"Julia" is a perfect representation as to why 'Brideshead Revisited' to me and many others is one of the finest book to television series adaptations ever made, very respectful to the book without that being an undoing that it affects momentum and such and exceptionally done on its own merits as well. The latter of which is very important for me when judging adaptations. The previous five episodes/parts were impeccable in quality and 'Brideshead Revisited's' halfway point "Julia" is every bit as sublime in every regard.
As well as having all of the things brilliantly done in "Et in Arcadia Ego", "Home and Abroad", "The Bleak Light of Day", "Sebastian Against the World" and "A Blow Upon a Bruise", "Julia" is interesting for two characters especially. It is the episode where we see a big growth in Julia, besides her beauty seeing her not so attractive characteristics (though that is more evident later) and also seeing what the other characters see in her. It is also the episode where Rex Mottram features very heavily in the plot, where it is clear what Julia sees in him but even more so how he is perceived by especially Charles (that of intense dislike).
The acting as with the previous five parts and in the succeeding five too is exemplary. Although Diana Quick shows Julia's character progression very, very well, Claire Bloom is firm and quietly dignified and Jeremy Irons' appeal as the great actor he is (one of my favourites and one of the more interesting and watchable today despite inconsistent project choices) is more than evident in his breakthrough role, this is Charles Keating's episode. Never overdoing Rex's numerous far from attractive traits or looking like he couldn't be bothered, basically he brings to life what Waugh intended.
Once again, "Julia" is visually beautiful. A lot of thought clearly went into the period detail, captured beautifully by the photography that has not outdated a jot. The music doesn't have a questionable placement or sound inappropriate and Geoffrey Burgon's main theme music is a classic and has gotten more exposure on the radio recently for good reason.
Waugh's emotionally complex and eloquent prose is adapted with great affection without being rambling. The pace is leisurely but there is much going on, especially in the latter parts where the character writing for both Julia and Rex is notably meaty, that it never feels draggy.
In conclusion, sublime. 10/10
As well as having all of the things brilliantly done in "Et in Arcadia Ego", "Home and Abroad", "The Bleak Light of Day", "Sebastian Against the World" and "A Blow Upon a Bruise", "Julia" is interesting for two characters especially. It is the episode where we see a big growth in Julia, besides her beauty seeing her not so attractive characteristics (though that is more evident later) and also seeing what the other characters see in her. It is also the episode where Rex Mottram features very heavily in the plot, where it is clear what Julia sees in him but even more so how he is perceived by especially Charles (that of intense dislike).
The acting as with the previous five parts and in the succeeding five too is exemplary. Although Diana Quick shows Julia's character progression very, very well, Claire Bloom is firm and quietly dignified and Jeremy Irons' appeal as the great actor he is (one of my favourites and one of the more interesting and watchable today despite inconsistent project choices) is more than evident in his breakthrough role, this is Charles Keating's episode. Never overdoing Rex's numerous far from attractive traits or looking like he couldn't be bothered, basically he brings to life what Waugh intended.
Once again, "Julia" is visually beautiful. A lot of thought clearly went into the period detail, captured beautifully by the photography that has not outdated a jot. The music doesn't have a questionable placement or sound inappropriate and Geoffrey Burgon's main theme music is a classic and has gotten more exposure on the radio recently for good reason.
Waugh's emotionally complex and eloquent prose is adapted with great affection without being rambling. The pace is leisurely but there is much going on, especially in the latter parts where the character writing for both Julia and Rex is notably meaty, that it never feels draggy.
In conclusion, sublime. 10/10
