for those who have read the novels, and for those that haven't, it presents a wonderful tail of romance, betrayal, comedy and treachery.
January 18, 2008

Great followup to the book

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. December 1, 2007

Terrible DVD transfer of beautiful series

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. September 26, 2007

Preparation

Read the books first. I would never reccommend a 'cold' viewing of any of Peake's work. The camera can only capture so much and much of Peake's evocative descriptions rely on smells, breathing, and innate senses of what is done and not done within the confines of the society he depicts.

The dialog in Gormenghast novels is muted, brief, and obscure. All of which make producing a nomal-looking movie rather difficult. The explication of the thoughts of the characters is rather more accessible, but is hard to do in a movie unless you want a constant murmer of voice unders.

So read the book, prepare for the limitations of movies and watch September 18, 2007

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