Change Your Image
alternative_ska_baby
Reviews
Lady Jane (1986)
Star-crossed lovers
Although this is lacking perhaps in historical accuracy it gives a fair documentation of Lady Jane Grey's life. If it essentially a love story of two ill-fated lovers caught up in the politics of Tudor England. Lady Jane (Bonham-Carter) is forced to marry Guildford Dudley (Elwes) as part of the Duke of Northumberland's plans to keep England protestant and make his son king. The two dislike each other immediately and wish to have nothing to do with each other. However, they slowly fall in love and find themselves kindred spirits. All too soon history catches them up and they are arrested and sentenced to death. Bonham Carter and Elwes are well cast as the young couple although occasionally it becomes a little over-sentimental. Queen Mary comes out well as a spinster reluctant to put her cousin to death but driven to it through her own wish for happiness. This is an enjoyable film to watch with a good cast but if you want facts I would suggest a documentary will better suit you.
Dracula (2006)
An amazing if a little different adaptation
This has been criticised by saying it does not stick to the book, however it plays on many of the elements which are within Bram Stoker's original narrative that those who have taken the book at face value will have missed. It plays greatly on the Victorian fear of Syphilus a disease of the blood that was rife and taboo in Victorian society. There are some major changes such as Harkers death at the beginning and a complete change to the history of Van Helsing which many fans of Dracula will dislike. However, if you watch this with a open mind you realise that it is a very good adaptation. Especially Marc Warren's portrayal of the Count. He is sexy and charismatic with that hint of evil in his eyes that makes him believable as Dracula. This adaptation is fresh and different. Dracula has been adapted so many times that its good to see some new life put into it and the BBC version absolutely sparkles.