Middlemarch [1994]

Amazon.co.uk Review

This BBC adaptation of George Eliot's Middlemarch is so remarkable that after viewing it disaffected English Literature students may find themselves revisiting the once-dreaded novel with pleasurable anticipation. Over the course of six hours, we are immersed in the lives of Dorothea Brooke, Mr Ladislaw, Dr Lydgate and, by the end, you'll be wanting even more. Set in the fictional town of Middlemarch in the early 19th century, the stories of the townsfolk are woven seamlessly together, with strands of political fervour and social commentary subtly incorporated.

Dorothea (Juliet Aubrey) wants desperately to make something of her life; however, as a woman she is forbidden the study of Greek and Latin and no one takes her notions of societal improvement seriously. She chooses to marry the elderly Rev. Casaubon (Patrick Malahide), a scholarly man whom she can aid in his work. Meanwhile, new to Middlemarch is the handsome Dr Lydgate (Douglas Hodge), who has grand notions for running a free hospital and finding a cure for cholera. His plans are sidetracked, however, when the beautiful but materialistic Rosie Vincy (Trevyn McDowell) sets her sights on him. Other sub-plots run throughout, including Rev. Casaubon's dashing but disapproved-of cousin Will Ladislaw (Rufus Sewell), who has his eye on Dorothea; the scandals of banker Mr Bulstrode (Peter Jeffrey); and the prodigal son Fred Vincy (Jonathan Firth), who urgently wants the hand of Mary but can't find the money or an honest career to provide for her.

Each of the actors fully embodies his or her role, and none of the performances are standout because they are all wonderful. The locations are dark and fitting to the mood, and the costumes and set decorations are period perfect. For anyone who enjoys the BBC's adaptations of great novels or for those just looking for a great story to sink their teeth into, Middlemarch will not disappoint. --Jenny Brown, Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Sheer pleasure!.......2007-10-16

I saw this when it was originally broadcast in 1994, and was pleased to see it available on DVD; have just finished watching it over a period of a couple of weeks.

Let's get one thing straight -- no televised drama could convey the sheer scope and humanity of George Eliot's masterpiece. But this must be as close as it gets, and it's wonderful drama. My husband is not a fan of peiod drama at all, hasn't read the book, and he was riveted.

The locations are beautifully done, and the casting is simply perfect -- there is not a single disappointment there. This time around, I was even more impressed by Douglas Hodge as Lydgate -- you really feel his anguish and frustration as he is simultaneously baffled, infuriated, and mesmerised by Rosamond. He and Trevyn McDowell imbue their performances with such drama and tragedy that their relationship becomes almost the key of the whole piece (though I felt Trevyn McDowell went a tad too far, making it difficult to have any sympathy for Rosamond). But doe-eyed Juliet Aubrey as Dorothea is perfect too, and Rufus Sewell makes a wonderfully Byronic Ladislaw!

Highly recommended for long winter evenings.

Waiting Eagerly for this DVD to Arrive, Only to be Disappointed with it!!!.......2007-06-05

Reading all the great reviews on this production I thought this purchase would be worth it.
When viewing Middlemarch one can see that BBC spend alot of money making this. The customes are beautiful and the acting is great but one element of this well made production that spoiled it. The passionate sences between the town's new doctor and his beautiful wife.
Rent Middlemarch before buying it would be my recommendation.
This BBC production has nothing on other BBC productions.
Bring on North and South, Pride and Prejudice, Wives and Daughters,Bleak House (2005) David Copperfield (1999) and Our Mutual Friend.
Now those are worth your time and worth being added to your collection!!

Continues to impress.......2007-03-09

This adaptation isn't perfect, as Andrew Davies' script unravels a bit near the end as all the loose ends are tied up at lightning speed. But Juliet Aubrey is the perfect Dorothea Brooke and Davies' writing in the first two hours introduces the myriad characters in a controlled and effective pace. Middlemarch set a new standard for BBC costume dramas at the time of its broadbast, and its intelligence and spot on casting led the way for the best BBC dramas that followed it: Persuasion, Wives and Daughters and Vanity Fair. The production does look a bit dated now, but the performaces by Aubrey, Patrick Malahide, Douglas Hodge and the rest of the cast continue to impress. Middlemarch will always be a difficult classic to adapt for the screen, but this production mostly succeeds in being both intellectual and accessible.

Relax and enjoy.......2006-09-27

I'm a big fan of Andrew Davies and a lover of period drama so this was pure bliss! I sat down with a glass (actually a bottle!) of wine and totally immersed myself in the town of Middlemarch and all it's characters. The acting is superb and visually it's a stunning production.
I am a 'mature' lady but not too old to appreciate the gorgeous Rufus Sewell as Will Ladislaw - very easy on the eye!
Recommended for all period drama fans but don't forget the bottle of wine!

addictive!.......2006-03-12

I put this on at about 5 in the afternoon and watched it all the way through to midnight, it was THAT good! I couldn't stop watching it, I was so impatient to see what would happen next to all of the characters, especially Dorothea and Will Ladislaw (phwoar!)! You really care about what happens to them, and that of course is one of the most important things about a film. I was sad when it ended and I had to leave them! The acting was absolutely superb, the plot intriguing, the script excellent (well obviously; it was Andrew Davies who wrote it, the master of period drama adaptations!). I'm a great lover of period dramas and romance, and this certainly didn't disappoint (far from it!). What are you waiting for? Buy it!

Average customer rating:

Middlemarch [1994] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
Starring: Juliet Aubrey , Patrick Malahide , Douglas Hodge , Trevyn McDowell , and Robert Hardy
Director: Anthony Page
Manufacturer: BBC Warner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

All Drama | Drama | Categories | DVD | Video

Region 1 | Special Features | DVD | Video

DVD | Format (binding_browse-bin) | Refinements | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000784WNQ
Release Date: 2005-04-19

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