Desperate Romantics

Some reviewers are taking things way too seriously. This is a fun, bawdy take on the life and loves of the Pre-Raphaelites. It's certainly not meant to be a piece of art scholarship. You see, there's this genre called historical FICTION. I almost turned it off in the first few minutes because I thought it going to cheesy but am so glad I didn't. It's funny, fast moving, well written, well acted, and infinitely watchable. But why oh why only one season??

Expecting some kind of drama (I had read no reviews), I was puzzled for the first 15 minutes or so. Once I realized it was a farce I found it thoroughly enjoyable. I'm sure it has little to do with the reality of the people, time and place. But I don't really care. The writing is excellent and acting is, too. I've gotten plenty of good laughs out of it.

Yes, well it may not be completely accurate and the writers may have taken certain liberties with the characters and the timelines, but I thoroughly enjoyed this show. It's a fast, funny, witty, sexy romp which doesn't take itself too seriously. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, as is the fact that everyone seems to be having a really good time playing some very interesting characters. I've watched it about three times now over the years and have enjoyed it every time. It's also made me curious to read up more about the PRB and their work. The actual PRB and their circle were, in many ways, extraordinary and occasionally over the top, and their lives were pretty fantastical, so this version really isn't much a stretch - I rather think they would have appreciated the 'inventive spirit' of the show's creators in bringing a contemporary interpretation of their story to the screen, as mentioned in the introduction / disclaimer at the beginning. If you want a staid art history docu-drama, this may not be for you. But if you want a fun, well made, entertaining, modern interpretation of a particular time and place and a group of people whose lives were, at times, stranger than fiction, go for it.

Anybody watching the series expecting a realistic portrayal of the lives of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood will be disappointed however those just wanting an enjoyable romp with a good story that is well acted then this is just the thing. The characters were delightfully over the top without coming over as parodies.

The story follows the lives of artists Millais, Rossetti and Hunt along with their fictional friend Fred Walters as they recruit models Lizzie Siddal and Annie Miller and fall in love with them. The other main character is John Ruskin who supports their work.

While we do see some of their art the series was far more interested in their romantic entanglements which means there many sex scenes which means a fair amount of nudity... no strategically positioned sheets here. Another main theme is their quest to gain a patron who will enable them to become established.

From the moment it starts it is clear that this is going to be a romp as the music is as over the top that the story it goes with. Some people might not like this but I found it very jolly and suited to the story. The acting was fine throughout, I especially liked Amy Manson and Jennie Jacques's performances as Lizzie and Annie, I can see why the men in the story were besotted by their characters.

Quite by accident, I stumbled upon Desperate Romantics while looking for something else. It has led me on a journey to learn more of the PRB artists, with whom I was totally unfamiliar. The portrayals of Millais, Hunt and Rosetti, their lives and loves is touching, funny and illuminating, in terms of their struggles for fame and recognition. The Fred Walters character keeps it all together. The casting in DR is perfect. Peter Bowker's writing is great and provides so much humor, along with the more serious struggles. Aidan Turner's reaction to his first sexual encounter with Fannie, a prostitute, is priceless and makes me laugh just thinking of it. Jennie Jacques, in only her second role was perfect as Annie Miller. She clearly showed the dilemma young women faced during this time and her struggle to obtain a better life, if not with Hunt, then with another. Amy Manson, as the beautiful model, Lizzie Siddall, is wonderful in showing sweetness, strength, vulnerability and despair because of her love for Rosetti. Others will point out this is not historically accurate and I'm sure they're right, but I looked at it as pure entertainment, realistic fiction. Daniel Pemberton's music is a delight in setting the mood so well. This is not a series for young children given the amount of nudity, but, if you're looking for a story that will give you strong characters and many laughs, this is a great choice.