phillipbrowning
I will keep this brief for the sake of anyone coming upon this classic gem of a mystery for the first time. Completely disregard any review of this mini-series that's been rated lower than a 4. The people giving it super low ratings will bang on about it being an unworthy adaption or that the spirit of Willie Collins is completely lost on the writers and directors of this series.
Ok I lied, not so brief of a review... but anyways these sour puss pretentious wanna be thespian mentioned above are people that have their minds made up before watching any literary classic adapted for the small screen. To them the book is always better no matter what. But guess what no duh... the books always better but that doesn't mean adapting a classic is a crime. I read the book. And having such I can tell you the makers of this show did a good job. The characters and sets were on point and the mystery delivered. I couldn't ask for more in an adaptation, much better than "the moonstone" another recently adapted Willie Collins story brought to the small screen. Sorry for the rant but I hate snobs. Watch and decide for yourself. The acting was great.
martinoconnell
The Woman in White was very entertaining and having read the book I was prepared to be either amazed or disappointed. It was the former. I had only seen one previous adaptation from 1982 but this one was every bit as good. Fosco was coprulent in the novel but in this adaptation they slimmed him down. That aside, it kept very much to the book and yes some things were tweaked here and there, it was still something that I would recommend. 5 episodes was enough. All in all, a brilliant effort and well done to all.
ianlouisiana
Mr Collins' Victorian Gothic Novel is given the same respect afforded to "Bleak House" in 2005 which itself was an essay on middle - class manners , morals and hypocrisy.
It is apparent that our national broadcaster is still able to pull out a plum just at the time our admiration for it might have been slightly declining due to a number of sub - standard offerings of late.
"The woman in white" has all the hallmarks of classic costume drama.
It is carefully cast,mixing the familiar faces with the rather less so.
An atmosphere of slight menace prevails even in the lightest moments,the beautiful house and its grounds,the beach,even the sea seem to contain some unspecified threat.
The interior lighting conceals more than it reveals.Mr C.Dance's study is a fine example of hidden mystery.
All the performances are spot on,but I might single out mesdames Buckley and Scanlan in particular for bringing more to their characters that even,fine actors that they are,might have been expected.
Does "The woman in white" signal a return to form for BBC Drama?
I hope so,but form is temporary - class is permanent.
Paul Evans
BBC I applaud you for having the courage to produce and put out something that can hardly be classed as mainstream. Wilkie Collins classic tale is known by many, how good though that this masterpiece of storytelling will be given to a brand new audience. The production team have done a fabulous job in creating the creepy, gothic, almost sinister atmosphere. I'm struck by the closeness to the text, although I'm sure in the current climate, with constant reinterpretations and changes that there'll be some tampering, however, the core story is delivered. Very well acted with all performing well, Dougray Scott and Jessie Buckley both showing their natural presence. Superb production values, great costumes etc. I enjoyed it, I'm so glad the BBC still has the confidence to produce something like this for a prime time Sunday slot. Dear BBC I really enjoyed it, and I'm glad you updated it, but please remember there are plenty of other works that could do with a re-telling, Frances Durbridge's Melissa would be a great one, and a little different.Enjoyed. 8/10
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