The 1981 mini series adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's novel Brideshead Revisited is rightfully seen as a classic version of a classic novel.
Clearly
this film version has some big shoes to fill, and for a while it looks
like it is set to do a pretty good job of it.
After
starting off during World War 2, then flashing back to an encounter
aboard a luxury liner, we finally flashback to where things began :
with would-be painter Charles Ryder (Matthew Goode) arriving at Oxford
in the 1920s and rapidly falling in with the free-wheeling, teddy
bear-toting aristocrat Sebastian Flyte (Ben Whishaw).
Sebastian
is clearly in love with Charles, and Charles seems happy to be his
close friend until he meets Charles' sister Julia (Hayley Atwell).
Soon
a love triangle develops, despite their mother (Emma Thompson) harping
on early and often about how her daughter could never be involved with
a non-Catholic.
Not surprisingly, things go sour, and they continue to do so for quite some time.
In condensing the novel the pacing of this particular version of Brideshead Revisited doesn't
quite work; the early scenes with Sebastian are the most interesting,
but the film drags on long after he is off the radar - without the film
ever quite finding its feet.
Other elements feel forced
: when Charles is suddenly accused of using the Ryders to get to their
estate Brideshead it's an accusation not supported by anything we've
been shown in his character. Likewise, the film's attempts to dredge up
the pitfalls of Catholics are given more weight than (this version of)
the story can comfortably carry, throwing the final section of the film
out of kilter.
There is much to enjoy here : a handsome
cast, a series of gorgeous settings (including the same house from the
miniseries), and an often smart and witty script.
Unfortunately,
they are not enough to make up for the clumsy missteps that leave this
as a missed opportunity rather than a worthy companion to what has gone
before. 3 out
of 5
Brideshead Revisited Australian release: 23rd October,
2008 Cast: Emma Thompson, Michael Gambon, Matthew Goode Director: Julian Jarrold Official Website:Brideshead Revisited
