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Original poster

Hmmm... They've cast Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

35 replies

Thurlow · 11/10/2013 12:04

If anyone has read this book or worships it as much as I do

An actor I don't know, Bertie Carvel, as Strange, who from his pictures I can see working. And Eddie Marsan as Norrell, which I'm less sure of - I love Eddie Marsan, he's an amazing actor, but I always pictured Norrell as looking Ian Holm....

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Original poster
Thurlow · 15/10/2013 20:27

Oooh, I've just checked mine and I think it might be a 1st edition too!

If the series is a hit, we could be onto a winner Wink

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Dunlurking · 15/10/2013 19:18

Thurlow I've got the original hard back first edition as well! Do you think it's worth anything now? Couldn't resist at the time, having read all the amazing reviews!

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Thurlow · 14/10/2013 14:13

I know what you mean (though I do think GOT is doing a good job).

I'm worried that if it's really good people will like the book and then if you say it is your favourite book, you look a bit bandwagon-y!

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Heartbrokenmum73 · 14/10/2013 14:03

Oh, how exciting! But also, how daunting.

I've just got the book out again to read very soon. Have only read it once and loved it so much I've left it a good six years in order to 'forget' it so I can read it as if for the first time again.

I'll be torn with the TV show now. I know it will ultimately disappoint me (Game of Thrones all over again) as they never, ever get it right with adaptations - the beauty of a book is that you see it how you want to see it. I hope I'm making some kind of sense...

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Thurlow · 14/10/2013 13:40

I can't imagine it either, but I'm trying to be positive about it. I know they'll probably have to scrap all the footnotes and backstory, and I wouldn't be surprised if they downgraded the Childermass/Vinculus story just to focus on Strange and Norrell, but if they can at least get the Strange-Norrell story right then I'll forgive them. And at least 6 parts is better than the 2 hour film that was apparently planned! All I'm hoping for is that they get the slightly odd, slightly whimsical humour right.

I read it when it was released in hardback what, ten years ago now? Sp Strange will always be David Tennant in my mind, because 10 years ago Tennant hadn't even done Doctor Who and he was young enough to be perfect for the role Grin

Did anyone see the BBC's Gormenghast years ago? They got that right, and that was an odd one understatement of the year.

Dunlurking, I don't think they're due to start filming until next month, so I'd guess it would be on next Christmas-ish?

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CoteDAzur · 11/10/2013 20:37

I can't imagine this book's beautiful prose possibly being reflected adequately on film. No doubt it will be a disappointment but I will of course watch it. I haven't heard of any of those actors, though.

DashingRedhead · 11/10/2013 19:47

I've asked for Ladies of a Grace Adieu for Xmas!

Dunlurking · 11/10/2013 19:43

Have you read The Ladies of Grace Adieu? Wonderful, and funnier I thought!

Any idea of when it's due to be screened?

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Thurlow · 11/10/2013 12:58

Yes - could be a lot worse. Googling Carvel I can really see him as Strange.

It's a BBC 6-parter, though I'm not sure if they are doing the whole book or something a little more 'inspired by'. I really hope they get it right, I want something a little bit weird and off kilter.

I will cry if they get it wrong, it's my favourite book ever Grin

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Dunlurking · 11/10/2013 12:33

Oooh very excited. I didn't even know there were plans for a film.

Bertie Carvel played Miss Trunchbull in Matilda the musical and got loads of amazing reviews. He was fab
I haven't seen him on screen though.

Ian Holm would have been good but Eddie Marsan fits OK for me.

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