'Longitude' may be long, nearly 3 and a half hours, but it is so worth every single minute with not a single second of time wasted. Have absolutely no regrets watching something that exceeded already high expectations and seeing it showcasing two of the best actors of their generation (personal opinion of course) Jeremy Irons and Michael Gambon, and no that opinion is not coming from an agent, a colleague or family member.
Am saying this because some that have offered that opinion have have that rather ignorant and insulting accusation directed at them, especially for Irons, so this is me challenging that. If anybody has not seen this already and badly want to or intend to, 'Longitude' cannot be recomnended enough. Some have said that Gould's framing storyline, in a mini-series of two parallel storylines from two different timelines, is not as interesting as Harrison's, of which there is more of. Can definitely understand that, personally love both storylines and both are exceptionally well made, written and acted on equal levels. Will say though that Harrison's is somewhat more compelling and is more relevant to the title and to the concept of longitude.
It is hard to know where to begin with the praise for 'Longitude', as everything in it works. The rich and handsome production and costume design is beautifully complemented by the photography which is immersive enough to stop it from feeling stage-bound or anything like that. Especially in Harrison's storyline, where the 18th century period detail is really quite lavish. Geoffrey Burgen, who compsed scores for one of the best mini-series ever made 'Brideshead Revisited' (the series that made Irons an overnight sensation) and childhood favourites in the 'Chronicles of Narnia' series, provides music that has presence but doesn't get over the top.
Cannot say anything bad about the writing either. A very literate, though thankfully never rambling, and intelligent script with plenty of moments that provoke thought and have grit and emotion, the momentum never really lost. Educational as well. The story, a long way from dull or bland, may be more edge-of-the-seat and gritty in the Harrison storyline, but Gould's is still beautifully written and acted. The latter stages of his storyline is sensitively done and should resonate with anybody who has ever had a breakdown of some kind. There is a lot of backing and forthing between the two storylines, which could have been a disaster, but it felt cohesive and never really jumpy. The ending is moving and the messaging didn't feel patronising.
Both Gould and especially Harrison are complex characters and acted in a sterling way. As excellent as Irons is, when it comes to the acting stakes (where Bill Nighy, Ian Hart and John Wood also shine), this is Gambon's show all the way in one of his finest hours.
Overall, wonderful. 10/10
Am saying this because some that have offered that opinion have have that rather ignorant and insulting accusation directed at them, especially for Irons, so this is me challenging that. If anybody has not seen this already and badly want to or intend to, 'Longitude' cannot be recomnended enough. Some have said that Gould's framing storyline, in a mini-series of two parallel storylines from two different timelines, is not as interesting as Harrison's, of which there is more of. Can definitely understand that, personally love both storylines and both are exceptionally well made, written and acted on equal levels. Will say though that Harrison's is somewhat more compelling and is more relevant to the title and to the concept of longitude.
It is hard to know where to begin with the praise for 'Longitude', as everything in it works. The rich and handsome production and costume design is beautifully complemented by the photography which is immersive enough to stop it from feeling stage-bound or anything like that. Especially in Harrison's storyline, where the 18th century period detail is really quite lavish. Geoffrey Burgen, who compsed scores for one of the best mini-series ever made 'Brideshead Revisited' (the series that made Irons an overnight sensation) and childhood favourites in the 'Chronicles of Narnia' series, provides music that has presence but doesn't get over the top.
Cannot say anything bad about the writing either. A very literate, though thankfully never rambling, and intelligent script with plenty of moments that provoke thought and have grit and emotion, the momentum never really lost. Educational as well. The story, a long way from dull or bland, may be more edge-of-the-seat and gritty in the Harrison storyline, but Gould's is still beautifully written and acted. The latter stages of his storyline is sensitively done and should resonate with anybody who has ever had a breakdown of some kind. There is a lot of backing and forthing between the two storylines, which could have been a disaster, but it felt cohesive and never really jumpy. The ending is moving and the messaging didn't feel patronising.
Both Gould and especially Harrison are complex characters and acted in a sterling way. As excellent as Irons is, when it comes to the acting stakes (where Bill Nighy, Ian Hart and John Wood also shine), this is Gambon's show all the way in one of his finest hours.
Overall, wonderful. 10/10