'The Storyteller: Greek Myths' "Daedalus and Icarus" (1991)
Opening thoughts: 'Daedalus and Icarus' is one of the best known, especially for the ending. And it is given splendid, if surprisingly very dark, treatment here in 'The Storyteller: Greek Myths' version. Have always had a high opinion of Derek Jacobi, especially in Shakespeare, and "Daedalus and Icarus" does nothing to change my mind. Instead strengthening it in a performance that saw a different side to him and made me care about this titular character (not always an easy character to like). "Daedalus and Icarus" is perhaps the weakest of the four episodes, with the others having a little more emotional impact and being a little more interesting visually, but that it is that and still manages to be outstanding says a lot about the brilliance of this underrated series.
Good things: Everything. "Daedalus and Icarus" holds up very well visually. It is beautifully and atmospherically shot, especially at the end, and the set design fits the dark tone like a glove. The effects work, while not as striking or as memorable as in the next three episodes, never looks cheap and is not overused or abused and it never gets in the way of the storytelling. The music fits beautifully, with a haunting vibe and dark atmosphere while never being discordant.
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. Have never come across such a dark account of the story and it worked very well without being traumatising, and it was completely at home in the tone of the series itself (one that did tend to be quite dark). The ending is very moving, even for anybody who knows the myth very well and knows what is going to happen. It has always been an affecting ending and it is no different here.
Both titular characters are written faithfully and strongly, with heroism, intensity and relatability. He 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. Jacobi gives his absolute heart and soul into the lead role without overdoing it and he succeeds in making the character easy to connect with while not making him too perfect.
Concluding thoughts: Overall, outstanding.
10/10.
Opening thoughts: 'Daedalus and Icarus' is one of the best known, especially for the ending. And it is given splendid, if surprisingly very dark, treatment here in 'The Storyteller: Greek Myths' version. Have always had a high opinion of Derek Jacobi, especially in Shakespeare, and "Daedalus and Icarus" does nothing to change my mind. Instead strengthening it in a performance that saw a different side to him and made me care about this titular character (not always an easy character to like). "Daedalus and Icarus" is perhaps the weakest of the four episodes, with the others having a little more emotional impact and being a little more interesting visually, but that it is that and still manages to be outstanding says a lot about the brilliance of this underrated series.
Good things: Everything. "Daedalus and Icarus" holds up very well visually. It is beautifully and atmospherically shot, especially at the end, and the set design fits the dark tone like a glove. The effects work, while not as striking or as memorable as in the next three episodes, never looks cheap and is not overused or abused and it never gets in the way of the storytelling. The music fits beautifully, with a haunting vibe and dark atmosphere while never being discordant.
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. Have never come across such a dark account of the story and it worked very well without being traumatising, and it was completely at home in the tone of the series itself (one that did tend to be quite dark). The ending is very moving, even for anybody who knows the myth very well and knows what is going to happen. It has always been an affecting ending and it is no different here.
Both titular characters are written faithfully and strongly, with heroism, intensity and relatability. He 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. Jacobi gives his absolute heart and soul into the lead role without overdoing it and he succeeds in making the character easy to connect with while not making him too perfect.
Concluding thoughts: Overall, outstanding.
10/10.
