Brideshead Revisited (2008)--2/5

The clear winner of the English castle-size cold war, Brideshead is as large as a small nation’s capitol. Since the first law of British movies (which I just made up) describes the direct relationship of house size to familial nuttiness, the Flytes who live here are something else. Charles Flyte (Ben Whishaw) is the ostracized gay son. Older brother Bridley hides behind an elitist, mannered façade. Lord Marchmain has fled to Venice with his mistress. Lady Marchmain (Emma Thompson), the root of everyone’s problems, is concerned only with pleasing God.

Daughter Julia may have some inner conflict. Sadly, Hayley Atwell is the least-interesting actor in the film. In “Cassandra’s Dream” and now “Brideshead Revisited,” she’s yet to prove herself as more than just a pretty face. Even worse, here she looks exactly like that vapid Camel Cigarettes spokes-illustration.

"Brideshead Revisited" is a handsome, if undistinguished, story about, um, revisiting Brideshead. Charles Ryder's (Matthew Goode) first glimpse of the "stately home" is brief and memorable. Subsequent returns are increasingly tragic.

Charles and Julia’s relationship is supposed to be the strongest thread among many. Due to the anti-chemistry between the leads and, possibly, the abridgement of Evelyn Waugh’s book, this is not the case. They seem to be interacting in a parody of a British drama. Since they’re the only straight characters of the same age, they have to be attracted to each other. There has to be some tragic circumstances to keep them apart. And they have to find each other later. Blah.

True, these are the elements of most films in the genre. In better attempts, the leads are somewhat appealing, excusing the clichés.

Hayley Atwell in "Brideshead Revisited"