Brideshead Revisited (1981) Directed by Derek Granger (Based on the novel by Evelyn Waugh)
Brideshead inspired me to travel after university. It also prompted me to ride a high fronted bicycle with a basket and follow the creatively spurred life of Charles Rider.
Less whimsically, the story also made me consider the effect that faith has on my life.
The series was originally broadcast in 1981 by Granada Television and in 2000, was ranked 10th in the greatest British television programs ever screened in 2000. The story begins in the spring of 1944. Charles is a World War II officer and by chance his troops are stationed by a familiar country mansion- Brideshead.
The mansion sparks a torrent of memories from Charles’ university years and the story unfolds from his first meeting with Sebastian Flyte, son of the wealthy family residing at Brideshead who carries a teddy bear named Aloysius, at Oxford University. The rest of the story is told chronologically from 1922 showing their gorgeously decadent student lifestyle and summertime at Brideshead.
The setting is thoroughly British with picnics, rowing boats and classic 1920s fashion. But just as you settle into the jovial lifestyle of the upper class, underlying issues within the Brideshead family arise. Catholicism and religion are powerful themes in the show. Charles, being the only atheist, stirs debates about faith.
Throughout the middle of the series, family secrets are unveiled, friends become estranged and both Charles and Sebastian travel abroad separately. Sebastian’s sister Julia marries a Canadian entrepreneur because of societal pressures, but falls in love with Charles when he returns. Despite their romance being the light at end of a tunnel in a miserable part of both their lives, it is tainted by Catholic guilt. As faith and happiness rivals religion and righteousness, the relationship becomes turbulent. Some members of the family see faith as the strength that guides them though hard times; for others it is the cause of their distress. This dichotomy creates interesting twists in the tale and ensures that nothing is as easy as it first seems.
