I finally finished the book last month, I tried to read it back when it came out and everyone was raving about it, it's exactly the sort of book I would expect to like, but I found it so dull, I kept trying and never got further than about a third of the way through and eventually gave up (I rarely give up on books but this did defeat me). When I heard they were televising it I thought I'd give it another go and did get to the end this time, I still found it dull but was determined to finish it. That being said the trailers do look very good and if they are anything to go by it does look as though it will be better on the screen and I am willing to give it a go
I'm surprised anyone would find the book dull. Admittedly it is slow at the beginning as the first part concentrates on Norrell (who is difficult to warm to) but as soon as the 'Gentleman' and Jonathan Strange appear it certainly picks up. I guess that the TV adaption will cut some of the lengthy introduction which just features Norrell and will introduce both of the magicians to us early on.
I liked it - I don't think any production could live up to the book because her writing style is such a big part of its charm, well it was for me anyway, but this was pretty much how I pictured things when I read it.
What a great start. I loved the book when it first came out, but found I could never reread it, perhaps because I found the story so unusual thatI could remember what was going to happen. Did wonder how it would be condensed for a TV adaptation, so I'm so glad I wasn't disappointed.
Not read the book, bit interested by the trailers. For a hour I thought it was good. One thing I think would have been better would be to make the first episode 90 mins so the main protagonists could at least meet. I'm well aware the individual story's have to be explained but having to wait till next week feels odd. Also not enough Jonathan Strange ! ( Bertie is quite cute !) I will definitely watch next week !
Brillant, but as usual with many programmes, its the wrong time of year for this. These sorts of things are much better on long winter evenings when you can snuggle down with hot chocolates and watch spooky or fantasy things from ye olden days.
I. think the thread for this programme is in the Cult TV section
That explains a lot. I'm afraid I'd never heard of the book on which it's based, so it all appeared nonsense to me. I suppose it could gain a cult following, but it's not my kind of thing at all.
I haven't read the book but they were talking about it on the radio this afternoon. They said it should be slow to start but then then it should pick up and get quite exciting.
I watched and quite liked, so will definitely watch again. Anything with Eddie Marsan in it has got to be good.
My god, that was boring stuff. I was expecting great things, but all I got was another turgid costume drama, and Marc Warren looking like the king of the fairies, but not the supernatural kind.
Okay, there has to be scene setting and character introductions, etc, etc. but surely some of the budget could've been used on a single decent special effect. For example, Marc Warren just appears in shot, not even stepping from elsewhere as well as Dr Who might've managed.
I'll give it another go, of course, anticipating that some of the fantastical stuff in the book must have been recreated. But really, I wonder how many potential fans simply fell asleep waiting for something interesting to happen, and instead of taking another chance will be watching paint dry next week.
I enjoyed it. It was well made, well cast and well acted. I do wonder whether it wouldn't have been more suitable for BBC2 and it'll be interesting to see how it fares in the ratings. I suspect it went over most people's heads, tbh.
Comments
I. think the thread for this programme is in the Cult TV section
Looking forward to next week.
Really had me gripped - and not a lot does that these days!
Looking forward to next week.
That explains a lot. I'm afraid I'd never heard of the book on which it's based, so it all appeared nonsense to me. I suppose it could gain a cult following, but it's not my kind of thing at all.
I watched and quite liked, so will definitely watch again. Anything with Eddie Marsan in it has got to be good.
Okay, there has to be scene setting and character introductions, etc, etc. but surely some of the budget could've been used on a single decent special effect. For example, Marc Warren just appears in shot, not even stepping from elsewhere as well as Dr Who might've managed.
I'll give it another go, of course, anticipating that some of the fantastical stuff in the book must have been recreated. But really, I wonder how many potential fans simply fell asleep waiting for something interesting to happen, and instead of taking another chance will be watching paint dry next week.