Don Quixote has notoriously defied attempts to film it. This is a solid little TV version. There's a decent script by John Mortimer - though he does make it a bit too much about old age - and good performances by Bob Hoskins as Sancho and, particularly, John Lithgow as Don Quixote. Lithgow is credited as producer; this was clearly a labour of love for him and he gives his all in portraying a complex and difficult character. But the film needs something else - either more of the book's broad comedy, or more magic. It's just a little too wistful and bland - it captures Don Quixote's sadness but not his force. Makes you regret that Terry Gilliam failed to complete his version, it should have been just his bag.
Review of Don Quixote
