That review summary is the English translation for 'Brideshead Revisited's' first epiode's title. Which is also the name of the 17th century painting by Nicolas Poussin. The significance of the episode's title, also the title of Book One of Evelyn Waugh's source material, being in that it's in reference to death and yearning for a paradise long lost in ugliness, apparent in the opening scenes depicting the war.
'Brideshead Revisited' is one of the greats in literature in my view, with a poignant complex story and characters that one doesn't forget, as well as that exquisite prose like with Charles Ryder's narration that epitomises pure poetry. It is brilliantly and faithfully adapted here in this 1981 mini-series, a prime example of how to be faithful in detail and spirit to a source material without being too much so. To me it is one of the best mini-series ever made, much better than the 2008 film adaptation, and this is meant on its own terms too. "Et in Arcadia Ego" is a brilliant first part to it, that sets things up and sets the tone beautifully without taking too long to do so or rambling.
Right from the powerful beginning, with a setting that is reason alone to hit people hard, up to the point where Charles is introduced to the world that plays a massive role in the rest of 'Brideshead Revisited's' story, both book and mini-series. "Et in Arcadia Ego" looks exquisite and really the whole series had held up well in this regard, Oxford looking suitably idyllic and picturesque (although it has changed a lot certainly Oxford still has those qualities to me) which is sort of in keeping with Poussin's painting's pastoral setting. It couldn't have been better complemented by the photography, a mix of intimate and expansive and dark (likt at the beginning) and elegant.
Geoffrey Burgen's background scoring is melodious and memorable, if careful not to intrude too much at pivotal points. The main theme is a classic. The script is thoughtful, emotionally rich and filled with depth, even early on. A strong example being Charles' narration which even in filmed translation hasn't lost its poetry. The story is never dull, even though what happens here is setting things up in the story and what is to come (something that first episodes to anything are supposed to do). It starts powerfully and the transition back to the past where the characters and events are introduced is handled smoothly and with no trouble with coherence.
All the characters here are already compelling, Charles is the dominant focus, with it being told from his point of view, but "Et in Arcadia Ego" establishes Sebastian very well too. Love the bond between them, their friendship comes over very affectionately without being rushed. Great doesn't do justice to how good the acting is, Nickolas Grace has fun as Anthony, with the tongue of a venomous viper, and John Gielgud plays a rigid character very naturally and make purposeful indifference engaging. Don't think Anthony Andrews bettered his work than here in 'Brideshead Revisited', and Charles Ryder was the role that made Jeremy Irons an overnight sensation, to this day to me it's one of his best performances.
Overall, a wonderful start to one of the best mini-series. 10/10
'Brideshead Revisited' is one of the greats in literature in my view, with a poignant complex story and characters that one doesn't forget, as well as that exquisite prose like with Charles Ryder's narration that epitomises pure poetry. It is brilliantly and faithfully adapted here in this 1981 mini-series, a prime example of how to be faithful in detail and spirit to a source material without being too much so. To me it is one of the best mini-series ever made, much better than the 2008 film adaptation, and this is meant on its own terms too. "Et in Arcadia Ego" is a brilliant first part to it, that sets things up and sets the tone beautifully without taking too long to do so or rambling.
Right from the powerful beginning, with a setting that is reason alone to hit people hard, up to the point where Charles is introduced to the world that plays a massive role in the rest of 'Brideshead Revisited's' story, both book and mini-series. "Et in Arcadia Ego" looks exquisite and really the whole series had held up well in this regard, Oxford looking suitably idyllic and picturesque (although it has changed a lot certainly Oxford still has those qualities to me) which is sort of in keeping with Poussin's painting's pastoral setting. It couldn't have been better complemented by the photography, a mix of intimate and expansive and dark (likt at the beginning) and elegant.
Geoffrey Burgen's background scoring is melodious and memorable, if careful not to intrude too much at pivotal points. The main theme is a classic. The script is thoughtful, emotionally rich and filled with depth, even early on. A strong example being Charles' narration which even in filmed translation hasn't lost its poetry. The story is never dull, even though what happens here is setting things up in the story and what is to come (something that first episodes to anything are supposed to do). It starts powerfully and the transition back to the past where the characters and events are introduced is handled smoothly and with no trouble with coherence.
All the characters here are already compelling, Charles is the dominant focus, with it being told from his point of view, but "Et in Arcadia Ego" establishes Sebastian very well too. Love the bond between them, their friendship comes over very affectionately without being rushed. Great doesn't do justice to how good the acting is, Nickolas Grace has fun as Anthony, with the tongue of a venomous viper, and John Gielgud plays a rigid character very naturally and make purposeful indifference engaging. Don't think Anthony Andrews bettered his work than here in 'Brideshead Revisited', and Charles Ryder was the role that made Jeremy Irons an overnight sensation, to this day to me it's one of his best performances.
Overall, a wonderful start to one of the best mini-series. 10/10
