So today I have been watching the BBC Series version of the Charles Dickens novel Great Expectations. Although I should have done this previously I did not have Netflix and could not find the series in full to watch until now.
However I would like to point out that I have previously looked at still images from this version and the 2012 adaptation in order to research and inspire my final assessment looks.
I think this version was a little slow starting just as the book itself. As expected the beginning scenes are extremely dark,gloomy and grey giving the film a very cold chilling atmosphere.
The Miss Havisham character in this version portrayed by Gillian Anderson appears quite youthful in the first scenes in which she appears, her skin is pale yet has pearly glow and he hair although white does not age her as much as some of the images of alternative Miss Havisham characters I have seen. The dress which she wears helps with the aging effect due to the fine lace material of which it is made and the way it fits hanging from her body almost like old cobweb's giving her a witch like appearance.
The set of Satis house is fantastically creepy looking, the walls covered in mould, the rotting cobweb covered wedding cake and table of food, combined with the grey/blue lighting gives it and eerie, haunting feel. When Pip discovers wedding table still set under layers of dust he turns around to find Miss Havisham standing silently behind him at which point she describes herself to him not as a bride but as the ghost of a bride.
The make up in general in this production is brilliant from the wounds covering mag witch in the opening scenes and the ageing through the episodes of Miss Havisham and Joe done subtly but with great effect.
Depression, bitterness and revenge are the prevalent themes of the novel which are reflected excellently throughout the 3 piece series with the lighting permanently remaining gloomy, dark and cool. The fact that very little warmth is used at all in the creation of this adaptation either from literall sources of warmth such as fires candles being used sparingly in scenes, along with a lack of warm lighting or warm colours being used in the set or wardrobe of the characters and the fact that it appears to be winter in all scenes adds to the cold, and heartlessness of many of the characters.
Being a BBC production It was obvious expectation that the costume, make up and scenery would be on point for historical accuracy which it indeed was. The make up was kept simple and VERY natural to the point that to an untrained eye may have been undetectable. The acting was of course brilliant and believable throughout Gillian Anderson performance was particularly impressive as she highlighted the characters clear mental instability, irrational hatred towards all men with the bitter - sweet enjoyment and pleasure she gains from manipulating and degrading others without overdoing it this keeping the character at least somewhat believable and hard to completely dislike.
Estella played by Vanessa Kirby was also very well depicted the depth of her character on one hand with her coldness, callousness and confidence in her ability to detroy others yet letting the audience get small glimpses into the loneliness, vulnerability hiding beneath the surface.
However I would like to point out that I have previously looked at still images from this version and the 2012 adaptation in order to research and inspire my final assessment looks.
I think this version was a little slow starting just as the book itself. As expected the beginning scenes are extremely dark,gloomy and grey giving the film a very cold chilling atmosphere.
The Miss Havisham character in this version portrayed by Gillian Anderson appears quite youthful in the first scenes in which she appears, her skin is pale yet has pearly glow and he hair although white does not age her as much as some of the images of alternative Miss Havisham characters I have seen. The dress which she wears helps with the aging effect due to the fine lace material of which it is made and the way it fits hanging from her body almost like old cobweb's giving her a witch like appearance.
The set of Satis house is fantastically creepy looking, the walls covered in mould, the rotting cobweb covered wedding cake and table of food, combined with the grey/blue lighting gives it and eerie, haunting feel. When Pip discovers wedding table still set under layers of dust he turns around to find Miss Havisham standing silently behind him at which point she describes herself to him not as a bride but as the ghost of a bride.
The make up in general in this production is brilliant from the wounds covering mag witch in the opening scenes and the ageing through the episodes of Miss Havisham and Joe done subtly but with great effect.
Depression, bitterness and revenge are the prevalent themes of the novel which are reflected excellently throughout the 3 piece series with the lighting permanently remaining gloomy, dark and cool. The fact that very little warmth is used at all in the creation of this adaptation either from literall sources of warmth such as fires candles being used sparingly in scenes, along with a lack of warm lighting or warm colours being used in the set or wardrobe of the characters and the fact that it appears to be winter in all scenes adds to the cold, and heartlessness of many of the characters.
Being a BBC production It was obvious expectation that the costume, make up and scenery would be on point for historical accuracy which it indeed was. The make up was kept simple and VERY natural to the point that to an untrained eye may have been undetectable. The acting was of course brilliant and believable throughout Gillian Anderson performance was particularly impressive as she highlighted the characters clear mental instability, irrational hatred towards all men with the bitter - sweet enjoyment and pleasure she gains from manipulating and degrading others without overdoing it this keeping the character at least somewhat believable and hard to completely dislike.
Estella played by Vanessa Kirby was also very well depicted the depth of her character on one hand with her coldness, callousness and confidence in her ability to detroy others yet letting the audience get small glimpses into the loneliness, vulnerability hiding beneath the surface.
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