Customer Reviews

Orpheus Descending [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I originally saw this production on Broadway. The taped performances are astonishingly good. Kevin Anderson is outstanding, and Redgrave cannot be topped. The ending is as Tennessee wanted it. While I will always like and have a copy of the movie version with Brando (he is excellent in his own style) this is clearly the more authentic production. Worth every cent of the price if you are a true fan of Tennessee Williams. This play is rarely produced, so get it on tape while you can. Superb!

I watched this video after becoming interested in the actor, Kevin Anderson, a Steppenwolf ensemble member. You may know him as Julia Robert's gentle boyfriend, Ben, in "Sleeping with the Enemy". Well, WOW - he is HOT STUFF as Val in this adaptation. Truly exeptional acting from the *entire* cast. He also sings (gorgeous voice) and taught himself the guitar for this role. He starred in the London production of "Sunset Boulevard" with Patti LuPone.

The ending is truly gruesome and tragic - a REAL downer. The poetic language is beautiful. I was just left in awe of the skills of the actors to pull off such a challenging work.

Years ago, when the Arts and Entertainment television station (A&E) provided high-quality programming equivalent to PBS, I saw "Orpheus Descending." It was a hauntingly memorable performance - so well done. On an impulse, I recently searched to see if it was available and found it in VHS format. The delivery was prompt, the tape was in excellent condition, and it was so exciting to see this great play once again.

I saw the film"The Fugitive Kind" with Marlon Brando as Val "Snakeskin"
Xavier 46 years ago and that film and character immensely influenced my
life.Tennessee Williams,Blues Culture,Cajun Culture,the Louisiana Bayou
Country all be of the essence of whoever I be.This film-"Orpheus Descending"
is a superb interpretation!Redgrave is excellent as Lady,and although I'm
prejudice towards Brando's interpretation of Val,Kevin Anderson does an
equally fine interpretation.

This was a very difficult show to watch. I got it because a group was studying Tennessee Williams. It portrays a very depressing side of life. I gave it three stars because I thought it was well written, but I wouldn't recommend it as good theater.