As someone who is passionate about Beethoven's music, I really enjoyed this drama documentary about his turbulent life. I hope that the BBC will realise what a gem it is and repeat it. I thought that Paul Rhys portrayed the Maestro very well and it was very poignant to see Beethoven's frustration and near-despair at his increasing deafness. He could be a difficult man but also very warm and giving. There is so much feeling in Beethoven's music, his very self in fact. When you see the life he had, you understand why. I liked the way that the titles of the main pieces of music were displayed. I have a large Beethoven collection but it is by no means complete and some of the pieces were new to me. PLEASE BBC put this on again.
Reviews
5 Reviews
The Pirates of Penzance
(1994 TV Movie)
'We haven't finished yet!'
14 August 2009
Just saw this for the first time (thank you Sky Arts!) I have always loved Gilbert and Sullivan so decided to tape it. I'm so glad I did! It was amazing! I've never seen any of the cast before so wasn't sure what to expect but they were all so good. Especially the purple-panted Pirate King, Jon English. His facial expressions had me in stitches and his energy!! I also loved the Police Sergeant, that man is made of rubber - is there anything he can't do!? They all looked as though they were having a great time hamming it up wonderfully! As someone said previously, if you're feeling down, watch it, I guarantee you won't be for long!
To Kill a King
(2003)
Cromwell the psychopath!
23 May 2009
This film is absolutely dire! Not only is it historically inaccurate, it takes massive liberties with the character of Oliver Cromwell. The real Cromwell was honest, brave, faithful to his wife, family and religious principles. As it happens I disagree with his religious beliefs but I recognise that they were sincerely held. Living in a time vastly different to our own, Cromwell sought guidance from God in everything he did. He was also a highly skilled and dedicated leader of men. To suggest that he would randomly shoot someone in the street is frankly an insult. He was subject to severe mood swings, possibly even manic depression but remained an honourable man. I realise he is a figure who polarises opinion, and he is not particularly popular here in Scotland but he most certainly is not the bloodthirsty little thug portrayed in this film. Tim Roth was spectacularly miscast! By the way ianpb you clearly haven't done your homework, yes Charles was born in Scotland but as he left it aged three you could hardly expect him to have a Scottish accent!
A Man for All Seasons
(1988 TV Movie)
A Pleasant Surprise
21 May 2009
I watched this film with some trepidation as the 1966 version has long been a favourite of mine. I could not imagine an American actor portraying my hero, Thomas More. However, I enjoyed it very much. Charlton Heston's performance was a revelation. I thought he did a really good job of showing More's famous wit but at times, his anguish too. Vanessa Redgrave's Dame Alice seemed at times almost a caricature ('A printed boook!') Yes I know Alice was from Yorkshire but Redgrave's 'common touch' was a bit overdone! Ben Whitrow as Cromwell was wonderful. Genial yet sinister, loved it! As for Roy Kinnear, he was just perfect as the common man, I always thought it a shame that this part was left out of the 1966 film. Having seen the play a few times, this is truer to the stage version but I wouldn't compare the two films, they are both very good.
A Man for All Seasons
(1966)
The King's Good Servant
9 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
A Man for all Seasons is an absolute masterpiece. As a fan of Tudor history I remember very much looking forward to watching it. That was several years ago and I have seen it many times since. It never disappoints. From the superb acting to the costumes and settings it tells the story of Thomas More who one of his contemporaries described as a man of 'an angel's wit and singular learning.' A loving family man, loyal servant to his king and ultimately a man of tremendous courage whose love of God came before all else. Paul Scofield is perfect as More and I can never think of one without bringing the other to mind. Wendy Hiller is a really feisty Dame Alice(as the real Alice was!) yet the scene in the Tower as she says goodbye is very poignant. I do feel that Orson Welles was miscast as Wolsey but that's really my only quibble and it's a small one. This is a film I can heartily recommend. It may be set in Tudor times but the theme is one that will never date, and Thomas More's example continues to shine.
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