MovieChat Forums > Brideshead Revisited (1982) Discussion > Favourite performances

Favourite performances

posted 11 years ago by melj
5 replies | jump to latest

Brideshead Revisited has one of the most impressive casts ever assembled, and I would defy anyone to watch it and find a bad performance. Which performance(s) do people admire the most?

Here are some of my favourites: Claire Bloom, whose mellifluous voice and delicately nuanced acting I find endlessly appealing (even if the character of Lady Marchmain is not always the most likeable); Phoebe Nicholls, who brings such warmth and joviality, and who is thoroughly convincing at every point in the development of Cordelia from the age of twelve to twenty-seven; the incomparable John Gielgud, who gives one of the finest comedic performances of its kind, whilst highlighting the sad distance between father and son; and Nickolas Grace, who exhibits wisdom and perspicacity, as well as the character’s inimitable outrageousness.

Anthony Andrews seems to have received the most praise – reflected in the awards – and of course he is wonderful, bringing all the grand tragedy and limitless charm which the part requires. However, I think that Sebastian is an easier role because of its ‘showy’ nature, whereas the part of Charles is extremely difficult. My favourite performance – and, I think, the most triumphant piece of acting in the production – is Jeremy Irons’s. A lot of the time, he can only react to others, but this he always does consummately; he makes an art of one of the most difficult and thankless tasks of an actor, listening. He also masterfully charts the evolution of a young, romantic and sensitive boy into a jaded and somewhat cynical middle-aged man. Even his narration is impeccable.

I’d be interested to learn what others think.

[–] alfa-16 11 years ago

He apparently did the voice over three times until it was right. And he got it so right I've hardly been able to take other voice-overs seriously since. I love slight foreboding tingeing his enjoyment in the descriptions of the bacchanalian nights at Brideshead and the increasing notes of sadness in the last two episodes as it draws to a conclusion.

I like the way he breaks out of Sebastian/Julia mode every now again, like his moments alone with Cordelia or sorting out Hooper's mess.

Olivier is wonderful both in Venice and at Brideshead. And I've tried to watch everything Diana Quick has done since.

Two minor performances I loved - Jeremy Sinden as Boy Mulcaster and John Le Mesurier as Rex Mottram's catechist.

There are, however, too many to choose from for an outright winner.

[–] Squeeth2 11 years ago

I haven't watched it but I saw Nickolas Grace and thought he was marvellous.

Marlon, Claudia and Dimby the cats 1989-2005, 2007 and 2010.

[–] murph24 11 years ago

However, I think that Sebastian is an easier role because of its ‘showy’ nature, whereas the part of Charles is extremely difficult.

I don't think the role of Sebastian was "easier" than that of Charles in any way; it's simply a different role with different challenges. Sebastian has a more varied (and perhaps more dramatic) character arc, which - if anything - presents an even greater test of an actor's abilities. But ultimately they're both exceedingly difficult parts, which makes the superb performances of Anthony Andrews and Jeremy Irons all the more remarkable.

However, I do agree that Brideshead Revisited boasts one of the most impressive ensemble casts ever assembled for a miniseries. And since everyone in the show was brilliant, I can only say the performances I enjoyed watching the most were Anthony Andrews as Sebastian, Phoebe Nicholls as Cordelia, and John Gielgud as Edward Ryder. I'm not saying their performances were better than anyone else's, just that they were (for me) the most fun to watch.

[–] Cooly44 10 years ago

I agree that Jeremy Irons is flawless in this role. He doesn't put a foot wrong.

[–] bardmore 10 years ago

Absolutely EVERY performance was perfect, but for me the most entrancing was Claire Bloom. What grace, what understated elegance, what poise, and that incomparable voice and diction! The scene in which she gives Charles the book and says Ï prayed for you too in the night""never fails to get to me, and I have seen this now at least 35 times. And BTW, I have always felt Lady Marchmain was misunderstood. It is true that she was manipulative, and viewed the world through her own narrow prism, but she was never malevolent. Her flaw was that she was motivated by a rigid, illogical orthodoxy that rendered her incapable of understanding other viewpoints or others needs.

I also fell madly for Stephanie Audran. Her conversation with Charles was awesome!

I could never tire of this series. Three years ago I fulfilled a dream and visited Castle Howard. By all means, go!! Unfortunately, a few days later I saw the risible remake in which Emma Thompson turned Lady M into Lady Macbeth.