Movie spotlight
Decline and Fall
After we've seen war-footage come raining upon us at ferocious speed, the image suddenly shifts into an desolated bar, showing the same footage on an bar-TV, whilst an bartender unknowingly cleans beer-glasses. Charlie, the films protagonist, is then seen driving his car towards this particular bar. The sun is breaking while Charlie parks outside Dick Turpin's pub. After sitting down and ordering a beer, Charlie starts recounting his steps before arriving at the pub.
Insights
Plot Summary
Paul Pennyfeather, a young Oxford divinity student, is sent down from university and finds himself working at a boys' preparatory school. There, he becomes entangled in the affairs of the wealthy and eccentric Bollinger family, particularly the alluring Margot. His life spirals into a series of misadventures and moral compromises as he navigates the peculiar social landscape of 1920s England.
Critical Reception
The 2009 television adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's satirical novel 'Decline and Fall' received generally positive reviews, with critics often praising its faithful adaptation of the source material and its strong performances. Some noted its lighter tone compared to other Waugh adaptations, while others found it a charming and witty portrayal of the novel's absurdities.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its witty dialogue and faithful adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's satire.
Jack Davenport's performance as Paul Pennyfeather was frequently highlighted.
Some viewers found the tone a bit too light for the novel's darker undertones.
Google audience: Audience reception for this specific adaptation is not readily available through Google user reviews.
Fun Fact
This adaptation was part of a BBC series that aimed to bring classic British literature to a modern audience.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources