There are two Books about the film- one based on the original novel and is written by Ford Madox Ford. The other one by Tom Stoppard who create the movie with Benedict.
Is there anyone who could tell me,if the one,written by Stoppard based exactly on the film?

Stoppard's book consists of the original script (and yes, it does contain some deleted scenes, not many, though) plus a very intelligent and witty introduction.

Kerkerian wrote:

Wusel wrote:

I watched it within 2 days.
I love and admire him for his performance- that he can play so many different characters, giving everyone something specific. He plays the "non-emotional  Tietjen as good as well- for me he is an excellent actor. How he fits this charakter in the whole historical backround with the disturbances of the first world.

Same here! I was surprised, however, about the amount of humour in the episodes, there were so many scenes which had me in stitches, I hadn't expected that at all!
And one can't but feel for Chrissie and all the emotional turmoil he's unable to deal with. He's a very interesting, complicated character and Benedict managed to bring out his nuances brilliantly.

Even though I was reluctant to watch Parade's End at first, I found myself wanting more after finishing the last episode.

I felt the same way, both about the humour and wanting more at the end.   I really would've loved to see a small scene of domestic bliss with Chrissie and Val.  A happily ever after sort of thing.

They've been marathoning it on HBO today.  I"m just not emotionally able to watch it again at this time.  

The book is fantastic, especially the first volume, an absolute masterpiece. the 2nd and 3rd one are non quite as good, but still a compelling read, the 4th one... well, let's not talk about it, lol.

And Benedict got to work with his Daddy..

BreathingIsBoring wrote:

Oh God, I just watched them all at once, and I have so many feelings that I have absolutely no words. I'm crying with a smile on my face. Good God. I need something to help me calm down. 

I loved that they pulled me into Chrissy's emotions to the point where they were nearly my own. 

And I did do that thing where I shouted 'You B*TCH' at my computer at a particularly awful Sylvia moment. Thank goodness no one was home! 

And Roger Allam was in it, too! :D Cabin Pressure reunion!

I had the exact same reaction to binge watching it for the first time. 
 

I know this is a double post (and I do apologise for it if there are rules against this sort of thing here) but I just had to add that I have already watched and re-watched his performance in this series a dozen times. 

Just utterly remarkable!  I think this may almost rival my love of Sherlock actually.  His acting in Parade's End is indescribably good.  The last two episodes of this programme grip you by the heart and never let go and he does this without histrionics.  Honestly, I have actually fallen asleep at night happily rewinding in my mind the emotion on his face as he closes his eyes and takes himself back to the quiet (but intense) pleasure of merely sitting on a hillside with Valentine's hand on his arm.  It was so deeply moving and profound. 

And of course the final scenes with him dancing with Valentine when he finally is able to break out of his crust of Vitorian stoicism and reveal his big beating passionate heart with a simple, genuine smile.  These are the moments that I live to see on the screen.

But then I start thinking about all the other wonderful scenes that I haven't mentioned and I find myself sad for leaving them out of this post.  There are so many gems in the jewel box of Parade's End that there is an embarrassment of riches to choose from.

I do apologise for going on (since most of you on this board have long viewed this masterpiece and sung its praises a while back) but for me seeing this for the first time in the last few days has been an overwhelming experience - like putting my eye up to a telescope and having the wonders of the universe truly reveal itself for the first time.

-Val

 

I finished watching Parade's End today, so that's another one off my Benedict Bucket List 
I loved it. And despite Christopher being a bit of a lumpish fool, I loved him too. Rebecca Hall was gorgeous and perfectly devilish as Sylvia. The rest of the cast were brilliant. The scenery, the sets and costumes, stunning. I really want to read the books and watch this series again and again.

One thing though: I know it's his fatal flaw or whatever the literary term is, but the catalyst for the whole story is Christopher's indiscretion with Sylvia on the train. It seems so much out of character that he would do such a thing in the first place. I guess I really must read the book to get the internal dialogue, and a deeper understanding of the characters.

I loved the scenes when we got to see tenderness and emotion from Christopher. And kind of following from that thought... I did think the boy Michael was his son, though that belief is based on the casting of a child with golden hair, not sure if the novel offers any hint either way.

SusiGo wrote:

I hope this is not a spoiler but since you mention the sex on the train as the catalyst - it is not in the book. If I remember correctly, the only reason why they are not sure regarding the paternity of the child is that the affair with Drake and the marriage with Christopher happen in quick succession. I think Stoppard was looking for a way to make this ambiguity plausible and chose to include the train scene. 
 

Well, it is not exact: there is no train scene in the book, but it is said that Christopher had sex with Sylvia before the marriage and he feels he has been "punished" for this. It's only mentioned in one of his inner trains of thoughts, so it is rather easy to miss it.

Well, we enjoyed deeply discussing book and film once, it would be nice to bring the discussion back to life!