Anyone watching A Gentleman In Moscow?

[SirChenjins]

I’ve just watched the first episode and I’m not convinced. Ewan Macgregor doesn’t bring Rostov to life imo - he lacks the intellect, charisma and bearing - and Nina seems to be played by a child straight from stage school with none of the charm and introspection she has in the book.

I’ve not seen it but I’m really disappointed with the casting of Ewen McGregor. Ralph Fiennes would have been perfect.

I agree - Ralph Fiennes would have been perfectly cast. EM plays it with that slightly cheeky chappy persona he’s so good at, but he’s not Rostov. I’m actually quite annoyed as I loved the book, but hopefully it’ll improve.

I watched it tonight and thoroughly enjoyed it. I haven't read the book yet though so cannot tell if McGregor if he's a good Rostov.

Ugh. Not a fan of EMc at all but loved this book

@ramonaquimby have you started watching the series?

@SammyScrounge it would be interesting to see what you think once you read the book.

Rolling Stone and Tge Guardian both gave it great reviews so perhaps I’m letting my dislike of EM influence my opinion.

Don’t have paramount +, is there any other way to watch in UK?

Oh I love this book and just got a paramount free pass, I hope it's good

This is one of my absolute favourite books.
Really looking forward to watching.

I don’t think so, sadly

@SirChenjins I will moving it to the top of the reading pile and prepare for discussion!

Loved the first episode, I'm another one that hasn't read the book so no expectations

I signed up to Paramount + especially for this, like PPs I loved the book.
The hotel was just how I imagined it in my mind’s eye when reading the book. I don’t EM is that bad and I can’t wait for the next episode.

I'm lucky enough to have stayed at the Metropol and it is glorious!

I was just waiting for Kevin to start shouting "Amanda, Amanda"
For all you Motherland fans out there.
Sorry

So the Metropol in Moscow is an actual hotel, I wasn't to sure if it was real or not

Me too! I found it hard to take his character seriously which is a shame because he’s a great actor…but he’s Kevin forever now 😂

I love the book and immediately cast Ralph Fiennes. Ewan is decent enough but hasn't the range or subtlety IMHO.

I’m halfway through the second episode and still not loving it - it just doesn’t have the depth and grandeur of the book. I also can’t remember so many black people in the book which I know is controversial territory but the casting just isn’t ringing true.

EXCELLENT suggestion! I haven't tried watching it – am sceptical because I read the book recently and I just don't think Ewan is urbane enough.
I'd thought John Malkovitch initially but (not to be ungallant) he's probably too old now. Ralph F is a great idea.

RF would be amazing, but perhaps too similar to his previous role in Budapest?

Well, he was excellent in Budapest, so personally I wouldn't mind...
I think in this he'd have to play it a bit less whimsical and more ironic.