I think its telling that Waugh gives some of the most penetrating and accurate analysis of the principal protagonists in this series to the likes of Anthony Blanche and to Cara, Lord Marchmains mistress. Over the dinner at Tame, when they are in Venice and in the scene shown here it is the notional 'outsiders' that make the most telling and complete observations. I've often thought, between the two of them, Cara and Anthony basically sum up the whole plot and impetus for the novel itself.
I think Anthony Blanche is a much more important and profound character than he may look at first glance. Beyond his theatrics and his queer mannerism, which may come across as cliché, he perfectly embodies the role of the 'fool', a vehicle for comic relief but also someone whose eccentricity allows them to speak the truth without compromise. It's a very classic, theatrical kind of character (it's often present in Shakespeare's plays, for instance).
anthony was a vivid character, and definitely delivered perceptive, incisive commentary here. he really added something to the story, both well written and well acted.
The BR production suffered a great deal from technician strikes. The actor playing Antoine was told that they had five minutes left to shoot his speech to Charles about English charm and then they would have to stop and pack up. He did it perfectly in one take and under considerable pressure. That's real talent.
Yes Charles, the truth hurts. Anthony was spot on. His mistake was ever thinking there was more to you. Ghastly how Rex has corrupted and polluted this glorious and historical home and shame on them for permitting it.
With the disappearance of Anthony Blanche from the series Brideshead Revisted lost its allure. A creeping sadness engaged the mood, ending with a dull entropy with, no surprises.
"Pansy friend" Until recently, no one would have batted an eyelash. At least Charles went to the bar and listened to AB, his "conscience". He clearly admires Anthony Blanche while being a little off put by him. In the book, Charles describes AB as someone who skipped childhood on his way to knowing A LOT about the adult world.
Rarely do great writers make a main character just reprehensible. Charles has lived a straitened life, emotionally--losing his mother young, and being left as an only child with THAT father. Of course he's reserved and bruised. He is an observer. He wants to join in but he must have layers of hurt. As a non aristo upper upper middle class, of course he's smitten by the Flytes en toto, and he obviously has ambition. The Almighty has made his path to suffer and learn from the whole ball of wax--his using of others, his application of charm to the wrong situations, and coldness to the wrong ones also. But he does some very right things too. He is only 20 at the start, and now in his mid-30's he is at the time when many many people begin to see the cracks in their armor ( mid 40's is more it now), and either freeze forever, or begin the tedious midlife ordeal of inner work and change.
Anthony Blanche was right. Charm killed the love Charles once felt for Sebastian, and later for Julia. It prevented him from becoming a man. He remained a lost boy until the very end.
the end is his being 39. I'd like to speculate on a sequel, but this was before therapy for the masses. He does become a Catholic, and I think that is a big statement, seriously meant by Waugh.
Charles goes to hear from Orpheus the truth, my dear, and realises that he feels love and esteem for AB for offering him up the truth of his Wasteland of a life. The other `exotic` to do the same was Marchmains mistress. My favorite snippet of AB and of Brideshead, period.
@MissMortViolette I like to think that it is an example of pure platonic love, which I believe can exist between two men, two women or a man and a women. Love that goes beyond any kind of sexual attraction, just simply love without lust.
That does exist, I have experienced it. But Charles and Sebastian? There is fascination and comfortableness with each other,, which could've been tipped over to romance if other elements had been different.
+TimeandMonotony His place of birth isn't specified, but his mother is apparently from Argentina and he travelled extensively with her and her Italian partner. His father's nationality also isn't specified, however his surname narrows it down a little.
+TimeandMonotony He spent much of his life among the English upper class (he said he went to Eton, and obviously he was at Oxford), so he has their accent. His accent is given further character by his marked gay personality.
Often foreigners who move into the English upper class sound more English than the English. It's quite common. Again, Sebastian's 'English charm' modestly blunts his upper class tone in a way Anthony's 'cosmopolitan upbringing' doesn't.
Charles and Julie are at such a loss of what to do with their freedom, affluence, and creamy charm, that they have decided to create their own selfish little world. Antoine was totally correct. Charles and Julia cling to the world they remember from the 1920s. the last shadows of Edwardian bohemian life with money. Desperately alone and afraid to face a world changing about them. Charles pathetic attempt to do something political in the General Strike of 1926 showed he was not suited to reality.
@MissMortViolette But wasn't it obvious that Lord Sebastian was gay and that Charles was a bi-sexual ?. You can always read between the lines ! Lord Sebastian had no girl friends but was always picking up men, where ever he went. There was Charles and then Kurt. Anthony looked and sounded gay alright and he too was Sebastian's friend . Charles of course formed an close intimate friendship with Sebastian but later got married and had a romantic relationship with Julia !
@Dennis Lewis actually what is obvious is that you are deriding someone else's perfectly valid interpretation of the story simply because it doesn't line up with your own. :) in writing BR waugh drew from his own life experiences, starting from his time at oxford- during which he had several gay relationships. as a skillful and talented author, it's not as if he accidentally wrote charles and sebastian's relationship in this way that leads any reader to at least speculate, if not outright assume, that it was more than just friendship. he likely avoided directly defining it due to the time period- in 1945, the book may not have even been published, much less given serious regard, if he had. but it only stands to reason that if waugh didn't intend to convey this particular impression of these characters, then he wouldn't have.
all artists of merit see their work as failure -- because they were trying to do so much more than they managed to accomplish, even when they make something excellent and enduring (like b. r.). waugh is also deliberately representing charles ryder as an accomplished craftsman (which, incidentally, is how he liked to see himself) as distinct from an inspired artist.
@@fossrampant5826 Waugh based the whole character of Charles Ryder on himself, an outsider who fawned over the upper classes, whiled away time with them, while his art or writing in his own case remained empty. Brideshead revisited itself is a terribly boring novel with such a dull plot and its supposed to be his great work) The ITV adaptation was saved though because of the fantastic acting, scenery and costumes.
Blanche's verdict on Charles's art: "simple, creamy English charm...playing tigers." Devastating! And yet Blanche does not scruple to proudly announce to people in the gay club - "This is Mr. Charles Ryder - the artist!" Anything to make himself look good. People praise Anthony Blanche's "charm" but tend to overlook his poisonous vanity!
@morrigan291 apologies I didn't mean to sound homophobic, I still believe that there is nothing wrong with love between two men or two women its just I think platonic love is nothing to be feared and not every loving relationship has to be a sexual one, that doesn't mean I think there is anything wrong with same sex relationships.
I think it is important to understand that it was the act of homosexual sex that was illegal. There was a certain space for homosexual love relationships. People just tried to "do the christian thing" and put some effort into not assuming the worst. Also, the upper class of those times did have some extremely ambiguous moral standards. There was the desire to be progressive on the one hand and the obligation to be forgiving. "To understand all is to forgive all", as Sebastian's friend put it.
nice use of music at the end of this clip as we step into brideshead, infested with rex mottram's horrible collection of business and political people and their hangers-on: 'anything goes'.
Throughout the series I have been unsure. I've seen this many times and adore the book. I am still not convinced that Sebastian is gay (quite clear that Charles isn't) or that their friendship went beyond that, a deep love and friendship. It's all quite muddled. I'd have nothing against that at all, just unsure..
That’s because Sebastian is not gay. Yes, his friendship with Charles is romantic, perhaps even a little homoerotic, but not sexual. Sebastian is a romantic and aesthete, not homosexual, and their relationship is about beauty, not sex.
@LitCrit101 don't like that jeremy referred to anthony as his pansy friend. very tacky. I mean at least call the guy by his name. maybe back then not just jeremy but other people as well went of thought anything aboutsaying that. I mean julia ddn't even react to that. I mean would charles call sebastian that? it makes you wonder.
@suzycreamcheesez Nicholas Grace's stuttering is so annoying to me which means that he is a great actor. I also liked him when he acted in the Tv series Robinhood, where he portrayed the role as the Sheriff of Nottingham. He had a better accent in that series. !
to me the characters of anthony and mr. smallgrass are so eccentric that they tae away from the movie. ne thing I can say for the remake is I am glad they are not a part of it.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
I think its telling that Waugh gives some of the most penetrating and accurate analysis of the principal protagonists in this series to the likes of Anthony Blanche and to Cara, Lord Marchmains mistress. Over the dinner at Tame, when they are in Venice and in the scene shown here it is the notional 'outsiders' that make the most telling and complete observations. I've often thought, between the two of them, Cara and Anthony basically sum up the whole plot and impetus for the novel itself.
I think Anthony Blanche is a much more important and profound character than he may look at first glance. Beyond his theatrics and his queer mannerism, which may come across as cliché, he perfectly embodies the role of the 'fool', a vehicle for comic relief but also someone whose eccentricity allows them to speak the truth without compromise. It's a very classic, theatrical kind of character (it's often present in Shakespeare's plays, for instance).
I totally agree. Anthony Blanche takes the role of a sooth sayer. He's an intriguing character. His amusing mannerisms are only the surface.
Antoine has analysed so well Charles's art, amazing...
This whole series is like walking over ground glass, emotionally speaking. Here I am on my third viewing. There are SO many layers to the story.
anthony was a vivid character, and definitely delivered perceptive, incisive commentary here. he really added something to the story, both well written and well acted.
The BR production suffered a great deal from technician strikes. The actor playing Antoine was told that they had five minutes left to shoot his speech to Charles about English charm and then they would have to stop and pack up. He did it perfectly in one take and under considerable pressure. That's real talent.
Yes Charles, the truth hurts. Anthony was spot on. His mistake was ever thinking there was more to you.
Ghastly how Rex has corrupted and polluted this glorious and historical home and shame on them for permitting it.
With the disappearance of Anthony Blanche from the series Brideshead Revisted lost its allure. A creeping sadness engaged the mood, ending with a dull entropy with, no surprises.
"Pansy friend" Until recently, no one would have batted an eyelash. At least Charles went to the bar and listened to AB, his "conscience". He clearly admires Anthony Blanche while being a little off put by him. In the book, Charles describes AB as someone who skipped childhood on his way to knowing A LOT about the adult world.
Anthony rolls his eyes like Eddie Cantor.
Well said, Antoine!
Antoine and Cordelia are by far the best characters in this series.
Rarely do great writers make a main character just reprehensible. Charles has lived a straitened life, emotionally--losing his mother young, and being left as an only child with THAT father. Of course he's reserved and bruised. He is an observer. He wants to join in but he must have layers of hurt. As a non aristo upper upper middle class, of course he's smitten by the Flytes en toto, and he obviously has ambition. The Almighty has made his path to suffer and learn from the whole ball of wax--his using of others, his application of charm to the wrong situations, and coldness to the wrong ones also. But he does some very right things too. He is only 20 at the start, and now in his mid-30's he is at the time when many many people begin to see the cracks in their armor ( mid 40's is more it now), and either freeze forever, or begin the tedious midlife ordeal of inner work and change.
As someone who's just started "the tedious midlife ordeal of inner work and change," I thank you for that phrase. Very apt indeed.
"Damn everybody." She says the line multiple times, and every time I hear it I laugh.
Anthony Blanche was right. Charm killed the love Charles once felt for Sebastian, and later for Julia. It prevented him from becoming a man. He remained a lost boy until the very end.
the end is his being 39. I'd like to speculate on a sequel, but this was before therapy for the masses. He does become a Catholic, and I think that is a big statement, seriously meant by Waugh.
Does anyone know the "Rhumba" tune featured here?
Does anyone know what the "Rhumba" track playing in the back ground sounds like Udmundo Ross perhaps?
Charles goes to hear from Orpheus the truth, my dear, and realises that he feels love and esteem for AB for offering him up the truth of his Wasteland of a life.
The other `exotic` to do the same was Marchmains mistress. My favorite snippet of AB and of Brideshead, period.
Julia here is so fit. You take that hat off.
@MissMortViolette I like to think that it is an example of pure platonic love, which I believe can exist between two men, two women or a man and a women. Love that goes beyond any kind of sexual attraction, just simply love without lust.
That does exist, I have experienced it. But Charles and Sebastian? There is fascination and comfortableness with each other,, which could've been tipped over to romance if other elements had been different.
One person has been killed by creamy English charm.
@lizclegg have you never read the novel?
Dr. Kaufman wrote about a European sense of tradegy. As an American, I trying to understand it.Maybe BHR will offer some guidance.
Wait, Anthony isn't English? I didn't know that. Is he Welsh? I can't place his accent, the stuttering and mannerisms are too distracting.
+TimeandMonotony His place of birth isn't specified, but his mother is apparently from Argentina and he travelled extensively with her and her Italian partner. His father's nationality also isn't specified, however his surname narrows it down a little.
+TimeandMonotony He spent much of his life among the English upper class (he said he went to Eton, and obviously he was at Oxford), so he has their accent. His accent is given further character by his marked gay personality.
Often foreigners who move into the English upper class sound more English than the English. It's quite common. Again, Sebastian's 'English charm' modestly blunts his upper class tone in a way Anthony's 'cosmopolitan upbringing' doesn't.
@sahajad Evelen Waugh said he "stammered".
Is this scene in the gay bar what the Police Academy Blue Oyster Bar scenes were spoofing? lol
Charles and Julie are at such a loss of what to do with their freedom, affluence, and creamy charm, that they have decided to create their own selfish little world. Antoine was totally correct. Charles and Julia cling to the world they remember from the 1920s. the last shadows of Edwardian bohemian life with money. Desperately alone and afraid to face a world changing about them. Charles pathetic attempt to do something political in the General Strike of 1926 showed he was not suited to reality.
@MissMortViolette
But wasn't it obvious that Lord Sebastian was gay and that Charles was a bi-sexual ?. You can always read between the lines !
Lord Sebastian had no girl friends but was always picking up men, where ever he went. There was Charles and then Kurt. Anthony looked and sounded gay alright and he too was Sebastian's friend .
Charles of course formed an close intimate friendship with Sebastian but later got married and had a romantic relationship with Julia !
Sahaja D - You're projecting your own desires onto these characters - that's obvious. :)
@Dennis Lewis actually what is obvious is that you are deriding someone else's perfectly valid interpretation of the story simply because it doesn't line up with your own. :)
in writing BR waugh drew from his own life experiences, starting from his time at oxford- during which he had several gay relationships. as a skillful and talented author, it's not as if he accidentally wrote charles and sebastian's relationship in this way that leads any reader to at least speculate, if not outright assume, that it was more than just friendship. he likely avoided directly defining it due to the time period- in 1945, the book may not have even been published, much less given serious regard, if he had. but it only stands to reason that if waugh didn't intend to convey this particular impression of these characters, then he wouldn't have.
waugh is talking about his own book--he saw it as a failure
all artists of merit see their work as failure -- because they were trying to do so much more than they managed to accomplish, even when they make something excellent and enduring (like b. r.). waugh is also deliberately representing charles ryder as an accomplished craftsman (which, incidentally, is how he liked to see himself) as distinct from an inspired artist.
@@fossrampant5826 Waugh based the whole character of Charles Ryder on himself, an outsider who fawned over the upper classes, whiled away time with them, while his art or writing in his own case remained empty. Brideshead revisited itself is a terribly boring novel with such a dull plot and its supposed to be his great work) The ITV adaptation was saved though because of the fantastic acting, scenery and costumes.
Blanche's verdict on Charles's art: "simple, creamy English charm...playing tigers."
Devastating!
And yet Blanche does not scruple to proudly announce to people in the gay club - "This is Mr. Charles Ryder - the artist!" Anything to make himself look good. People praise Anthony Blanche's "charm" but tend to overlook his poisonous vanity!
@morrigan291 apologies I didn't mean to sound homophobic, I still believe that there is nothing wrong with love between two men or two women its just I think platonic love is nothing to be feared and not every loving relationship has to be a sexual one, that doesn't mean I think there is anything wrong with same sex relationships.
Picteurs
I think it is important to understand that it was the act of homosexual sex that was illegal. There was a certain space for homosexual love relationships. People just tried to "do the christian thing" and put some effort into not assuming the worst. Also, the upper class of those times did have some extremely ambiguous moral standards. There was the desire to be progressive on the one hand and the obligation to be forgiving. "To understand all is to forgive all", as Sebastian's friend put it.
nice use of music at the end of this clip as we step into brideshead, infested with rex mottram's horrible collection of business and political people and their hangers-on: 'anything goes'.
@lmhitar Maybe you should write a poignant letter to a popular newspaper about this kind of outrage.
Throughout the series I have been unsure. I've seen this many times and adore the book. I am still not convinced that Sebastian is gay (quite clear that Charles isn't) or that their friendship went beyond that, a deep love and friendship. It's all quite muddled. I'd have nothing against that at all, just unsure..
That’s because Sebastian is not gay. Yes, his friendship with Charles is romantic, perhaps even a little homoerotic, but not sexual. Sebastian is a romantic and aesthete, not homosexual, and their relationship is about beauty, not sex.
@LitCrit101 don't like that jeremy referred to anthony as his pansy friend. very tacky. I mean at least call the guy by his name. maybe back then not just jeremy but other people as well went of thought anything aboutsaying that. I mean julia ddn't even react to that. I mean would charles call sebastian that? it makes you wonder.
@suzycreamcheesez
Nicholas Grace's stuttering is so annoying to me which means that he is a great actor. I also liked him when he acted in the Tv series Robinhood, where he portrayed the role as the Sheriff of Nottingham. He had a better accent in that series. !
nikolus grace is the best!
to me the characters of anthony and mr. smallgrass are so eccentric that they tae away from the movie. ne thing I can say for the remake is I am glad they are not a part of it.
There is nothing made that cannot be remade into a pale imitation of the original.
Why would you call a character, let alone a woman, “Grizzle”?
Why would you call a character, let alone a woman, “Grizzle”?