Product: Beau Brummell - This Charming Man (2006)
Rating: 4.0
Enchanting Silhouette of a Historical Figure
As I write, this movie is available on Amazon Streaming, free for Prime Members. I enjoy period dramas and also like historical tidbits. After viewing the movie, which is very well done although it does, as some reviewers infer, concentrate on Brummel's personal failings as well as his fall from royal grace, I cannot help but wonder at the insinuation that the friendship with Lord Byron truly did Brummel in. James Purefoy seemed extremely well suited to the role of Brummel and brought a lot of character not just to Brummel's seductive nature but his weakness as well. My one problem is with the actor chosen for Lord Byron. Lord Byron was far more handsome, more dazzling, more magnetic than the actor who portrays him here, alas. The result is that the viewer tends to tense up, wishing Brummel not fall for a person who is clearly not played well. The message is not effective due to the casting mistake. On the other hand, the butler/cook/better half to Brummel is nobly rendered by Philip Davis, a marvelous actor. Hugh Bonneville is of course a most adept player.