23 reviews
Honor-10, Bean-0
A Worthy Attempt
A ninny or a saint?
Excellent!
- rubyslipper
- Jan 14, 2005
- Permalink
Classic BBC Drama
I am not a regular watcher of Masterpiece Theatre, but I saw this a long time ago and have not been able to get it out of my head. Sean Bean is INCREDIBLY wicked as Lovelace, the man that practically destroys the title character.
Clarissa (Saskia Wickham)is a young woman in the 18th century. Her parents are forcing her into a marriage, and are clearly doing it for the money (She received an inheritance from her late grandfather). She ends up running away from her home and into the devious arms of Lovelace (Sean Bean), who basically wants to sleep with her. Her steadfast refusal starts a chain of events that turn incredibly ugly.
Sean Bean is such a scene stealer that he should had gotten flogged for his performance. He is loathsome and seductive at the same time. So much so that you can't help but fall in love with him.
Clarissa (Saskia Wickham)is a young woman in the 18th century. Her parents are forcing her into a marriage, and are clearly doing it for the money (She received an inheritance from her late grandfather). She ends up running away from her home and into the devious arms of Lovelace (Sean Bean), who basically wants to sleep with her. Her steadfast refusal starts a chain of events that turn incredibly ugly.
Sean Bean is such a scene stealer that he should had gotten flogged for his performance. He is loathsome and seductive at the same time. So much so that you can't help but fall in love with him.
- domino1003
- Mar 29, 2003
- Permalink
Burning Passion & Betrayal
Chilling
One of the most nightmarish stories ever to appear on "Masterpiece Theater". Its like a paranoid fantasy of Evil obsessed with the relentless pursuit of the destruction of Good. Amazing acting, period costumes, and sets. I don't think that I could take seeing it again.
Awful story
- markdchristiansen
- Jul 22, 2008
- Permalink
A haunting period drama
I watched the entire series in one sitting and loved it so much that I plan on reading the novel. This was an excellent period drama with all the trimmings, an unforgettable story about the conflict between a virtuous young woman trying to avoid being forced into an awful marriage and the libertine who becomes unhealthily obsessed with her and the idea of testing her purity.
When reading a summary of the story, very little seems to happen, but the characters are so fascinating and their psychology so complex that one becomes engrossed. The heroine, whom many have criticized as being an annoying goody two-shoes, is made relate-able through the three-dimensional performance of Saskia Wickham. She's an amazing character, more than the simpering ingenue people make her out to be. Though she is pious and naive, she's also a woman who refuses to be put under anyone's control, not her family's and not Lovelace's. Lovelace is brought alive by Sean Bean, who was made for the part, channeling the character's charisma and cruelty. He totally sells the character's twisted affection/obsession for Clarissa.
The entire production is well acted, scored, and directed. An ideal period piece, highly recommended. I would definitely see it again.
When reading a summary of the story, very little seems to happen, but the characters are so fascinating and their psychology so complex that one becomes engrossed. The heroine, whom many have criticized as being an annoying goody two-shoes, is made relate-able through the three-dimensional performance of Saskia Wickham. She's an amazing character, more than the simpering ingenue people make her out to be. Though she is pious and naive, she's also a woman who refuses to be put under anyone's control, not her family's and not Lovelace's. Lovelace is brought alive by Sean Bean, who was made for the part, channeling the character's charisma and cruelty. He totally sells the character's twisted affection/obsession for Clarissa.
The entire production is well acted, scored, and directed. An ideal period piece, highly recommended. I would definitely see it again.
- MissSimonetta
- Oct 15, 2013
- Permalink
This mini series broke my heart!
- writetobunkin
- Oct 16, 2019
- Permalink
Loved it!
I've not always been a big fan of period pieces, but I found this production to be riveting throughout. The performances of the actors were excellent, Saskia Wickam appeared to be a seasoned pro and I was so impressed to find this was her first major role. Sean Bean's portrayal of Lovelace was terrific - his presence on screen was amazing. His charisma was stunning, despite the wigs and ornate costumes, which I thought would be distracting. They were not at all. I would highly recommend this production to anyone - it's such a shame that it is so difficult to find. Hopefully it will be made available to American audiences again in the very near future. I'd love to see the entire four hour production originally shown on the BBC.
period drama at its best
I was lucky to see this both as the 190 minute version from Britain and the version taped off of PBS's Masterpiece Theater which is quite a bit shorter, being condensed into three episodes instead of four. Both were grainy copies, but the production values still came through. I have heard that the BBC has no plans to make this available on video or DVD. That is a shame. It really deserves more exposure.
Clarissa has great sets, great costumes and truly wonderful acting. There have been some complaints about the adaptation, but I felt the screen writers did a fine job taking one of the longest novels in the English language, written as a collection of letters, and condensing the story to a four episode mini-series. They even managed to maintain a good deal of the original structure by having the characters exchange many, many letters.
This production is full of characters I just loved to loathe, from Clarissa's greedy, amoral family to the companions Lovelace makes when he is out slumming. As for the two main characters, I never thought I'd be cheering on the rapist, but Clarissa's self righteous martyr act was more than even I could bear. At least Lovelace for all his deceit and manipulations had some awareness of his own faults.
A friend and I had a lively discussion afterwards trying to picture what a marriage between Clarissa and Lovelace might have looked like. Acts as simple as how to serve the eggs for breakfast and what color to paint the drawing room would surely have become massive wars of wills. We concluded that perhaps this story had a happy ending after all.
Clarissa has great sets, great costumes and truly wonderful acting. There have been some complaints about the adaptation, but I felt the screen writers did a fine job taking one of the longest novels in the English language, written as a collection of letters, and condensing the story to a four episode mini-series. They even managed to maintain a good deal of the original structure by having the characters exchange many, many letters.
This production is full of characters I just loved to loathe, from Clarissa's greedy, amoral family to the companions Lovelace makes when he is out slumming. As for the two main characters, I never thought I'd be cheering on the rapist, but Clarissa's self righteous martyr act was more than even I could bear. At least Lovelace for all his deceit and manipulations had some awareness of his own faults.
A friend and I had a lively discussion afterwards trying to picture what a marriage between Clarissa and Lovelace might have looked like. Acts as simple as how to serve the eggs for breakfast and what color to paint the drawing room would surely have become massive wars of wills. We concluded that perhaps this story had a happy ending after all.
Clarissa-great movie=where to buy it?
i loved this movie from the first time i viewed it on masterpiece theater. i have watched it repeatedly from a friends old video taped copy of the film over and over w/comments from Mr.Cooke. it's now well over 10 years and the VCR copy just isn't doing so swell. it seems that there is nowhere in this country to obtain a copy of Clarissa on DVD-formatted for this region. i have seen several complaints about this very thing on the web. i think we should all ban together and make someone cough this DVD up! it's long overdue. the film is beautiful-rich in the costumed pageantry of the time. it's the same thing that made me love the film dangerous liaisons so well(the version with john malkovich and Glenn close of course)! the story line zips you through the movie captivated. letting you forget how long it really is. of course let us not forget that Sean bean plays the most scrumptious lover/villain-as only he can!! at any rate i would highly recommend this film for anyone who loves great film making, period pieces, and crafted storytelling because it's all here.
Wonderful adaptation: a must-see
- spambouk1000
- Nov 4, 2006
- Permalink
Many TV series have faded but not so Clarissa. We yearn to see it once more and yet again and again.
customs, wigs and Sean Bean
- eliza_gaskell
- Jan 10, 2011
- Permalink
Quite a surprise!
A truly excellent costume drama. Fine acting and a very well constructed plot with for me, a truly unexpected ending. The scenes of London appear mostly to be in the Middle Temple where the buildings ring true to the period. I thought that the wigs and actors costumes were the best I have seen as were the sword fights. The main actress fitted the part beautifully.
- peterg-pg-199-910996
- Sep 20, 2021
- Permalink
One of Masterpiece Theater's finest.
I have inquired, called, sent letters to PBS asking for this fine film. I hope in the future it will eventually be available in both video and DVD format. This series had me spell bound for three weeks. I truly hope when one may finally be able purchase it, it will have the introductory dialogue of Alistair Cooke. Someday I hope to have this film next to Pride and Prejudice.
- craftonviv
- Jul 19, 2001
- Permalink
Engrossing Drama
Clarissa's family is trying to force her to marry Mr. Solmes, a man she's not in love with - in fact, she doesn't even like him a little bit. Mr. Lovelace, a libertine, begins pursuing Clarissa's sister but sees Clarissa and decides to go for her. Mr. Lovelace begins chasing after the pious Clarissa and his fun and games with her becomes a very seriously twisted.
I cannot say more than that about the film because I prefer not to give away spoilers. If you like Romantic Dramas and Period Pieces I highly recommended this film for viewing!
9/10
I cannot say more than that about the film because I prefer not to give away spoilers. If you like Romantic Dramas and Period Pieces I highly recommended this film for viewing!
9/10
- Rainey-Dawn
- Sep 5, 2018
- Permalink
I loved this!
I was fortunate enough to tape this from BBC America (albeit it was edited for some of the more mature content). I loved the entire series, and I purchased the book afterwards. It's excellent. The costumes, acting and locations are all wonderful. I too wish I could get this on video cassette. Believe me, I have searched everywhere! I even asked a friend who lives in London to try and find a copy for me, but to no avail.
Excellent!.
"Clarissa" is the best BBC Film I have ever seen and I have seen many. My favourite before "Clarissa" was of course "Pride and Prejudice". "Our Mutual Friend" was also good, The casting and costumes were matched only by the story line and settings. I am sold on Saskia Wickham. I believe this was her first role. She must be very proud of her achievement. Fine work. Aussie-6.
Finally released on DVD (in UK)!!!
This fabulously intense British costume drama has, at long last, been released on DVD (it was never available on video), though only in the UK for now. Odyssey Video released it in mid-May, and it can be ordered through amazon.com.uk. No word yet on a U.S. release.
- david_foss
- May 26, 2003
- Permalink
I LOVED IT. Best series I've seen, story, acting, costumes etc
I saw "Clarissa" twice when it was shown on TV. I was so impressed that I got the book from the library and read it. It is huge. The series kept to the book very well. The way and place and by who of Lovelace's death was different. But he died with those repentive words "Let this expiate". The death seen of Clarissa in the jail cell and her wonderful letter of forgiveness to Lovelace is unforgettable. He could have had it all and trappled her purity underfoot and lost everything. My self and children have been fans of Sean Bean since and seen most of his films. I loved the music of the series. The characters were perfectly cast, everything about it was what made this still to my way of thinking the best series in the last ten years. SO PLEASE WHY CAN WE NOT BUY THE VIDEO? WILL IT BECOME AVAILABLE LATER? AND WILL YOU PLEASE SHOW IT ON TV AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN?