England, My England

The first time I saw the movie, after a brilliant opening, I felt somewhat disappointed to see that it was a play within a movie. The more I saw it, however, the more I appreciated the original treatment of this biography. It is, first and foremost, a beautiful movie, both for its photography, historical recreation and the great music. The contrast between the modern and historical periods made possible by the "play within a movie" treatment is actually very interesting. The character played by Simon Callow performs research on the life and times of Purcell, while commenting on our own times. John Elliot Gardiner conducts the baroque orchestra and singers with energy, and the result is first class. I saw and recorded this movie on videotape in the 1990's, and the tape is wearing thin. I am delighted this jewel has finally been released on DVD in 2007.

Although Michael Ball trained as an actor, he is best known for his leading roles in musicals such as Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and Aspects of Love in London & Broadway. It was very unusual (and very pleasant)to see him in this different role. Although he does not sing in this movie, I enjoyed it very much. The costumes were lovely. I also enjoyed seeing Simon Callow in his role as I really enjoyed his acting in "4 weddings and funeral".

An odd thesis, indeed, to put upon a movie about Henry Purcell.

But hear me out, fair Ladies and honourable Sires. This is the opportunity to hear about the greatest artist before the face of Albion to put justice as well as artistic congeniality before the memories of the greatest spirits to fire up our imagination. Oh yes, a spirit and talent to match his subjects. There hasn't been a master of 'portraits' since Hohlbein or Hilliard, who caught the essence of a spirit as close, detailed and true to its core as Tony Palmer. So, what better master to call upon the task of giving the greatest English composer a face to last beyond the brittle pages of an encyclopedia?

I dare the claim that Purcell was and is the eternal master of the achingly, painfully and gloriously beautiful - the indigo and forest green shades of melancholy music to tease the gentlest tears from stone.

Yes, Tony Palmer's piece is a masterful fresco of the Restoration, but still it's but a frame to what Purcell was all about. Palmer NEVER sells his subjects short for hidden agendas.

To give this claim substance, the best of the best for this task provided the music: John Eliot Gardiner & The English Baroque Soloists.

You can't possibly aim higher than this, and this movie achieved even beyond my biased expectations. The cream of the English acting craft: Simon Callow and Robert Stephens to give music to the words of masters John Osborne and Charles Wood.

Bugger me, but is there any claim out there which can come up with a more suitable setup?

Gather, people, Anglophiles and friends of the core to humanity.

Settle into your favourite chair and surrender to the sound-kept peak of aching beauty.

Schogger13

Being a bit of a Purcell fanatic, it was only happenstance that I encountered this film. Channel surfing the local cable net, I noticed a listing for the film, which I recorded.

This film brilliantly captures the essence of the man and his music (as well as the tenor of the times). The acting, a bit downplayed, works well to give the story a positive spin, despite the various tragedies in Purcell's life.

I understand that the original version has some contemporary thread running through it. The version which was run on the BRAVO network in the US eliminated this component (for some reason which goes unexplained).

Overall, this film is an overlooked masterpiece....

The life of the musician & court composer Henry Purcell is used to present a tongue in cheek examination of the Restoration & the Glorious Revolution. The actors in the film, led by Simon Callow as Charles II, discuss the play between scenes, but the parts they play on stage are also those that they play in the film. Very cleverly done too.