I checked my DVR settings last night and noticed that I had a lot more recordings on there than I realized. Between the family recording favorite shows and movies, we were at 96% capacity. So I need to go and watch or erase some stuff! I almost never watch a show “live” so when I finally was able to sit down last night I was hoping to watch Once Upon A Time and Great Expectations but I never got to OUAT. I’ll come back and comment on OUAT’s episode later this week. (UPDATE: I posted about OUAT and Grimm here.)
It’s been many, many years since I’ve read Great Expectations and a long time since I’ve seen the 1999 version, which stared Ioan Gruffudd (currently on another fave show Ringer) as Pip, Justine Waddell (who I loved in Wives and Daughters) as Estelle and Charlotte Rampling as Miss Havisham. I was a little surprised, but excited, when I first heard that Gillian Anderson would play Miss H since I always pictured the character much older. However, I thought Gillian’s version made the character much more believable. Her mental illness and neurosis seemed plausible. Whereas before, the character seemed over the top.
The Setting – Masterpiece did a wonderful job conveying the somberness and a taste of despair in the setting and tone of the movie. I told Brian that after watching it I had the need to go take a fresh shower and open the windows or let some light in the room. The muck and grayness weighs on your spirit after awhile, but that only added to the story.
Pip and Estelle – Was Pip supposed to be that handsome in the book? I can’t remember. The actor had such a runway model/pretty boy look to him it was almost distracting. Either way, you can’t help feeling sorry for Pip and wanting to spare him the pain to come.
Joe and the Mrs. – Joe seems like such a loving character but how was it that he got married to his wife in the first place? Was she hiding her viciousness during their courtship or was he so passive that he let her call all the shots? Whatever the reasons, Joe’s bit of happiness seems to have left with Pip.
Orlick – The actor that played Orlick did an excellent job and thoroughly creeping me out. Kudos!
Jaggers – After seeing him I have to go watch a movie with Hercule Poirot. In fact, I think I already have one recorded on my ridiculously full DVR. Sigh.
That’s it for now but for more discussions about Great Expectations and OUAT go over to Dawn’s charming blog By Sun and Candlelight for Masterpiece Monday.
Have a great day!