Finally got a hold of the Neverwhere DVD and I didn't expect much as I know it was done for the Beeb and I've seen and like watching BBC productions, and they always have that American daytime soap quality to it (the film, not the story line). I couldn't imagine how on a low budget they could get all the imagery and the whole atmosphere of the London Underground as a backdrop. On the whole, it wasn't as bad as I expected. It was decent enough although I didn't think Mr. Croup nor Mr. Vandemar were as menacing as they came across to me in the book, but I did like their acting. There really wasn't a sense of urgency in the pacing, no sense of suspense and the need to run, and I somehow felt I was in the theater watching a play rather than something on telly. Door also looked eerily like Brittany Murphy in Girl, Interrupted and that was a bit scary. Dave Mckean's title sequences were strange to watch in motion as we've become accustomed to his print work, so that was interesting. I really did think that the introductory parts were a bit off as the narrative was going on and they would pause the image of the person talking. Disconcerting.
The highlight for me though had to be hearing Gaiman talking about it on the interview and doing the commentaries throughout each episode. There's always a great deal to learn from him as he pulls out these obscure refrences and strange facts he reads from strange places. I'd go out and rent it, although I don't think it's necessary to own it unless it's much cheaper than retail.
2:45 PM | |
