Brideshead Revisited
Based on the novel by Evelyn Waugh, and made popular by the 1980 TV series, Brideshead Revisited tells the memoirs of Captain Charles Ryder (Matthew Goode), a man who becomes entranced by the provocative and charming Sebastian Flyte (Ben Wishaw) and later with his sister Julia (Hayley Atwell). The rise and fall of his infatuations takes place against the backdrop of the Brideshead Estate, under the watchful eye of their mother, Lady Marchmain (Emma Thompson).
- Director:
- Julian Jarrold ('Kinky Boots', 'Becoming Jane')
- Writer:
- Jeremy BrockAndrew Davies
- Cast:
- Michael GambonEmma ThompsonMatthew GoodeBen WhishawHayley AtwellGreta Scacchi
Reviews & comments
Flicks, Andreas Heinemann
flicksSounds like a horror movie doesn't it? But no, it's the latest British produced period drama, only this time sans Keira Knightley. Based on Evelyn Waugh's classic novel, it's the memoirs of Charles Ryder and his tale of love and innocence lost through dealings with the aristocratic family who own the Brideshead estate. Set between the two world wars, it's designed as an epic romance and lives up to half of that description while being less successful with the other.
Mahh
Based on the novel by Evelyn Waugh, and made popular by the 1980 TV series, Brideshead Revisited tells the memoirs of Captain Charles Ryder (Matthew Goode), a man who becomes entranced by the provocative and charming Sebastian Flyte (Ben Wishaw) and later with his sister Julia (Hayley Atwell). The rise and fall of his infatuations takes place against the...
Variety
pressOffers lush and compelling drama drawn from Evelyn Waugh's beloved novel. Purists may blanch at the screenplay's changes to the source material's narrative fine points, but its spirit survives intact.
Urban Cinefile
pressThe locations are all splendid and it is easy to understand how the lure of the lifestyle above him is a magnet to Charles. In the end we feel a bit like Charles, totally worn down, which may well have been the intentions of the filmmaker.
The New York Times
pressMr. Goode shows all the charisma of a stalk of boiled asparagus molded into the likeness of Jeremy Irons.
San Francisco Chronicle
pressFeatures some very good performances but few characters you would want to be in the same room with for more than five minutes - unless, of course, you were on your deathbed and in fear for your mortal soul.
Salon
pressWhether the action is unspooling across Oxford or Venice or Morocco or on an ocean liner or in a gallery, nothing good or bad happens without a week's worth of art direction. Doric arches, ivy-grown walls, baize doors, gilt cornices, plastered vaults: No expense has been spared, and no BBC lover has been alienated.
New Zealand Herald
pressA second tilt at Waugh's classic attempts to be this year's Atonement but misses.
Los Angeles Times
pressThe film's strengths are in Waugh's story and not so much in the particular spin of these filmmakers. Their decision to turn up the volume on the homosexual undertones between Sebastian and Charles feels like an unimaginative nod to our modern times.
Flicks, Andreas Heinemann
flicksSounds like a horror movie doesn't it? But no, it's the latest British produced period drama, only this time sans Keira Knightley. Based on Evelyn Waugh's classic novel, it's the memoirs of Charles Ryder and his tale of love and innocence lost through dealings with the aristocratic family who own the Brideshead estate. Set between the two world wars, it's designed as an epic romance and lives up to half of that description while being less successful with the other.
Variety
pressOffers lush and compelling drama drawn from Evelyn Waugh's beloved novel. Purists may blanch at the screenplay's changes to the source material's narrative fine points, but its spirit survives intact.
Urban Cinefile
pressThe locations are all splendid and it is easy to understand how the lure of the lifestyle above him is a magnet to Charles. In the end we feel a bit like Charles, totally worn down, which may well have been the intentions of the filmmaker.
The New York Times
pressMr. Goode shows all the charisma of a stalk of boiled asparagus molded into the likeness of Jeremy Irons.
San Francisco Chronicle
pressFeatures some very good performances but few characters you would want to be in the same room with for more than five minutes - unless, of course, you were on your deathbed and in fear for your mortal soul.
Salon
pressWhether the action is unspooling across Oxford or Venice or Morocco or on an ocean liner or in a gallery, nothing good or bad happens without a week's worth of art direction. Doric arches, ivy-grown walls, baize doors, gilt cornices, plastered vaults: No expense has been spared, and no BBC lover has been alienated.
New Zealand Herald
pressA second tilt at Waugh's classic attempts to be this year's Atonement but misses.
Los Angeles Times
pressThe film's strengths are in Waugh's story and not so much in the particular spin of these filmmakers. Their decision to turn up the volume on the homosexual undertones between Sebastian and Charles feels like an unimaginative nod to our modern times.
Mahh
Based on the novel by Evelyn Waugh, and made popular by the 1980 TV series, Brideshead Revisited tells the memoirs of Captain Charles Ryder (Matthew Goode), a man who becomes entranced by the provocative and charming Sebastian Flyte (Ben Wishaw) and later with his sister Julia (Hayley Atwell). The rise and fall of his infatuations takes place against the...
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