BBC1's new drama The White Queen kicked off on Sunday, the first part of a ten-part blockbuster based on Philippa Gregory's book of the same name. Is it a historical drama? Is it a TV adaptation of a novel? Is it a romance? The truth is as ever is that it includes elements of all of these genres.
As a historical drama I'm afraid it disappoints avid historians. The story is that of peasant and relative commoner Elizabeth Woodville and her rise to be 'The White Queen' of England alongside her husband King Edward IV. England is in a tumultous time as the Wars of the Roses (the Yorks and the Lancastrians) kicks off, and yet The White Queen is seemingly oblivious to the poverty and grit of 15th Century life.
As a romance the story is much more fitting. Some have described it as a romp buster and a bonk buster, but there is something beautiful about the cinematography of the piece, and the cast isn't half handsome! Swedish actress Rebecca Ferguson (Wallander, Vi) is Elizabeth Woodville to Max Irons (Red Riding Hood, The Host, Jeremy Irons son, and Edward Cullen lookalike) Edward IV, and the two have chemistry from the off.
Much has also been said about the filming taking place entirely in Belgium, but I don't think this detracts much from the landscape. Finally, I cannot comment much on its value as a novel adaptation as I started but didn't finish the paperback. I do however want to finish it now, which I think makes it somewhat of a success. As I said, there's also nine more hours to go.
What do you think?
Carpe Diem xx
No comments:
Post a Comment