Movie spotlight
Peer Gynt
Based on the dramatic poem of the same name by Henrik Ibsen. Music by Edvard Grieg. The poem takes place in the first half of the 19th century and is set in Norway, on the Moroccan coast of the Mediterranean, in the Sahara Desert, and in a madhouse in Cairo. The main character is Peer Gynt, the son of Jon Gynt, who was once wealthy and respected, but later became an alcoholic and lost all his money.
Insights
Plot Summary
A TV adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's epic dramatic poem, the story follows Peer Gynt, a young Norwegian peasant known for his lies and boasts. He embarks on a fantastical journey, escaping his mundane life through wild fantasies and encounters with mythical beings. His self-centered and often amoral quest takes him across continents and through various historical periods, exploring themes of identity, reality versus illusion, and the consequences of a life unexamined.
Critical Reception
This television adaptation of Ibsen's classic work received critical attention for its ambitious scope and Per Oscarsson's central performance. It was noted for its visual interpretation of the fantastical elements inherent in the source material, though some found the pacing challenging for a visual medium. Overall, it's regarded as a significant, albeit less widely seen, interpretation of a literary masterpiece.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its faithful adaptation of Ibsen's complex narrative.
Per Oscarsson's performance as Peer Gynt is often highlighted as a standout element.
The film's visual realization of Peer's dreamlike journey was noted.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this 1968 television adaptation is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The original play 'Peer Gynt' by Henrik Ibsen was published in 1867 and is one of Norway's most important literary works, often performed on stage and adapted for film and television.
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