Brideshead Revisited Reviews

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this movie but since I have a huge weak spot for Emma Thompson, I was still eager to check it out. I must admit it, it all started pretty good and I really admired the relationship between Charles and Sebastian thanks to the great performances by Matthew Goode and Ben Wishaw, two actors who keep impressing me each time I see them again. Unfortunately, the rest of the movie was rather dull. Of course, Charles falls for the sister which it was terribly predictable and, honestly, not really interesting. And the rest of the story was not much better, I’m afraid. I mean, they try to convince you that the mother, the catholic dogma and even the house have some terrible influence on this family, basically, destroying them but I didn’t really buy it. The main issue, in my opinion, is that the book itself (which I haven’t read) probably develop much more all those elements whereas they all felt pretty much half-baked in this movie. I mean, at some point, Sebastian goes to Morocco and for a while, I thought he was dead since he wasn’t around anymore and nobody was talking about him but, no, apparently, he was still alive! What happened to him? Why was he not coming back? Why didn’t they get in touch with him? Why didn’t Charles get in touch with him? And it is the same about most of the characters and the sub-plots. It’s too bad because I think the whole thing really had some potential. Indeed, the cinematography was pretty good and the relationship between those two guys was really interesting. To conclude, in spite of its flaws, above all thanks to the actors involved, I still think it is worth a look though, especially if you like the genre.

''You don't care about me, all you ever wanted was my sister!''

Based on Evelyn Waugh's 1945 classic British novel, Brideshead Revisited is a poignant story of forbidden love and the loss of innocence set in England prior to the Second World War.

Matthew Goode: Charles Ryder

Brideshead Revisited is another period drama offering, this time from Director Julian Jarrold. Having never watched or experienced the series I came into the film from the trailers with a heightened interest of wonderment.
Was expecting to be either really disappointed or really impressed. Thankfully with Brideshead Revisited it results in the latter of the two.

Wonderfully it begins where it ends and we experience this wonderful life of a certain man, Charles Ryder and his entanglement with the Flyte Family.
The times and era is displayed perfectively throughout the film and it provides bedazzlement and awe throughout.

''I want to look back and say that I didn't turn my back, that I was happy.''

There are some beautiful locations and costumes on offer in Brideshead, not to mention stunning locations which include Morocco and Venice. In fact the only thing that matches the quality of the scenery is the music and respective array of casting.

We have some fine performances on offer here.
Matthew Goode is Charles Ryder, and he's a handsome, artistic, talented young man who wants to become a painter. Goode's acting is a bold effort that succeeds in being both believable and effective. With more power comes the lust for more and this is conveyed wonderfully as the drama unfolds.
Hayley Atwell as Julia Flyte again shows a penchant for Period films since her recent Duchess days and shows us a new and intriguing period.
Ben Whishaw as Sebastian Flyte also shows he's got a knack for Period dramas, I loved him in Perfume and he was reasonably good in Layer Cake etc...
Whishaw single-handedly kills two birds in one stone, acting as a fresh character who's both homosexual and an alcoholic. A very impressive feat, yet he's not the biggest chain of the story just a vital part of it to begin with.
Other old hands like Emma Thompson & Michael Gambon give quality solid acting performances as you'd expect from these veterans of the screen.

''You banish me from your house, you poison my friendship with both your children...''

There's some nice twists and turns here on offer and some fine complex relationship triangles on display. Ryder's lust for more and what he wants inevitably always ends up backfiring thus leaving us enthralled by the nature of his ambitions and greed.
From an artists opinion there's alot of eye candy here that's equally jaw dropping. Ranging from statues, windows to mosaics and church implements that beg to be drawn and studied.

Overall, Brideshead Revisited is one of those films you may ask at the end of it what the point is, So I will ask that. What was the point? Well to me the point is this, and thats the wonderful journey and experience we the audience have just witnessed. It's a blessing to see such characters being brought to life, and it gives me an incentive to read Evelyn Waugh's 1945 Novel.

''What does Charles Ryder really want?''