Of Three Choices...The Wrong Choice.

Rating: 6/10 (9 January 2012)

If one wants to delve into the story here you have three choices: 1.)the book, 2.)Watch the '79 serial (DVD), or 3.) the 2011 movie. I picked the later and that choice must be the wrong one. The book is lauded, the British serial revered, but the movie is as flat as a flitter (had to use this cliché' because growing up I heard my mom use it liberally, however, I have no idea what constitutes a "flitter").
Apparently, the director has the skills, a respected cast, good writers, but the condensing of it all to a manageable two hours presented too much of an insurmountable task for it all to properly "gel". I've read many mention the slow pace with many visual references and other nods to be excellent, I found it, largely, boring. Granted the cinematography is inspired in its goal of becoming another actor in the story, but the story just drags. Worse, it telegraphs much of itself yet manages to be confusing. I really do not fault the acting so much as the lack of it being allowed to really bring the characters and their story to life.
The story comes through enough one believes he should either read the book or seek out the made for TV mini-series. This movie just isn't the best place to start unfortunately.