At the Jardyce home, Bleak House, the young people are creating a path. The young man has been training with a windbag physician but realizes quickly his heart is not in it. He becomes intrigued by the law. Miss Sommerson is still having to deal with Guppy. But most significantly, Lady Dedlock goes out in search of information about the man calling himself Nemo. The world certainly is a harsh one.
2 Reviews
Dealing with complexity
TheLittleSongbird22 July 2019
On first viewing of this adaptation of 'Bleak House' in 2005, it was one of the most riveting and best programmes that year and among the best ever for me. Was getting into period dramas/adaptations at the time and 'Bleak House' made me want to continue seeing more. Fourteen years on my thoughts are the same, like it even more actually. The even more faithful 1985 adaptation is also highly recommended, warning though it is slow (but with such a long and complicated book for me that wasn't a problem).
The first episode set things up brilliantly and was a superbly made and acted epsiode in its own right. The second episode expanded and built upon and introduced more events, conflicts and such without cluttering or trying to include too much. Was in no way disappointed by number three, which does the same thing as the previous episode but even more so now that situations are even more complex and the characters even richer.
Visually, this looks wonderful. It's beautifully shot and the Victorian era is nailed in both look and atmosphere, although the buildings and costumes are so handsome to look at one can feel and smell the full impact of the dangerous living conditions present in the era. The music fits nicely.
All the characters have lost none of their complexity or important character traits, no disrespect here. Most striking are the even more reprehensible Tulkinghorn, haunted Lady Dedlock and easy to endear to Guppy. The dialogue is literate and thoughtful, without being too wordy or over-complicated.
Have no issues with the acting, Charles Dance dominating again. Gillian Anderson's aristocratic Lady Dedlock and Denis Lawson's noble, understated Jarndyce likewise. And Burn Gorman allows Guppy to be taken seriously (do not be fooled by the name) without taking the character too seriously that life is sucked out of him. A trap is meeting Esther too meek, but Anna Maxwell Martin doesn't fall into it.
In conclusion, doesn't disappoint. 10/10
The first episode set things up brilliantly and was a superbly made and acted epsiode in its own right. The second episode expanded and built upon and introduced more events, conflicts and such without cluttering or trying to include too much. Was in no way disappointed by number three, which does the same thing as the previous episode but even more so now that situations are even more complex and the characters even richer.
Visually, this looks wonderful. It's beautifully shot and the Victorian era is nailed in both look and atmosphere, although the buildings and costumes are so handsome to look at one can feel and smell the full impact of the dangerous living conditions present in the era. The music fits nicely.
All the characters have lost none of their complexity or important character traits, no disrespect here. Most striking are the even more reprehensible Tulkinghorn, haunted Lady Dedlock and easy to endear to Guppy. The dialogue is literate and thoughtful, without being too wordy or over-complicated.
Have no issues with the acting, Charles Dance dominating again. Gillian Anderson's aristocratic Lady Dedlock and Denis Lawson's noble, understated Jarndyce likewise. And Burn Gorman allows Guppy to be taken seriously (do not be fooled by the name) without taking the character too seriously that life is sucked out of him. A trap is meeting Esther too meek, but Anna Maxwell Martin doesn't fall into it.
In conclusion, doesn't disappoint. 10/10
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