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Like a tightly-jammed Vegemite lid, “Carnivale”
though, I just couldn’t get into – well, not as
much as what I would’ve liked anyway.
An insolently odd, but stylistic series, “Carnivale”
is set in Oklahoma, 1934, with young Ben Hawkins (Nick Stahl)
joining a wacky travelling Circus, after the death of his
mother. There, he comes face to face with a weird assortment
of characters, including a mysterious futurist, bearded lady
and pint-sized con artist (played no less by infamous “Twin
Peaks” dwarf, Michael J.Anderson). Seems Hawkins might
be wearing the ‘I am different’ shirt pretty soon
too though, as he discovers he’s got a phenomenal, slightly
disturbing super power.
The first season – 12 episodes- centre around the lady’s
understanding of his gift, and how it ultimately has equally
gifted Brother Justin Crowe (Clancy Brown), an evil preacher,
looking in his direction.
“Carnivale” is a good show, a very good show, but
if you’re anything like me, need something with a bit
more kick in it, then you’ll be hard pressed trying to
get through the set in one sitting. On the other hand, if
you appreciate something novel, great costume design, and
a reasonably entrancing story – then you might just ‘get
into it’, and dribble for more.
The performances are a highlight. Clancy Brown and Nick Stahl
are the standouts, but pint-sized Anderson and the other players
making up the Carnivale gang are all quite stellar.
I’ll be back for the second season, just hoping there’s
a little more gusto the tale and a little less characterisation
next time.
“Carnivale” isn’t going to be everyone’s
pint of lager, but chances are even those who don’t fall
for it’s uniqueness at the outset, will at least find
one element highly appreciable.
DVD Extras
Presented in 16:9 and Dolby Digital 5.1, “Carnivale”
looks an absolute dream on DVD. Unfortunately, what this means
is that less space is available and that’s why the few
episodes of season one are spaced out over six discs.
In terms of extras, there are a couple of worthwhile things,
but nothing worth bringing Private Ryan home for. There’s
commentaries by the chaps that made the show on a couple of
the episodes and an EPK style making-of. The commentaries
are quite informative, but the making-of is filler, nothing
more.
Conclusion: Movie 70% Extras 30%
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