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ClementinaSpur's Replies
I also think the book is overrated. I was an adult when I read it so maybe that contributed to my view. I can see why preteens are drawn to it for its semi-taboo content (in their view), but it is too depressing and its world too abstract for that age.
Humanity has to experience those terrible things in order to recognize and appreciate peace, health, love, admiration, and harmony.
<blockquote>Was it failure by the director to communicate the reality of the world they lived in and the stakes?</blockquote>
In the book Jonas is only 11 years old. Casting that role with a 25 year old Brenton Thwaites to probably appeal to a teen audience certainly lowered the stakes for the role Jonas is burdened with as Receiver, the horrors he realizes about his community, and the bravery he shows in response.
It sure is refreshing! I watched a brief video about the filming, and it's actually filmed on the islands of Malta and Gozo with some French inspired signage to pass it off as France.
It's hard to articulate the magic of Detectorists. To figure out the formula that made it work would remove some of that magic I think. You are right though--it is deceptively brilliant.
Maybe one aspect of its brilliance is that it's about regular people plodding through regular life with all its ups and downs and their hobby that is quite irregular and the allure of what could happen if they are in just the right place at the right time.
Detectorists is one of the most refreshing shows I've watched in a long time. The scenery alone drains the stress out of a person, but then the characters are so appealing you feel like you are standing right there across from them as a member of their club. There's also the anticipation of what they will find (or won't find) to bring the viewer in.
I'm going to give it another watch. It has earned it.