Last night I went to see the new film version of Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited at the arts cinema in Huntington on Long Island.
I first read the book more than 30 years ago and was amazingly impressed by it.
I had quite forgotton the bit set in Marrakech.
Lo and behold, the whole sequence where Charles goes down to Morocco to find Sebastian is set in the Bahia Palace, one of my favorite places and one that loyal readers of this blog will be aware I have photographed every square inch of. It was within walking distance of the little house on derb Djedid.
So I sat there going "Ooh......Ooh...... look at that!" and so on in an irritating manner.
But it was wonderful to look at it again.
Anyway back to Brideshead. I do recommend you to see it - though this version seems rather sadder than I recall it.
Here Sebastian is presented as less charming and more doomed from the word go.
Of course, most of us will go just to drool at Oxford, Venice and Marrakech which dazzle us much as they dazzled Charles Ryder.
The choice of the Bahia Palace was a stroke of genius; it is so very dilapidated and decaying and so enchantingly beautiful -I think we are heading to heavy metaphor territory here.
Thinking decadence and decay, you might read or see Thomas Mann's Death in Venice.
La Grand Meaulness by Alain Fournier is wonderful on theme of ordinary people being seduced by beautiful places.
16 comments:
I'll go see this version of Brideshead just on your recommendation. If I don't enjoy it I will throw my popcorn at you. Although I will likely eat all of my popcorn so you'll be safe either way :)
And don't we all like to be seduced by beautiful places? That's why we visit your blog, Elizabeth! The pictures are beautiful. And it sounds like a great read/movie!
First of all, lovely pictures, as always. And secondly, I MUST see this new film version. It sounds like you thoroughly enjoyed the Marrakesh pieces! :)
I can't wait to see it - I know everyone liked the original version better, but I need some eye candy and pretty costumes NOW.
The original setting for Bridehead re-visited is Castle Howard, here in North Yorkshire. Funnily enough we passed by last Saturday. As beautiful as ever!
Great book and movie recommendations.
Those images you posted are simply captivating. I am always seduced by beautiful places and your photos really keep that alive in me. Thanks
I didn't know you were still keeping up this blog too! I'm deeply suspicious of Brideshead, I have to admit, being a passionate lover of the BBC, but we'll see...
Hello to you, Elizabeth,
Seeing what Passementerie has written, I will weigh in. If I can use my senior citizen discount, I may see the film version of the beloved tv version of the original Written Brideshead.
Dollars, arts, appreciation. What a combination.
Hoping to see you soon. I actually got a little guidebood to Marrakesh from Barnes & Noble today. Well, it is only a book, and I'll do my homework.
xo
I saw a preview of this last week when my daughter and I were watching Mama Mia in The Hague! It looked like it was beautifully filmed.
Oh Elizabeth, what a brilliant post...not only will i see the movie when it comes out, but am about to dash off to the library to borrow Death In Venice...all sounds too much. What about music , in the movie?
Lovely pictures as usual..I dont know if they are showing this movie here :( You and maryam always make everyone want to visit Morocco..well, I do (desperately)..one day! Happy weekend :D
Brideshead...I'd forgotten too the scenes in Marrakesh! Perhaps time me revisit Brideshead too! :o) I have heard this new film version is not up to the original, but I know I will end up seeing out of curiosity--LOL! Happy weekend, my friend ((HUGS))
I've heard mixed reviews of the movie but want to see it anyway... if only for the beautiful scenery. I'll think of you!
What beautiful images and reminiscences of places and books!
I have read all three of them, Fournier's quite recently. I long to read Mann's novel again, ever since I finally went to see the Venice Lido this summer.
Now I am looking forward to see the new Brideshead film come out here, thank you for reminding me!
(MZ is spending time near my birthplace this weekend, went out to have lunch at my brother's place yesterday. and tomorrow she will be there again. I have had a succession of visitors here, and could not leave the city, unfortunately.)
What beautiful images and reminiscences of places and books!
I have read all three of them, Fournier's quite recently. I long to read Mann's novel again, ever since I finally went to see the Venice Lido this summer.
Now I am looking forward to see the new Brideshead film come out here, thank you for reminding me!
(MZ is spending time near my birthplace this weekend, went out to have lunch at my brother's place yesterday. and tomorrow she will be there again. I have had a succession of visitors here, and could not leave the city, unfortunately.)
wow the tile details are so awesome!
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