Gormenghast | |
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DVD cover
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Created by |
Series: Malcolm McKay Books: Mervyn Peake |
Written by | Malcolm McKay |
Directed by | Andy Wilson |
Starring | |
Music by | Richard Rodney Bennett |
Country of origin | United Kingdom |
Original language(s) | English |
No. of series | 1 |
No. of episodes | 4 |
Production | |
Editor(s) | Paul Tothill |
Running time | approx. 58 min. (per episode) |
Production company(s) | WGBH Boston Productions for BBC Television |
Release | |
Original network | |
Original release |
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External links | |
Gormenghast @BBC Drama |
Gormenghast is a four-episode television serial based on the first two novels of the Gothic fantasy Gormenghast series by Mervyn Peake. It was produced and broadcast by the BBC.
First broadcast in early 2000, the serial was designed for an early evening time-slot in much the same vein as the earlier adaptations of The Chronicles of Narnia. The BBC conception was based on the idea that Peake's early life in China had influenced the creation of Gormenghast; thus, the castle in the series resembles the Forbidden City in Beijing as well as the holy city of Lhasa in Tibet.
The series covers the events of the first two books, Titus Groan and Gormenghast. It does not cover any of the events from the third book, Titus Alone.
At the time of its broadcast, Gormenghast was among the most ambitious serials ever undertaken by the BBC. The series required a combined five years of production and pre-production and utilized over 120 sets.
Changes were made to both the plots and characters of both books.
Certain changes are made to make the story fit the four episode format:
The series received wide critical acclaim, with particular praise for its visual design, music, cinematography and the cast's performances. Variety offered an especially glowing review, describing it as an "unforgettable production" and a fascinating drama that defied logic and specifically. The review noted that it featured "marvelous performances all around", although it singled out Celia Imrie's portrayal of Lady Gertrude for especial praise.
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