Creating Brideshead Revisited

[@erichodge567]

I haven't seen the movie, but I do wonder why it needed to be made, since the Jeremy Irons version was virtually flawless.

[@donrobertson4940]

Too long. People don't have attention spans like they .... ooh something shiny.

[@VONOBER]

@Eric: I agree with you. I guess they thought they could make a better version, but in fact the film turned out to be very different from the book. Ben Whishaw is totally miscast! Anthony Andrews IS the perfect Sebastian Flyte.

[@lawrencedavid9728]

No need at all, they are just trying to make money, not art.

[@gentillygirl545]

Yes! The original Granada mini-series with Anthony Andrews and Jeremy Irons is the only one for me.

[@harryf1ashman]

I can bring myself to watch this because I know it can't live up to the mini-series. Reviews are not very generous.

[@Engelhafen]

This version can’t compare to the Anthony Andrews version

[@trevorcoppock5621]

The remake a VERY second rate attempt. Who can ever forget the mesmerising, bewitching Nicholas Grace as Anthony Blanche. Utterly one of the best performances I've ever seen on TV or cinema screen.

[@puma55792]

The original will never be equalled , the music, the voice of Jeremy Irons, Anthony Andrews and the rest of the cast were brilliant.

[@climbtherainbow]

Watching this made me realise just how bad this film was compared to the original 1981 series.

[@damianop100]

Yes, why did they even bother. It's distressing to watch. The masterpiece had already been done and this was a depressing attempt at what exactly. Better to not even watch it. I'm sorry I did.

[@erpollock]

This remake will always be devoid of the musical voice of the original. It is a weak shadow, as I said, without the Brideshead musical theme, so evocative, immortal.

[@erichodge567]

I couldn't agree more. The Brideshead theme told one exactly to what level this series would aspire.

[@harenrussel]

Anthony Andrews and Jeremy Irons are much more original and preferred over the new version. I was a mere boy the first I sneakily watched snippets of Brides head. I've loved it since. April 2020 Coronavirus lockdown time. Be safe world.

[@raygreen5926]

Brideshead Revisited came to our televisions in 1981. It will never be equalled again and all others pale into forgettable remakes. It cannot never recreate another Mona Lisa. The same for the original Upstairs Downstairs. These are luminous pearls that glow luminous in a mediocre landscape ❄🎄🎭

[@teenherofilms]

But this is the wrong Brideshead Revisited. The real one was 1981 with Granada this is bullshit, they had Simon Jones, Anthony Andrews and Jeremy Irons not to menton Sir Laurence Olivier

[@NickHarman]

Well a remake is not always a bad idea, the TV version looks its age now technically. Wishy washy images

[@wuffothewonderdog]

The cast in this attempt are not a patch on those of the 1981 film. None of them are able to reproduce the voices, behaviour and characteristics of the twenties. Their accents jar with the faux mockney tones of today. I'm surprised that this version didn't have Charles played by an African and the Flyte family played by Arabs,, Pakistanis, aborigines, Red Indians and penguins.

[@NickHarman]

I think adding a giant venice section was not called for, Waugh would not have been happy

[@hughman55]

Wow wuffothewonderdog, racist much?

[@hughman55]

Boy, you showed them. How will they ever get over your NOT being an actor OR being offered this part...

[@erpollock]

It's a surprise to realize this "creating Brideshead" feature refers to the early 2000s film, not at all to the definitive Brideshead of Jeremy Irons and Anthony Andrews. Every character in this film seems like a weak shadow of his original self in the 1981 series. There is only the 1981 Brideshead for me.

[@nickandrachelmajor8487]

I don't like what I have seen so far .I don't think I could bring myself to watch it all the way through. The script is so different from the book and the story is silly with the the love triangle thing .They have completer missed the point. I have only watched bits of this because I was curios it . It irks me and makes me uncomfortable to watch

[@Joylibelle]

Yes, and I can't imagine someone better, more elegant, charming and intriguing than Nickolas Grace to play the lovely Anthony Blanche.

[@rumblefish9]

Its in the description.

[@bartonone2005]

After having read the beautifully written novel several times, I wonder why these filmmakers found it necessary to alter Evelyn Waugh's plot? Did they foolishly think it required improvement or updating to make it more palatable to a contemporary audience? Only after digesting the book did I realize the faithful magnificence of the Granada Television production. This version offends my sensibility. It displays itself as a tawdry imitation.

[@MrSteveAugarde]

I've watched the film, and it really isn't bad, but it suffers through its inevitable comparison with the original TV series. The main problem for me is Ben Wishaw, a fine actor, but wholly miscast as Sebastian. He betrays his origins, as we see in the interviews, and simply can't summon the lordly imperiousness required for the part without turning the acting up to 11. Anthony Andrews was a far more natural fit as the privileged golden boy of Waugh's novel.

[@jasonnicholasschwarz7788]

Quite right. British aristocracy are a breed apart, literally. There are posh people, and there's aristocracy. Two separate worlds. It's not about money at all. Wealth is just an ornament in their world. The ones I met were rather plain if one can describe a person that way. They are as messy and lazy as you and I, and surprisingly witty and funny. I just love the nonchalant obsolence of their ways, combined with their omnipresent power which still guides the decision makers of this weird island country.

[@sunking45]

I think Matthew Goode would have been a better choice for the role of Sebastian, and some other actor playing Charles. I didn't think the film was too bad, it was just a different version of the story and understandably more condensed than the series.

[@rumblefish9]

@@sunking45 Goode is a bit too severe as Sebastian.

[@tonytunbridge6275]

It would be good if the title made it clear this is about the making of the film, not the seminal TV series. I never saw the point of making this film - you can't improve on perfection.

[@robertglisson6319]

I enjoyed the movie, and loved Atwell's portrayal of Julia, as well as Gandolf's version of Lord Marchmain. Emma Thompson is incredible, and I do like Ben Wishaw's take on Sebastian. That said, I believe too many people are hung up on the deviations of Waugh's masterpiece (particularly the love triangle), as well as the superb Granada series. Taken alone, the film is beautiful, but alas, it is like an old man or woman, still very attractive, but depressed because they do not compare themselves to those their own age, but instead, compare themselves to their prime, they peak of beauty. At least they didn't change the ending to a happy one whereby Charles and Julia decide to live happily ever. Poor Evelyn would have rolled over in his grave. In the fifties, Waugh kept himself from being immensely wealthy by refusing to sell the work to Hollywood due to their insistence on creating a happier, false ending, which would of course miss the entire point of Waugh's emphasis on Catholic Christianity and the power of redemption.

[@gladystoukie]

Love , love this movie and the incredible music!!! Thanks for uploading this!!!

[@jasonnicholasschwarz7788]

can't beat the score from the series though. It's painfully divine.

[@urbanviii5103]

Why film in Lincoln College, when Waugh went to Hertford?

[@trevorjackson1551]

The main characters,with all due respect, were both horribly miscast. Ben Whishaw is a charming lad but hardly the devastating beauty that activates Charles. And Charles seems ttto bear a permanent smirk that totally destroyers tha atmosphere. Anthony Andrews beauty is unassailable and Irons is perfect as the innocent abroad . Nothing will ever surpass the magnificent original

[@erpollock]

And the Venice carnivale scene was so unnecessary! Not in the book. Absolutely gross.

[@VONOBER]

And Julia was actually not in Venice!

[@nickandrachelmajor8487]

@@VONOBER the whole film is utter rubbish

[@jasonnicholasschwarz7788]

I once worked at a stables in Oxfordshire belonging to a family of some influence obviously, as I was to find out when I spent a night at their London flat in Chelsea. The morning we had breakfast, the daughter of the house brought in the mail, one of the envelopes had "11 Downing Street" written on it as the sender. I found that rather weird, and still don't have a clue what position that person held within the british government of the time. It was in the mid 90s.

[@nickandrachelmajor8487]

The Chancellor of the Exchequer lives there

[@faustusTVR]

I haven't seen the movie, only this, but it seems they have greatly changed the story and made it clunky and dumbed it down to a great extent when it is compared to the Granada series, which was sublime. The acting here looks wooden in comparison also. What a shame.

[@jws2899]

This film had zero chances of success; the novel was far too expansive. They ought to have just made another mini series... particularly with this extraordinary cast.

[@trawlins396]

I actually really liked the movie. The two actors playing Sebastian and Charles are so talented. And yes I have seen the original 81 version. This was definitely a "condensed" version but visually this movie is beautiful. The characters arent as developed but that's to be expected. I thought Emma Thompson as Lady Marchmain was better than the original.

[@richardbaker5322]

Not even close to the original why did you bother ???

[@hughman55]

Because it's an amazing film with wonderful performances. And besides, now we have two wonderful choices to experience the story; the eleven hour mini series and the two hour film. Both are incredible.

[@hughman55]

I love this film and the performances by Ben Wishaw, Matthew Goode, and Emma Thompson, are just amazing. Public television covered the Evelyn Waugh novel with eleven one hour episodes in the 1970's. This film version more than does that novel justice in just over two hours. This mini documentary about the film? Also beautifully done.

[@bluetigerlozano59]

1970s?? Never heard of. The series from 1981-incomparable.

[@faustusTVR]

@@bluetigerlozano59 He can't have seen the original, there's no way this can hold a candle to it.

[@joeblow9657]

Step 1: Write a script that is hardly faithful to the novel

[@CallumMcPherson]

I've never really understood why this movie gets such bad press. It was the first version of Brideshead Revisited I ever saw (before I'd even heard of the book) and I still love it now, even after having watched a few episodes of the TV version. The movie might not be as faithful to the book but the cinematography is beautiful, as is Adrian Johnston's score, and Ben Whishaw is the perfect Sebastian.

[@NickHarman]

I loved the Granada series at the time but there is always scope to do another version with modern cameras

[@hughman55]

Callum, I couldn't agree with you more. I was around for the mini series in the 70's. It's great. And so is this film. I think a lot of the criticism is rooted in intractability from fans of the tv version. A comparison that I think is inappropriate; and even more pointed, wrong. This film will stand the test of time. But I think, like you, that it has been undervalued in its time.

[@Fujikorific]

Most of its bad press comes from the fact that the filmmakers either didn't understand what the book was actually about or did understand, and chose to deliberately subvert it.

[@babybunny4665]

Es una de las mejores series que produjeron en los ochentas

[@nickandrachelmajor8487]

sio kweli kwa kitabu

[@richardmcdonald1386]

Terribly unfortunate that this Production was ever attempted,as it misses the mark In so many ways, especially the casting of Sebastian Flyte who was supposed to have been beautiful . A very bad misfire.

[@jasonnicholasschwarz7788]

21:53 Is this british standard script format? Never seen dialogue written like that. Isn't it usually Sebastian (to Charles) blablablaba. Sebastian walks across the room to open a door. (ficticious scene description) Charles (to Sebastian) blablablablabla.

[@jiyuehu5334]

love the actors so much! they're adorable~~

[@lincolncity9]

Have you watched the original TV series from the early 80s? You'll never want to watch the movie again.

[@bluetigerlozano59]

Lincolncity9 - I’m guessing she and others who absolutely loved this film or the actors never saw the original.

[@diane5836]

Anthony Andrews, Jeremy irons...unbeatable

[@ammjay2762]

Why bother making this film ? It is always going to look a poor imitation of the original (1971) series - which was a masterpiece. In addition, the use of third division actors makes matters worse. (They all look self-conscious, as if they are aware that they are out of their depth). Very poor, and an insult to the original production.

[@bluetigerlozano59]

1981 series with Jeremy Irons and Anthony Andrews

[@CoxJoxSox]

I hate this version of Brideshead - the original with Anthony Andrews was so much better. Ugh - no way would someone wear white socks with tails.

[@ammjay2762]

[ Should read ‘1981’ not ‘1971’ - Ammjay ]

[@mediterraneanbusiness672]

Spectacular film. Although Waugh wrote no sequel, I wish someone would!

[@jasonnicholasschwarz7788]

in which Charles and Sebastian elope to Thailand... :)

[@nickandrachelmajor8487]

Its nothing like the book Waugh wrote

[@CoxJoxSox]

The Bullington Club still exists

[@jws2899]

Unfortunately.

[@rumblefish9]

Anthony Blanche would have been a Piers Gaveston man... although the Piers Gav society is more recent. These guys would put the Bullington Club to shame in terms of debauchery

[@shaeshae1224]

I don't know about you guys since I don't really know the book nor I'm british, but it's incredible to see some of the actors in such a young age!

[@jasonnicholasschwarz7788]

The Granada series actually chose rather old actors to play the roles, but I still prefer it to this version.

[@VictheChick]

Why bother?

[@climbtherainbow]

This is what you missed if you didn't see it first time around. Compare and contrast. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnrKqJyBraqAf5o

[@tanyastebbing9763]

Sebastion

[@jamiexxjamie]

...a disappointing, cheap imitation of the book and the Andrews/Irons series.

[@douglasmilton2805]

Pointless remake. Jeremy Irons, Anthony Andrews, Nicholas Grace, perfect. This is a waste of time.

[@tonytunbridge6275]

It wasn't just them, the whole TV series cast was staggering - Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Claire Bloom, Diana Quick, even Phoebe Nicholls as Cordelia - they were all perfect.

[@ransomcoates546]

It’s a terrible movie, perversely twisting the meaning of the book. I don’t know why the family allowed it, unless, like Waugh himself, they never turn down a lucrative offer.

[@ecaepevolhturt]

Pure belligerence...The Granada TV version was much better.

[@elizabethbower2168]

This new version is absolute rubbish

[@superchargerone]

sigh there is no class nor grace in each of the actor's movements and speech unlike the TV series. People then had a chance to observe and live with the tail end of how the upper class behave and conduct themselves. this is not afforded for the younger actors so they just mimic what they think how class behaves. So different one is like honey to the taste buds watching the actors in action the other like cheap chocolate that is sweet but not very good.

[@Alsatiagent]

These lads can barely conceal their... ahem, accents.

[@ams554]

This cheesy crap is not Brideshead.

[@chidlowt]

Ah! this is the shit version :-(

[@Xo-jp7bh]

Next, rewrite the Bible...

[@rumblefish9]

Except the bible has been rewritten MULTIPLE times, edited beyond belief with whole gospels omitted lol

[@tanyastebbing9763]

Sebestion is so beautiful!

[@nickandrachelmajor8487]

but not in this version

[@rumblefish9]

@@nickandrachelmajor8487 I didn't think Andrews was beautiful but he's a brilliant actor and I liked his performance better than Wishaw's. Sebastian is supposed to be 19 and yet looks like he's in his late 20s here because Irons is 32 when the movie was shot. I always thought of Sebastian as this extremely beautiful man--he's supposed to be the most beautiful man at Oxford. Like how Clive Durham is in the movie adaptation of Maurice.

[@6ollie66]

Singularly the most disgusting ambition I've seen. .... I guess the silly wolves of the financial quarter claim a similar strength! .... The singularly most beautiful piece of television/cinematic wonder ever created!!!!!!! .... I seem 2 wish 2 ?????? ..... ??????? ........ Spastics!!!!!!!!!! .... !!!!!!!!

[@Mike8981]

Were you drunk when you wrote this old boy?

[@andrewbrammer5119]

Very poor compared to the TV series

[@schuylerjohnson6217]

OH DEAR I DON'T LIKE ANY OF THESE ACTORS, THEY CAN'T COMPARE WITH THE ORIGINAL!