MovieChat Forums > The Devil's Whore (2008) Discussion > Good but massively simplified

Good but massively simplified

posted 16 years ago by ozymandiaskingofkings
8 replies | jump to latest

I think this is a great drama so far with some terrific acting and direction, but I'm nevertheless annoyed that many important characters have been completely omitted. Thomas Fairfax for example was in many ways the most admirable and heroic figure of the Civil War but he doesn't even feature, whereas Fairchild's role is massively inflated. Similarly, important events involving parliament are skipped over and while I know they could be rather dull, they are crucial for understanding the constitutional situation of England at the time.

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] geezabrek-1 16 years ago

I think the people who made this programme are assuming the viewers actually know a bit of history, or can fill the gaps in their knowledge by reading it up.

The English Civil War, and its impact in Scotland, was in my history syllabus at secondary school and I assume it was in the history curriculum in England too. so I already knew the background. Also I saw "Cromwell" with Alec Guinness when it came out - in fact our primary seven teacher took the whole class to see it.

It's a revolutionary idea, perhaps, and not one that would find many fans on IMDB, but maybe they've made a telly programme that doesn't treat its viewers as uneducated thickoes?

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] uk_jb 16 years ago

This is magnificent.

[–] ozymandiaskingofkings 16 years ago

Treating the audience as intelligent is one thing. Completely omitting key events and figures seems more like laziness. Besides, is it really treating an audience as intelligent assuming they can only follow a certain number of characters without getting confused?

Filling in the gaps with knowledge is one thing, but to leave gaping holes as you head from gory battle to sex scene and back again can hardly be called intelligent.

[–] saad_sa11 16 years ago

In case you didn't notice, the show isn't called "English Civil War".

It's a period drama, detailing a fictional character, Angelica Fanshawe, the 'devil's whore', and her journey from high royal class to the other side.

If you want history, go read the books, as I have at my A-levels. Indeed, all that essential stuff is 'boring' and wouldn't make good drama.

Never in the show does it say, "based on actual events". It's artistic license. There are many changes. It's a mini-series, won't go long (budget must be huge). I'm on the ride for a great drama and thriller, but not for a history lesson.

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] Cinderling 16 years ago

It's based on the aristocrat Elizabeth Fanshawe who was a high way robber (supposed).