Brideshead Revisited (2008)

Director: Julian Jarrold
Starring: Emma Thompson, Matthew Goode, Michael Gambon, Greta Scacchi
Screen Writer: Jeremy Brock and Andrew Davies

I have never watched something so wonderfully British. A beautifully filmed costume period drama where time was taken in direction, not only of the beautiful locations, but of the actual storyline. The period drama has a long treasured and perfected history in the film industry, and a crowning glory of the BBC, but of late, efforts to master all the beauty while including a storyline seem to be completely botched (think the disaster that was 'The Other Boleyn Girl'). The moral of the story, best leave the British to what they do best, and Hollywood can return to churning out devastatingly bad contributions to the film industry that only the American's think are alright.

Brideshead is a return to form for popular period drama, along with the magnificent 'Duchess'. The plot development, though slow, is well thought out and unfolds masterfully. I did not think the flashforward to flashback at the start of the movie was required, but it does not make the film disjointed so it can be forgiven. The characters are a well balanced ensemble between the stereotype and the serious, and all themes of the plot seem to be addressed equally and seriously. There is nothing done flippant about this movie, so it is not cheapened in any way. Costumes and locations are exquisite (it goes without saying) and casting was superb. Stand out performance has to go to Ben Whishaw, who played Sebastian Flyte.

I cannot comment on the effort of adaptation because I have not had the opportunity to read the novel by Evelyn Waugh yet. Andrew Davies does have a fantastic track record, however, so I am sure it was in good hands. If certain scenes were left out, it was probably the normal amount that is left by the way side when books are adapted to the big screen, thanks to time constraints.

Do not go to this film if you are looking for fast paced or racey 'entertainment', but if you wish to be told a story about love and life and loss set in the beautiful past, even if it ends up being a bit oppressive with its serious subject matter and bitter sweet ending, this is the movie for you.

A beautiful, beautiful movie.