musings about the actor and the characters he brings to life
Henry VIII is a monster, but he’s our monster. We’re perversely proud of Henry. -Hilary Mantel
Now tell me… what are the odds your all-time favorite actor plays your all-time favorite historical monster in a mini-series based on your all-time favorite book?
I know! 🙂
In celebration of Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light arriving finally on BBC, I would love to share my own very personal Wolf Hall journey with you. ENJOY!
Continue reading “10 Years of Wolf Hall: A Personal Journey”
“The King never does an unpleasant thing. Lord Cromwell does it for him.” — Queen Jane
Episode 2 Obedience opens with a refresher from the first series reminding us of Cardinal Wolsey’s fall. When Wolsey is forced to go to Yorkshire, Cromwell, Wolsey’s most trusted man, chooses to stay in London. Here is my detailed review of Wolf Hall Episode 2: Entirely Beloved focusing on Cromwell working his ass of to get under Henry’s skin. There are rumors about him that he is now serving himself, not the Cardinal; but Cromwell’s ultimate goal is to become the King’s most trusted servant and persuade him to have Wolsey reinstated as the Lord Chancellor. Continue reading “Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light – Episode 2 Obedience”
“So, good Privy Seal, as you love me and love my service, you will bring this matter to a conclusion.”
– Henry VIII
I have said it before and will say it again. Wolf Hall is the best thing that has happened to TV. It is a slow-cooking, dark, witty political drama with a contemporary feel. Peter Straughan’s script is wonderfully condensed, with most of the conversation coming directly from Mantel’s pen. Hearing some of the best lines I have ever read spoken by the characters is delightful. Peter Kosminsky’s directing is flawless. Every shot feels like a painting. And while some characters needed to be recast, the continuity is beyond impressive that you don’t feel the nine-year interval between the two productions. Mark Rylance is as nuanced as ever as Thomas Cromwell, and Damian Lewis is quietly terrifying as Henry VIII. And while the two leads are electric together, the entire cast gives a masterclass in acting. So yes, the long wait is entirely worth it. Now, let’s get to it. Continue reading “Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light – Episode 1 Wreckage”
“Your Majesty is the only prince. The mirror and the light of other kings.”
Henry repeats the phrase as if cherishing it: the mirror and the light. (Excerpt from The Mirror and The Light)
The long wait is over, well, almost… Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light is coming to BBC on November 10, 2024, and PBS on March 23, 2025. The episodes will drop weekly. I can’t wait to do weekly recaps!
And, ladies and gentlemen, here is the official trailer: Continue reading “What to Expect When We Are Expecting “Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light” *UPDATED*”
“Your Majesty is the only prince. The mirror and the light of other kings.”
Henry repeats the phrase as if cherishing it: the mirror and the light. (Excerpt from The Mirror and The Light)
UPDATE October 30, 2024: The long wait is over, well almost… Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light is coming to BBC at on November 10, 2024 and PBS on March 23, 2025. The episodes will drop weekly.
And, ladies and gentlemen, here is the official trailer: Continue reading “What to Expect When We Are Expecting “Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light””