One more episode, The Crimson Petal & the White

It was a rainy week here in east coast ville, and I've been ready for this weekend for the last month. So, as a little bit of a reward for a very long week and month, I'm watching the third episode of The Crimson Petal & the White, and new BBC costume drama adapted from the 2002 Michael Farber novel.

I remember when the novel first came out: I found it in the corner of a Borders, just sitting there all alone on a high shelf, one of only four copies. I was drawn to it because the beautiful red color, the name, and how huge it was; my mother still makes fun that I only read books over 800 pages. And then I read the first page and I couldn't put it down. I placed in at the bottom of my pile and hoped my mom wasn't going to ask to look at it first. She didn't, she just laughed at how thick it was. Over the next few months I was enraptured, and shocked. It was the first time I realized just how Victorian London was. The characters, the life, the settings were all so vivid, so unabashed: its one of those novels I always think of fondly and place as a marker of change in my literary reading life.

So when I found out they were making an adaption, I was extremely trepidatious. The novel is so expansive; I wasn't sure how anyone could fit it all into four episodes, even if anyone included the writer himself. While I'm sure it is much better I didn't reread the book before starting the new miniseries, I find The Crimson Petal & the White not half bad. I know, that's a lack luster statement, but I find I'm somewhat without great praise for the series, though I cetainly do enjoy it.

I think my fondness  is due to the performances more than the content of the show. I have seen Romola Garai in many roles, and in many of them I find her, well, annoying. But as Sugar (and even as Emma before) I find her rather refreshing. Chris O'Dawd as William Rackham is also just as strong, and while he is certainly not what I pictured for the wealthy perfumer, he plays the complex character well. But it is Amanda Hale (yep. miss sicky Elliot in Persuasion) who pulls out a stunning performance as the half-mad Agnes Rackham. In the novel, I don't remember thinking her quite insane, but more extremely sheltered and immature for her upbringing. Hale is able to take these fundamental themes in Agnes' inner dialogue throughout the novel and nuance them into her performance. It is heartbreaking and beautiful to see. Much had been made of Gillian Anderson's performance as Mrs. Castaway, but truthfully I think she has been under used and over publicized.

With still one episode left, I haven't felt much has been rushed; I'll enjoy seeing how the ending, rather confusing for me (dear lord) over 8 years ago, is worked. The Crimson Petal & the White is not a showy piece highlighting Victorian London like other dramas have been, but that is not what the goal of this drama was. The goal was some serious acting with some serious complex characters. And though much of the sexuality waxes on the squeamish side, the performances do make up for it.

A Costume Drama girl’s guide to adaptation adoration

PART 1 : So you're a newbie

Are you a newbie to the whole costume drama scene? Do you have a friend you want to introduce to the fandom, but don’t know where to start? Have you seen a few, but still don’t get the terminology or “rules”? Well, I’m here to make sure it’s not nearly as so big or scary or confusing. Because nothing as wonderful and costume dramas and adaptations should be big, scary, or confusing.

Let’s start with Costume Drama’s definition. There really are three definitions, or "levels" might be a better way to explain. And to make things even more confusing, most fans have their own particular definitions based on their likes and dislikes. But we’ll start with the basics:

Level 1: It’s called costume drama – Which means, above all, there are breath-taking costumes in the production. This is the central thread that really ties the costume drama fandom together. Thus, most costume drama blogs are not about the stories, or the actors, or reviews, but about admiring and dissecting the gowns and clothing worn. Therefore, you can say anything with elaborate costumes can be considered a costume drama, including: films such as Black Swan and Robin Hood, shows like Merlin and Mad Men, Rogers and Hammerstein musicals, and fantasy films.

Level 2: It’s about a historical time period/literary subject – This is generally what people mean when they say they love costume dramas. Most that are included in this category are adaptations of classic novels either produced by the BBC or a major studio. A great example is the many adaptations of Bronte’s Jane Eyre. There are four versions made by the BBC and over five made by major motion picture companies; all are considered costume dramas at this level. Additionally, films like Becoming Jane and Bright Star would fall under level 2 because it is about the life of a literary/historical figure.

Level 3: It’s all BBC all the time – The final level of costume drama is considered a very hardcore streamlining of what costume drama can be. Put simply, if it wasn’t produced by the BBC, and about a literary or historical figure, it’s not a costume drama. Likewise, this would make all costume dramas a mini-series. And, to be fair, when people use the term costume drama, they are often talking about a BBC production. But it is a very flawed definition, and so most fans of costume drama are not so fanatic as level 3; for example, under this definition the 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice would be considered a costume drama, but the 2005 version with Keira Knightley would not.

On most community forums or blogs, the writers and community members stick within the range of level 2. (To be exact, it’s more like level 3 with their favorite big budget movies included.) Why are these definitions important? Well, really, they’re not, but if you’re just starting out, these distinctions can help you sound like an old salt fast; and can help you understand some of the general themes that communities have – why the 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice is considered the seminal example of costume drama, for instance.

Looking to get a friend interested in costume drama? The above definitions can also help you navigate where to start your friend on their costume drama journey. Did they love Gosford Park, but swear they could never stand a costume drama? Well, you can politely nudge that Gosford Park can be considered a costume drama(level 1), and if they love it, they’ll probably like Dowton Abbey (level 3). Too much mini-series for them? Think about showing them Easy Virtue (level 1). Not enough? Upstairs-Downstairs (level 3) could be their cup of tea.

And that’s the basics. Remember, when watching costume dramas, it’s all about what you enjoy. And if it’s with your favorite actors, that’s even better.

Now that we have our definitions, what’s the next step? Well, recommending/watching some costume drama of course! Watch for Part 2: Start at the very Beginning, it’s a very good place to start.