Recent Viewing Part IV

Oops, wrong thread.

I forgot to mention I also like good film music.

Don't see it. You'll kill yourself with boredom (crossed with some high frustration in parts, on my behalf at least

Haven't seen it, but from the premise, articles, reviews, posters etc, it all just feels like a movie simply made for some chick's hot pants for the 12-15 year old male boy target audience of the film to jizz on.

I'm rather indifferent about the original so I'll pass on this one altogether.

Penny Dreadful (Season 1)

Not completely sold yet, but I have to say it's one of the best "acted" series I've seen in a long time. Man, Eva Green does a bang up job. Episode 7 (Possession) made my jaw drop open numerous times. Wasn't that sold on the main story (aka the search for the daughter), but Eva Green's sub plot was definitely enticing. I love possessed stories

Definitely gonna follow this, to see if season 2 leads us somewhere

A shame it ended so soon. I don't believe that "always intended" bit for one second. It had at least two more seasons worth of story left, so yeah, rushed up in general certainly hits the mark, although the end in itself is well-written and doesn't feel rushed in any way.

This stands as one of the best Victorian Age-set monster mash-ups ever, with loads of intelligent, shocking, and mesmerizing content thrown in between. Thanks to the spectacular Eva Green, who so much deserved an Emmy three years in a row for this, the Vanessa-centric flashback episodes alone are worth your time, with this year's one having the feel and impact of a very well written stage play. I was a bit miffed at first that the other characters didn't get that treatment, too, but over the course of the three years, and in season three in particular, everyone's story was explored in a very satisfactory way, and the Making Of book, which is a massive pleasure all by itself, clearly states that Vanessa is the main "monster" of the show, so the strong focus on her story is forgivable, especially because of Green. Not that the rest of the cast was shy of showing strong acting skills. Geez, what a ride.

[spoiler]I wouldn't necessarily assume that to be the case, more like who has a stronger influence on Vanessa. I think the truth depends on the circumstances at any given point in time and how Vanessa is leaning towards God, Faith, and all the rest. [/spoiler]
(Still talking about Penny Dreadful)

[spoiler]Well, after all, Satan is nothing but a fallen angel. He has power, yes, but only over those who truly fear him. At least that's my very personal take on him. If you want to "rank" them, surely Dracula shouldn't be anything more than a lesser demon, and given that, you are right. But in the series, it all depends on what Vanessa thinks and believes, and therefore they show just a current state of her mind. The cell episode in particular is immensely subjective and all based on her personal horror fantasies.

In this series, Satan himself is more or less a concept that can be feared or not. He works mostly through servants who fully believe in his power and who therefore are powerful, or through visions which can be fought by sheer willpower. Once Vanessa's faith is strong enough, she's able to withstand him, but still has to fight his real servants. Dracula on the other hand is presented as a real person with the ability to simply kill you the moment he wants to, so yes, he's more powerful on a physical level, but I believe that's a depiction true to the whole concept of Satan and Dracula.

But I'm still reading the Making Of, and maybe I'll come back to you with more, in case there's some more info on the subject, but my bet is on the audiocommentary of the cell episode, should they do one.[/spoiler]

Like all the Vanessa flashback episodes, it's like a brilliant stand-alone Twilight Zone episode, and would, even more so than its two predecessors, perfectly work as a play - if not for the obvious problem regarding its final act. ^^

Penny Dreadful WAS the best show on TV!

-Erik-

Except maybe bada-buduhbuh-dahdaaaaaaah DAH.

Well, it's entertainment. It's popcorn cinema. I think there have been a number of decent films that were intelligent and entertaining enough.

There have always been some serious issues addressed within that nonsense and camp (Which btw is all over science fiction), especially when the basic concept of Gene Roddenberry was honoured. You, Thor, the master of digging up hidden layers of meaning and style in Hollywood summer blockbusters, should see that.