cashelguy_59

The Way We Live Now is yet another British TV adaptation of the works of Anthony Trollope. Like The Pallisers and The Barchester Chronicles this is yet another mini-series to savor. The rich setting of 1870's London society is boldly brought to the screen. David Suchet gives the performance of his career as scoundrel Augustus Malmotte. Equally brilliant is Shirley Henderson as his daughter Marie. Henderson has emerged as one of the more spellbinding thespians of the last ten years. Why she isn't a major star when performers with a tiny fraction of her talent are on the A-list is one of those mysteries that will never be explained. Still, this is not quite up there in the same league with The Pallisers. Some of the characters are not that interesting. Unfortunately, Miranda Otto as Mrs. Hurtle and Cillian Murphy as Paul Montague are miscast.

There is no country with a richer literary history than England. There is also no country that does a better job of transferring its great works of literature to the screen. Of all of England's great authors none transfers to the screen better than Charles Dickens. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that this 2005 version of Bleak House is as good as TV gets. This multi-hour TV drama that appeared on Masterpiece Theater is a masterpiece from beginning to end. Much of the American commentary on this program has concentrated on the lone American in the cast, Gillian Anderson as Lady Dedlock. Yes, she gives a bravura performance, but so does everyone else in the cast. It is unfair to single out individuals from such a great company, but I particularly loved Pauline Collins as Miss Flite and Burn Gorman as the aptly named Mr. Guppy. Also, Charles Dance as Mr. Talkinghorn is one of the most despicable villains in screen history. The atmosphere is so rich it feels as if one is right there in 1850's London. If one doesn't like this landmark drama then one had better stick to watching professional wrestling.