Review of Torchwood...

[fajrdrako]

From The Herald:

Torchwood is Hollywood-blockbuster-slick, fast-paced and tabloid-scary and, despite pitting its cast of characters against weird forces from the outer reaches of the cosmos, it's more concerned with journeys in inner space: the human heart and psyche.

I like that assessment. I also like the description of Captain Jack:

As Captain Jack Harkness, John Barrowman is really rather swoonsome in a thoroughly wholesome yet slightly sleazy way. The chap's a positive menace to woman, men and non-gender-specific alien life-forms.

And a nicely appreciative description of Gwen:

As Gwen Cooper, Eve Myles is really rather yummy. Think of Juliette Lewis with more meat on her, less irksome kookiness, plus an intriguing gap between her front teeth (if you don't know what's intriguing about the gap between a space copette's front teeth, dang it to Uranus and back, I ain't tellin' ya),

Comments

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I've been looking for menacing people like that all my life. Found a few, but they are an elusive species. Fun when you find them, though.

[kikibug13.livejournal.com]

Now this comment made me think of a conversation from the movie "Mansfield Park":


Susan Price: So, this Henry Crawford, what's he like?
Fanny Price: A rake. I think.
Susan Price: Oh, yes, please.
Fanny Price: They amuse more in literature than they do in life.
Susan Price: Yes, but they amuse.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Now, that's a good bit of dialogue!

[kikibug13.livejournal.com]

It's a good bit of a movie. As long as you don't expect Fanny Price to be the one from the book. (I must say that some things in the movie startled me. Then I read up on Jane Austen's bio, and then they made a lot more sense.)

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Oh - what startled you? I know only the vague outlines of Jane Austen's life.

Of all the movies made from Jane Austen's books, I don't think any have captured the characters as I see them in the books, but some have come close, like David Rintoul as Mr. Darcy. Definitely not Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet, though I certainly enjoyed her performance.

[kikibug13.livejournal.com]

What startled me was how bold and noisy Fanny was, unlike Fanny in the book, who was quiet and shy; and that she accepted Henry's offer, and refused him the next day (which didn't happen in the book, but AFAIK happened to Jane Austen).

I do love Colin Firth and Jenifer Ehle's Pride and Prejudice.

I think that Amanda Root did do a very good work of Anne Eliot, though. Of course, it wasn't exactly what I imagined, but then, it couldn't be. And I think Emma Thompson did a very good work of Elinor. Oh... I want some reason to watch those movies with somebody else. I've seen them so many times alone... it's not so much fun anymore.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

What startled me was how bold and noisy Fanny was, unlike Fanny in the book

Right! Yes, I also found that a bit jarring.

I didn't like Colin Firth as Darcy; he wasn't my idea of Darcy, and I don't like Colin Firth anyway. (I know many people do!) I did like Amanda Root as Anne Eliot, and Emma Thompson as Elinor, though I think I'd like Emma Thompson in any role at all.

Come to Ottawa and we could have a Jane Austen movie party!

[kikibug13.livejournal.com]

I did like Colin Firth as Darcy. Not in the beginning, but then I realized how I could _see_ him falling in love with Lizzy, and I really enjoyed that.

When I do next come accross the Atlantic (not in the current plans, unfortunately, but oh well, the world is a global village), I will keep in mind that offer. (_And_ we could add watching Torchwood to the party. And whatever else can come this way.)

And I do agree about Emma Thompson.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Okay, when you visit we'll have a Torchwood party as well as a Jane Austen party. Sounds like fun!

[kikibug13.livejournal.com]

Yay! :)) If you happen to move in this neck of the woods, we can organize such a party here, as an alternative. Or a supplement. Or whatever :)

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I would love to visit your neck of the woods.... Oh, if only I had money and time!

[wijsgeer.livejournal.com]

or in Amsterdam?!?!

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Yes! Wouldn't that be fun? The Personal Friends of Fajrdrako International Torchwood Party. I'd love it.

I haven't been to Amsterdam since I was seventeen years old. I remember loving it - and finding it overwhelming. In a good way.