Ronin
07-20-2005, 09:47 AM
Couldnt find a thread for these 2 well written, charecter driven series that are umissable IMO.
Most modern westerns seriously lack lustre, with a few exceptions (DEAD MAN, UNFORGIVEN, OPEN RANGE). DEADWOOD is truly on par with the best effort since MCCABE & MRS MILLER to paint a charecter driven west with all its ugliness, beauty and eccentricity.
DEADWOOD, hell the pilots directed by Walter Hill (the Warriors, Driver,48hrs, Extreme Predjudice,Johnny handsome etc) so you know that it errs on the side of hyper realism and dabbles in ultra violence. Most importantly it has a black streak of comedy that keeps you smiling from the first frame to the last.
Exceptional writing and completly believable perfromances make this IMO the best TV series since OZ. The eccentric quirks of every charecter just add appeal and the cast relish in playing there "victims of there enviroment" roles. Ian McShane and Timothy Olyphant are unfaultable in there portrayals of two strong willed men on opposite sides in this lawless town. Powers Booteh is his usual charismatic self.
Do yourself a favour and get addicted
Sure DEAD LIKE ME has finished but it stands up to repeat screenings and constantly engages me. It really is a travesty they cancelled it, but hey you can only sign so many pertitions...
DEAD LIKE ME has a wonderful cynacism and wry sense of humour that really makes me laugh. The bonus is that all the characters are well drawn and create a solid emotional foundation so that each episode resonates.
Mandy Patemkin (Iago Montoya from PRINCESS BRIDE) is superb as Rube the ring leader of this misfit group of grim reapers. The antics of Mason ("Ive got illegals in my bottom") provide memorable comedy relief and George's family anchor the series in its real human emotions.
Operating on a broader palate than SIX FEET UNDER's microscopic view of similar themes (grief, loss, life, death and the big one why are we here) I find DEAD LIKE ME blends subtle irony with eccentric quirks to entertain and enlighten, in short i love it.
Most modern westerns seriously lack lustre, with a few exceptions (DEAD MAN, UNFORGIVEN, OPEN RANGE). DEADWOOD is truly on par with the best effort since MCCABE & MRS MILLER to paint a charecter driven west with all its ugliness, beauty and eccentricity.
DEADWOOD, hell the pilots directed by Walter Hill (the Warriors, Driver,48hrs, Extreme Predjudice,Johnny handsome etc) so you know that it errs on the side of hyper realism and dabbles in ultra violence. Most importantly it has a black streak of comedy that keeps you smiling from the first frame to the last.
Exceptional writing and completly believable perfromances make this IMO the best TV series since OZ. The eccentric quirks of every charecter just add appeal and the cast relish in playing there "victims of there enviroment" roles. Ian McShane and Timothy Olyphant are unfaultable in there portrayals of two strong willed men on opposite sides in this lawless town. Powers Booteh is his usual charismatic self.
Do yourself a favour and get addicted
Sure DEAD LIKE ME has finished but it stands up to repeat screenings and constantly engages me. It really is a travesty they cancelled it, but hey you can only sign so many pertitions...
DEAD LIKE ME has a wonderful cynacism and wry sense of humour that really makes me laugh. The bonus is that all the characters are well drawn and create a solid emotional foundation so that each episode resonates.
Mandy Patemkin (Iago Montoya from PRINCESS BRIDE) is superb as Rube the ring leader of this misfit group of grim reapers. The antics of Mason ("Ive got illegals in my bottom") provide memorable comedy relief and George's family anchor the series in its real human emotions.
Operating on a broader palate than SIX FEET UNDER's microscopic view of similar themes (grief, loss, life, death and the big one why are we here) I find DEAD LIKE ME blends subtle irony with eccentric quirks to entertain and enlighten, in short i love it.