Saturday 19 July 2008

Timeless Cinematic Moments 8


"Look back... Look back at me."
(Part 4 at 32:00)

Richard Armitage plays Factory Owner John Thornton in a period drama set at the time of the Industrial Revolution, in BBC's adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South.  In this scene, Daniela Denby-Ashe who plays Margaret Hale has just stepped into the carriage and is being driven home, much to John's despair.  Tim Pigott-Smith - among whose claims to fame lies his narration of several Biggles books onto audio tape, plays the part of Margaret's father - and that, very well.  Interesting to note that Pigott-Smith also plays the role of Fredrick Hale in BBC's 1975 TV series of North and South.  High quality acting along with political and ethical themes made the series utterly captivating, and as soon as the end credits began to roll, I was ready to start watching it all over again.

Wow, check out this cool fansite for North and South!

12 comments:

  1. Oh, oh, oh you ARE the perfect guy! I'm speechless, you ACTUALLY know and like North and South?

    I think I need some time to take this in....there is a guy out there who likes this movie.....oh my head.

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  2. Wow, you mind if I add that to my curriculum vitae? ;)

    I have to say, "like it" is an understatement, I think it's on par with the 1995 Pride and Prejudice.

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  3. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH You would say you "love" it? Wait 1995 Pride and Prejudice? That is just, quite extraordinary, please tell me what happens to men in New Zealand that they enjoy such good films?

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  4. Well, it's not just any film that makes it into the Timeless Cinematic Moments...

    I can't honestly tell you that I know more men than I could count on one hand who would count such movies among their favourites.

    Here's another really good period drama, Our Mutual Friend, again, produced by the indomitable BBC.

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  5. I love this film.. in fact, I'd say it was my favourite. I just wish I could watch it again and not know what was going to happen! It had me in tears the first time I watched it. wow, the tension really builds up, and I tried to convince myself they wouldn't get back together, just so I wouldn't be tooo disappointed.

    ummm... and about Our Mutual Friend.. sure, it's a good film, but John's not really the right type of guy for Bella.. he mooches around too much. hmmm. Eugene is way too apathetic, and Lizzy is too good for him.
    For some reason, it's still a really good watch.

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  6. John Harmon is... the Jason Bourne of Period Dramas. I really like his character, and also Bella and Lizzy - even the schoolmaster to some extent.

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  7. Andy, you are becoming quite a girly film geek. But have you read the book? The ending in the film is so wrong. Sweet but wrong.
    For your next 'timeless cinematic moments' can I suggest that part in [1989] Batman when the joker pulls out that really long gun? Oh, I love that bit. Tim Burton is awesome.

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  8. :) You don't say!

    Ok, a confession. I have just come away from watching Episode 3 of the 1995 Pride and Prejudice. So your comment is justified; utterly and completely.

    I agree, Tim Burton is cool... I'm not 100% sure that that scene you mentioned would actually classify as a timeless cinematic moment... and I don't have the DVD (though I trust that this will soon be rectified), but we'll see...

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  9. Whoops, I meant to say too, that Lydia read the last 3 chapters of North and South today, (Monday, my day off Uni, yay) and yes, it was very nice. But I don't really like the ending in the book either!

    "...that woman!"

    Bah, I wish they'd elaborated just a little more - though, as Lydie says, it leaves more up to our imagination.

    Yes, I must read it.

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  10. trust me, it's fun being a girly film geek. why don't we start up a group on facebook?

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  11. Oh we know and love Our Mutual Friend, have you seen Cranford and Wives and Daughters? Those are both good as well as Bleak House.

    In Our Mutual Friend I would vote Lizzy's little brother far, far more scary and disgusting then even the school-master. Shudder, that child...

    Oh and I was wondering are you on Homeschooler Alumni?

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  12. I haven't seen Cranford. Mum and Lydia have seen Wives and Daughters. And I've watched most of Bleak House with them... it's ok, but I think I need to watch it again to really appreciate and understand it.

    Hmmm, Lizzy's brother... yes, not a very nice piece of work at all. I sometimes quote him - in jest, to my own sister...

    I am alumni, but I haven't joined any elite group or anything as yet.

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