Review of Brideshead Revisited (2008) by Ali S — 24 Oct 2008

I was around when the original television series was produced (I know - how old am I?)....and so it was with much anticipation, trepidation, pre-press lauding and adulation that I awaited the film version of Evelyn Waugh's classic tale of gentrified manners set amidst the backdrop of World War 1.

Mmmm...this is an ok film,...granted the cinematogrhaphy is simple, sedate and understated and the cast and scripting is (in terms of the young leads) is novel - but what I don't understand is all the "broo-ha" about it being the "BRITISH FILM" of the year(?).

Fine - the performances from all concernced were adequate - but I certainly didn't leave the cinema thinking..."oh my god!...that person was amazing in that role!"...if anything I left thinking I could easily have matched that person's effort!

Other than that - it's a simple story, played by equally easy on the eye leads that don't leave you gasping with wonderment. The best things in this picture are (if you ask me) Emma Thompson and the actual house they used for filming...everybody else is pretty much...ordinary...which sums up this film in its entirety!...but I do want to add that there is a lovely performance from an actress that was a year above me at drama school, who turns in (as always) a memorable effort...and that is the deliciously beautiful and talented Anna Madeley...go see it if only for her!