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4 and 1/2 hours in one sitting is to me the hallmark of what makes a miniseries spicy, exhilarating, inviting and totally engrossing; when I can barely create time to go to the bathroom or bother to eat something because a film is THAT large in scope and magnitude, then I steal off my hat to the the BBC for a job well done to David Attwood’s British star-powered TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.
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First off, The trilogy of novels from which Leigh Jackson, Tony Basgallop and Lynn Hersford (who finished up this project upon Jackson’s death) adapted this series, were written by England’s Poet-Laureate, William Golding ( anyone who has read any of Golding’s novels knows that he explores the darker side of human nature!!!) With that in location, TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH is unprejudiced that- one man, young Lord Edmond Talbot’s self-discovery about the impartial and the unjust, seedy sides of mankind; this is all learned and “journaled” on a uncertain, eye-opening voyage aboard an 18th-century passenger ship boarding in England and sailing to Sydney, Australia (The Antipodes) . As passenger of highest born snide, the young Talbot (pronounced Talbert) learns about true life, apart from his qualified foul and privilege which involves the mysterious “destroy and buggering” of a Reverend, the suicide of a cabin keeper, dirty politics upon the High Seas and the hide up of dastardly deeds of crewman. This drama series is as fat of mystery and intrigue as it is challenging and downright laughable!!! No diminutive wonder, in that David Attwood, who in 1996 brought to the cover a similar treatment of Daniel Dafoe’s The Fortunes & Misfortunes of Moll Flanders, now has performed his similar magic with Golding’s three stories with tall success! One little you are spellbound, and the next you are laughing. Attwood understands the necessity of building tension and the importance of a release valve!
The fair star of this series is Benedict Cumberbatch, as Edmond Talbot, who one year later recorded a similar triumph as William Pitt The Younger in Michael Apted’s gargantuan mask biopic of abolitionist William Wilberforce in Astounding Grace. Cumberbatch is in every demanding, dialogue-laden, ship-tilting scene and the grace and power of his abilities, again, is undeniable. Cumberbatch is proving to be one of England’s rising stars with his classically trained acting and his astonishing sense of character that makes this series an large pleasure to notice. He is as skilled an actor as any out true now. The viewer is save at total ease and assurance with the entire cast of seasoned English actors plus Australian-born musty Sam Neill (who is most expose in Episode 3) who combine with uniformly outstanding performances in this well crafted saga of accurate life aboard a sea ship of the time.
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Unlike many “cleaner” drama serials such as Horatio Hornblower Collector’s Edition which wretchedness the valour and honour of the 18th-century Royal Navy, TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH is more intent of presenting all of the warts, belching, farts, and “indelicacies” of sea life that are far more fair in accounting what ship passage was actually like. The camera work is ingenious in the steadiness that it displays while watching the passengers suffer from “riding the ship” (getting their “sea legs”) as well as suffering from “mal de Mer” (sea-sicknesses) . Having been aboard the Revolutionary War Frigate “The Constellation” that is anchored in Baltimore Harbour, I can attest that a series could not be more lawful at the depicting the shaded, dank accommodations of limited cabin life in the underbelly of a ship!!!
Some of the sharp points that I would like to observe: (1) the music and dances aboard ship are done live (which to a musician is notorious and mighty appreciated. No fraudulent cello, flute or violin players HERE!) (2) The underbelly of the ship is scaled to five feet in height (normal for the time) which makes Cumberbatch’s novel 6 -foot height all the more gripping. (3) The SHIP is tossed so that the actors must adapt, NOT the camera tossing to and fro making the viewer sick! (price my comments on John Adams (HBO Miniseries)!!!) (4) The costuming is 100% just, and the manners and customs of the time are well eminent and observed.
The only downside that I found with this series, is that Episode 3 seems rushed and edited more snappy (probably due to the death of screenplay adapter Leigh Jackson) than Episodes 1 and 2. Also, for those who have problems dealing with a myriad of English accents, alas, there are no subtitles. I found no plight because the diction, even with the lowest ranking sailors, is quite clear; calm some may score it problematic. With those two caveats, I unruffled highly recommend this two disc, three-part drama series as one of the finest and most intelligent mini-series of any kind. The soundtrack is appropriately “English and sea-worthy” by Capture Lane who also smooth for the recent HBO’s John Adams (HBO Miniseries) as well as the Emmy/Golden Globe Winning Elizabeth I starring Helen Mirren.
One final note: the allotment of the murdered Priest, the Rev Colley, is played by Daniel Evans, Olivier Winning stage actor who is currently on Broadway in Sunday in the Park With George (2006 London Revival Cast) .
“Masterpiece Theater” has long been a benchmark in bringing quality British TV to American viewers. With a prestigious history, some legendary programs–including “Upstairs, Downstairs” and “I, Claudius”–have found acclaim, awards, and international audiences. Of behind, “Masterpiece Theater” has been showcasing some ambitious literary adaptations with mixed results. Last season’s high point, and a must for any lover of film, was the flawless adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “Bleak House.” A triumph in every regard, and featuring Emmy nominated turns by Charles Dance and Gillian Anderson, this program should be critical viewing for those that value literate, classy and wildly engrossing TV. This season’s offerings have included “To The Ends Of The Earth” (an adaptation of William Golding’s seafaring trilogy–’Rites Of Passage,’ ‘Close Quarters’ and ‘Fire Down Below’), a robust novel version of Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre,” a reimagining of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” and the swan song of Helen Mirren’s Jane Tennison in “Prime Suspect 7.”
“To The Ends Of The Earth” is a visually impressive 3 fraction miniseries following the adventures of a young aristocrat Edmund Talbot, played by Benedict Cumberbatch. Billed as “an myth move of self discovery,” this 19th century drama follows Talbot as he boards a stale war ship to build an ocean crossing. Having been assigned a government posting in Australia, Talbot is a haughty and opinionated youth that must learn to navigate not only a risky sea voyage, but the politics alive to shipboard. Encountering death, possible mutiny, crew incompetence and brutality, an unlikely romance, passengers in search of guidance, and a heroism and leadership in difficult circumstances–this truly is the perambulate of Talbot’s lifetime. Excellently staged and beautifully captured on film, these adventures range from harrowing to surprisingly gripping. The claustrophobic and unsettling environment aboard the ship is former to maximum effect–the people on board are essentially like prisoners awaiting a release.
The script is literate and believable, and some of the supporting performances are quite brilliant. Sam Neill, as a fellow passenger that evolves into Talbot’s mentor, and Jared Harris, as the strong and possibly unsafe captain, are the most well known actors in this impressive cast. But most of the heavy lifting goes to Cumberbatch, who is required to be the center of every scene. It’s a difficult performance, it’s a difficult role. Talbot is not a very likable fellow–and this may cause you to wonder if it’s worth spending so distinguished time with him. Condescending, smooth, and superior–many, including viewers, will seize an instant detest to him. Worthy of this is played comedically, however, so the film views his actions somewhat scornfully. There are moments when he steps up, when he shows a different side–and this is what the film hopes to showcase. Essentially, this is the walk of Talbot as he becomes a man.
While I admired the film’s technical merits and aspirations, I don’t know that I fully believed in Talbot’s transformation. This is somewhat problematic as the entire production is counting on you coming to fabricate an affection for him. Also, the romantic scenes never rang legal and the film’s ending is too pat and convenient–especially after such a messy and complicated flow. I do recommend “To The Ends Of The Earth,” you’ll definitely want to check it out if you’re a fan of this type of entertainment. I enjoyed the miniseries, but I never achieved the emotional satisfaction that I did with the stellar (and similar) “Horatio Hornblower” film series produced by A&E. If you haven’t seen these film, do yourself a favor–look them up correct now. “Earth” is about 3 1/2 stars from me–mainly for my ambivalence to the lead character and the neat conclusion. KGHarris 02/07.
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