Mini reviews of Television seasons old and new. No fuss. No spoilers. Occasional bunnies.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Tipping the Velvet (2002)

I'd not heard the expression 'tipping the velvet' before watching, but you have to admit it sounds sexy, which ordinarily would make it unsuitable for the BBC, who've carved out a snug little niche for themselves over the years with safe, well-trodden period dramas that placate their target audience. Kudos to them for taking a chance on something so daring.

It's a 19th Century coming of age drama based on the novel by Sarah Waters. It tells the story of Nancy Astley (played by Rachael Stirling). Nancy is from a typical working-class family and, unlike her older sister, she doesn't want to wed a local male suitor. Not because they're beneath her, but because Nancy is drawn more to her own sex. Her passion sees her dragged through glittering lights by love and through lousy gutters by loss in a painful journey of self-discovery.

The dangerous attitude of the story is reflected in the shooting style. It's a style with some bold and expressive camerawork that's a far cry from the norm; it occasionally seems out of place given the era represented, but it's a welcome change because 'Auntie' is so damn boring most of the time.

Ousted was the simpering female template that we've seen a dozen times before; i.e. the girl who longs for husband and maturity, achieves both but then longs for independence and innocence. It was replaced by a rags to riches story with a lesbian slant, and the riches aren't always of the golden coin variety. The Elizabeth Bennets and Emma Woodhouses of the world would not approve.

Part of the reason British costumed dramas work so well is that some parts of London have hardly changed in over 100 years; it's easy to go on location, throw a few set dressings around and achieve almost instant authenticity.

3 episodes, approx 60 minutes each.

3 fierce dreamings out of 5

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