Monday 23 March 2015

Poldark Critique Episode 3

Sigh...sadly I am actually starting to feel sorry for any one watching this new series without having either read Winston Graham novels or seen the 1970's series.

There's some thing tragically missing from this new adaptation.   I have had mixed feelings from Episode 1 of Poldark 2.  At first I liked it, then I wasn't sure, then I watched in another two times and I loved it.  However as the weeks are going by, its more and more glaringly obvious that the new version is just missing the allurement  that is my love for Poldark.

To start with the speed of which events are unfolding - it really feels like am watching highlights of a football match!   There's no depth to the character development.  I feel nothing for Elizabeth & Francis.  I never saw the passion that Ross has/had for Elizabeth.  Their "relationship" seems shallow, there's just nothing there.  I remember a scene from the original where Ross was so passionate in his speaking to her (Elizabeth), we've had none of that.  Its all just very superficial and hollow.  Anyway back to Episode three, how can any one who hasn't had previous knowledge of the story-line get to grasps with what's really going on?  I am sure new viewers do feel they understand, and perhaps they do - its just I feel they're only seeing this "Glossy" and "Smoothed" over version of events.  Some characters parts are being completely omitted, for example Zachy Martin, who had a special friendship with Ross.  

Secondly, I am getting increasingly bored with all these brooding scenes, of Ross gazing into the distance, and galloping horses across the coast.  (I know that there was some of this in the first series).  Furthermore, I am also not in the least interested in bare chested Aidan Turner - I don't feel that these scenes give any value whatsoever into the story, and I feel its unnecessary.  It makes me feel that the wonderful story alone isn't engaging enough to bring in an audience without Aidan exposing himself.   I would like to add I am a 32 year old woman, I am not denying Aidan isn't handsome.  But Robin Ellis didn't need to appear as a sex symbol in the original series, and it worked because every one fancied him.  I just don't think its necessary! 

The seduction scene, just for me couldn't live up to the original - just thinking of when Angharad says "Do you think I'm pretty?", it was just so sweet and delightful to watch. I don't see the chemistry and passion between Ross and Demelza - its all moved too quickly with no explanation of why.   I still can't warm to the new Demelza.  All the new cast are good actors/actresses I am sure, but the magic is not there - at least not for me.
Also, I feel its worth adding, I am getting really fed up of being shot down in Facebook Poldark Discussion groups.  It seems you can't state an opinion without some one telling "Not to watch if you don't like it"... yes that's really very construction and valuable to the conversation - thanks :)  I don't wish to come across as too negative - I appreciate and respect every one's views, and like to discuss the finer detail and compare.

I absolutely LOVED Robin Ellis's (AKA the original Ross) performance in Episode 3.  It was absolutely the highlight of the program for me. Although he's now of course older I can still see that sparkle in his eye, and for me he's still the true Ross.

The new version is obviously a very nice visual adaptation, and its more cinema style than play-write.  It was always going to be different, and more modern.   There's less dialogue, and more is down to interpretation.  I am not completing slating the adaptation.  It is of course very popular, so that in itself says something to its credibility.  

I just sincerely hope that those unfamiliar with the original will discover the truly enchanting performance of Robin, Angharad, Jill, Ralph, Clive, Mary and Paul, not forgetting every one else who took part in the production.   Saying all this I will still be tuning in next Sunday :)

(see my previous blog on Poldark here http://delightful-dragon.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/all-things-poldark.html)

9 comments:

  1. Why is Elizabeth not a blonde?? That was an important part of the books her fair beauty

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    1. Yes I agree. Elizabeth should be light and Demelza, dark. I am really struggling to enjoy the new Elizabeth at all. I am warming to the new Demelza, in some ways but it's very difficult when Angarads performance was in my opinion so perfect.

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  2. Hi, I would really love it if you would like to leave some comments about what I have said, thank you! Izzy x

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  3. Visually, George Warleggan is very similar although much younger now. I think that his youth adds to his untrustworthyness.

    And whilst Elizabeth IS visually different, she is much more likable now and the love she and Ross have for each other is much more clear to see - I could never understand why (whether from the book or from the original) before but do now.

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    1. Thank you for your comments SarahLouise x isn't it funny how people see things so differently. I am about 50% through the book. It's proving to be a little confusing though, reading the books, and watching two different adaptations simultaneously! I am getting all mixed up lol x

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  4. Excellent blog! I agree with it all. The only reason I think this new series is popular is because of the stunning location shots and it is visually very appealing but this is I think it's only merit. It's much like highly successful Downtown Abbey, turds wrapped in glitter. The problem with today's producers is they patronise the audience and presume we will get bored if a scene is too long or wordy either that or it's just easier to get someone to strip off to get viewers rather than investing in talented script writers. These cheap tricks doesn't make award winning telly. Apparently Winston Graham didnt like some of the scenes in the original series, God know what he thinks of this. It's an insult to his books.

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    1. Hi Rowan, thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I am trying my hardest to enjoy the new series. I do want to like it. I was watching the old version last night, and it was such a delight! Gripping, dramatic as well as comical x

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  5. Although Jack Pullman took enormous liberties with the initial series storyline upsetting WG greatly it was still very entertaining. (He liked the subsequent episodes which followed the books more closely) This series follows the storyline closely, but to much visuals (good for Cornish Tourist industry). Too little dialogue and character development, and in my view at least 5 character miscastings so far. Extremely good review, enjoying reading. Keep going!

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    1. Thank you for your comments. I have only read about half of the first book so far, but already I do see the new series is closer to the novel.

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