Easter Sunday yesterday marked the end of the six weeks of Lent. During that time I was basically off-line and focusing on spiritual work. But I also took a chance to rewatch the 1967 film Far From the Madding Crowd which I first saw at its debut when I was twenty. I remembered very little from that time except finding Alan Bates very attractive. I had no memory of the “old” suitor competing for the heroine’s hand.
In a marked departure from my first experience of the film, I watched it on-line. The original screened in an huge Boston movie house, taking full advantage of the panoramic scenes of farm and moors. On my device they lacked real impact. But the biggest shock was my focus on Peter Finch. At that time Finch seemed to me to be very very old and unworthy of Bathsheba’s attentions.
Time does wonders! I truly appreciated Finch’s anguish over his unrequited love. I was constantly annoyed by Julie Christie’s half-hearted acting. Even Bates had lost some of his appeal. It’s still a great film with excellent casting of extras who look as if they came straight out of the 19th century. The farm and dwelling scenes faithfully recreate copies of their originals.
My granddaughter has directed me to the 2015 remake. I asked her if it had a musical intermission. Startled by the question, she asked me what I meant. When I explained that the long movie had a built in break she allowed it was a good idea. Much better, she said, than having to rush out mid film. 32 ounce Cokes and long movies could still use an intentional pause.
Saved By Words 
I also saw that on the big screen, and having read the book years earlier, I loved the adaptation. Julie was cast for her 1960s model-looks rather than her acting, but I thought everyone else completely captured the period feel, and Terence Stamp was perfect in his role.
I have watched it since on my 40-inch LED TV, and agree that it loses too much in that format.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I read the book long back, but I don’t remember anything about it except the name 🙂 I was taking part in March Slice of Life challenge. We have to post everyday and read posts of other slicers. So could not read blogs by you and others for nearly a month.
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There are several books I read in English lit class that I don’t remember anything about except the title. Often when I read some of the books later I actually enjoyed them. Must be something about having it assigned that activated my “skim” reflex.
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Tee hee! Time does wonders, indeed!!
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I agree, Elizabeth. There are some movies I watched when I was 16. I was completely taken in then by the visuals and hero’s looks to notice shoddy acting. And when I watched them again at 36, I wondered how I could like ever it 😀
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I had a similar experience with The Flintstones. I just plain LOVED the show when I was a child. Then I watched it as an adult and was horrified by the casual sexism and racism that had gone right over my head when I was a kid. Yikes.
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I enjoyed your perception of the film then and now. Age does wonders!
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