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It is always tricky to film a book dear to the hearts of its admirers. Wilson and his design team achieve a look rather more pre-Raphaelite than Peake's own illustrations--shabby velvets, garish sunlight, and dank, stone passages. The score by Richard Rodney Bennett is full of attractive surprises--fanfares and waltzes and apotheoses--and John Tavener's choral additions are plausibly parts of the immemorial ritual of Gormenghast. --Roz Kaveney
Gormenghast has been described as a metaphor for the fall of an empire, the passing of an age and the rise of fascism. The story revolves around the ancient family of Groan and the glorious castle of Gormenghast, and focuses on the heir to the powerful dynasty, Titus, and a witty, power-hungry, kitchen boy Steerpike, who battle for decades to determine the fate of the castle. As Steerpike charms his way into the homes and hearts of the castle inhabitants, it is Titus who ultimately stands in his way as he iChristopher Lee (Sleepy Hollow, Dracula) afaithful retainer, and Steven Fry (narrator of the Harry Potter film).s Flay, Lord Groans forced to defend his birthright to the castle. Who will rule Gormenghast?
Featuring top billed actors, this epic fantasy has a cast list that includes Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Titus, Velvet Goldmine) as the evil Steerpike, Ian Richardson (House of Cards) as Tituss Mervyn Peake
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The show came on every Saturday, and I watched each hour or so segment every week. The story revolves around an old castle called Gormenghast. The people themselves are born into caste systems, and adhere to the strict rules and rituals of the Kingdom. Nothing changes; the culture won't let it. That is, until Steerpike, a young kitchen hand, grows tired of the kitchen life and denounces his caste. His goal, to seek for better things, and for him better things can only mean greater power.
Now, after the reading the books, I was all the more impresed with the BBC rendition. While the series had to cut out a lot of scenes, as the trilogy itself is huge, they were very prudent with their cuts. While they couldn't capture the absurdity and creative flair in its entirety, they also didn't rehash Mervyn Peake (the author's) tendency towards pointless, self-indulgent waste (i.e. cliche romance scenes/dialogue), and occasional repitition (i.e. conversations and thoughts of characters). However, the acting was superb, the costumes elegant, and the plot as unique as ever. Above all is Jonathan Rhys-Meyer (Steerpike), and Christopher Lee (Flay). Also, Zoe Wanamaker and Lynsey Baxter did a superb job playing the mad twin sisters(and stroke victims) Cora and Clarice Groan. Gormenghast runs miles around anything America produces (i.e. Noah's Ark, The Tenth Kingdom), and deserves, despite its minor flaws (even those from nitpicky Peake fans), nothing short of 5 stars.
It was very surprising, and I had to watch the first episode twice before I got a feel for the series and could get captivated by its peculiar meter and character. However, when you get sucked in it is as complete a world as "Labyrinth," "Legend" or any other such darkly gothic fairy tale kingdoms. The endless rituals, the conflicting costumes, the affected accents and speeches all combine to create a disturbing reality of crumbling decadence and a society that has run its course, aching for change and new blood.
The amazing actors in this series, many with an impressive fantasy film pedigree, are what pull you in, and force you to believe in the topsy-turvy kingdom. Christopher Lee ("Lord of the Rings"/"Star Wars"/"Dracula"/Too many to name...) brings you home right away as the brutish but loyal Flay. It is interesting to see him play such a sympathetic and nobel character, after watching him is so many villain roles. Jonathan Rhys-Meyers ("Bend it Like Beckam," "Titus") is perfect as the charming anarchist Steerpike. who plays a necessary role as a bloody catalyst for change. Zoe Wanamaker ("Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone") and her sister Lynsey Baxter play the bizarre twins perfectly, with an unsettling atmosphere each time they are on screen. Ian Richardson, who comes with an impressive Shakespear resume, portrays the descent into madness of the Earl of Gormenghast, as crumbling as his realm.
The BBC again proves that they know how to make quality programs, allowing for a slow wicked pace and a weird mood along with bright costumes and talented actors. I highly recomend "Gormneghast," but give yourself some time to get into it. You might have to watch the first episode twice like I did.
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