'The Storyteller: Greek Myths' "Orpheus and Eurydice" (1991)
Opening thoughts: 'Orpheus and Eurydice' is probably the least well known of the four myths adapted, but it is a beautiful and inspiring one. Moving and inspiring sum up 'The Storyteller: Greek Myths' adaptation to a tee and proof that the story lends itself well to a half hour television episode. It is a great interpretation of the story and is an outstanding episode for 'The Storyteller: Greek Myths' (and pretty much anything for that matter) in its own way. Notable particularly for the music score and Hades, it is also the most emotional episode of the series. So really a must, and actually a good place to start getting into 'The Storyteller: Greek Myths'.
Good things: Everything."Orpheus and Eurydice" first and foremost looks great. It is beautifully and atmospherically shot, especially at the end, and the set design also has a lot of ethereal atmosphere. The foreboding one for the underworld stands out in particular. The effects work, never look cheap and are not overused or abused, also never gets in the way of the storytelling. Nobody is going to forget those for Hades for some time. This episode is the one with the series' best music score, one of my favourite things of the whole series, rousing in the more joyful parts and hauntingly gorgeous in the more mournful ones. This is the component that contributed most heavily towards the emotional impact of the ending.
Which is extremely powerful here, no other scene from 'The Storyteller: Greek Myths' made me cry this much even when knowing it was coming. Furthermore, the writing never came over as awkward or cheesy and is always intriguing and thought provoking. The storytelling is also spot on and truly arresting, it is the least dark of the four episodes but that is not a bad thing as the original myth is also the least dark of the four adapted. As aforementioned, the ending really stands out and is the clear dramatic highlight.
Both titular characters are written faithfully and strongly, with heroism, intensity and relatability. Hades is suitably sinister too. The acting is without issue, Gambon may not have the "embodying the role" quality that John Hurt had in 'The Storyteller' but he has the right amount of charm, wisdom and twinkle in the eye. Brian Henson has great comic timing. Art Malik is strong as the lead and is very well supported by Gina Bellman's affecting Eurydice and even more so Robert Stephens' (getting the acting honours) terrifying Hades.
Closing thoughts: Overall, outstanding.
10/10.
Opening thoughts: 'Orpheus and Eurydice' is probably the least well known of the four myths adapted, but it is a beautiful and inspiring one. Moving and inspiring sum up 'The Storyteller: Greek Myths' adaptation to a tee and proof that the story lends itself well to a half hour television episode. It is a great interpretation of the story and is an outstanding episode for 'The Storyteller: Greek Myths' (and pretty much anything for that matter) in its own way. Notable particularly for the music score and Hades, it is also the most emotional episode of the series. So really a must, and actually a good place to start getting into 'The Storyteller: Greek Myths'.
Good things: Everything."Orpheus and Eurydice" first and foremost looks great. It is beautifully and atmospherically shot, especially at the end, and the set design also has a lot of ethereal atmosphere. The foreboding one for the underworld stands out in particular. The effects work, never look cheap and are not overused or abused, also never gets in the way of the storytelling. Nobody is going to forget those for Hades for some time. This episode is the one with the series' best music score, one of my favourite things of the whole series, rousing in the more joyful parts and hauntingly gorgeous in the more mournful ones. This is the component that contributed most heavily towards the emotional impact of the ending.
Which is extremely powerful here, no other scene from 'The Storyteller: Greek Myths' made me cry this much even when knowing it was coming. Furthermore, the writing never came over as awkward or cheesy and is always intriguing and thought provoking. The storytelling is also spot on and truly arresting, it is the least dark of the four episodes but that is not a bad thing as the original myth is also the least dark of the four adapted. As aforementioned, the ending really stands out and is the clear dramatic highlight.
Both titular characters are written faithfully and strongly, with heroism, intensity and relatability. Hades is suitably sinister too. The acting is without issue, Gambon may not have the "embodying the role" quality that John Hurt had in 'The Storyteller' but he has the right amount of charm, wisdom and twinkle in the eye. Brian Henson has great comic timing. Art Malik is strong as the lead and is very well supported by Gina Bellman's affecting Eurydice and even more so Robert Stephens' (getting the acting honours) terrifying Hades.
Closing thoughts: Overall, outstanding.
10/10.