What I've Watched: A Review of Recent Rentals

Trying to find interesting shows to watch is a challenge. I have dug deep on Netflix and in the stacks of the library to find some old classics and new gems. Here are some highlights of my video adventures:

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and Smiley's People

This series, a thinking man's James Bond, was thick, cerebral, and slow-plotting, but in a refreshing contrast to most spy thrillers. I suspect also, that it depicts a much more realistic portayal of the craft of espionage. Lots of chatting, name dropping, memory-reviewing, planning and observation, peppered lightly with an occasional gun-drawing and a bit roughing up. Otherwise, it is the art of spy-craft as you would expect English gentlemen to engage in.

The star of the show is Alec Guiness, who portrays George Smiley, a nerdy, sad English spy, with a cheating wife, and frustrating co-workers. Made before Star Wars, it takes a while to get over the warm voice of Obi Wan Kenobi, talking about the Cold War and Soviet spies. The picture on the right is typical: men looking at paper, discussing things. It was often hard to follow the names and plot lines. And sometimes, you see Guiness as Smiley in silence, just walking around a city or looking at a crime scene for 10 minutes! Scenes unfold in a studied, snail-like pace, which is oddly engaging, if only because it is so different from anything else on TV. Good stuff, but pay attention, you may have to take notes!

Rome

HBO's recent treatment of ancient Rome is nasty, brutish and in short, awesome! More gritty and realistic than those clean epics from the 60s, this version shows the gore of battle, the ruthless machinations of politics, the cold cruelty of slavery, and plenty of nude carnality. With great historical and archeological detail, the two seasons of Rome portray the rise and demise of Julius Ceasar, the romantic pact of Mark Antony and Cleopatra, and triumph of young Emperor Augustine. Filmed in Italy using hundreds of local extras, it strives for unprecedented authenticity in its portrayal of Roman life, detailing the customs, beliefs, language, dress and diet of ancient Rome.

Like the robots from Star Wars, this epic tale of an empire in turmoil is told through the perspective of two lowly characters, in this case, Roman soldiers Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pollo. Vorenus is a proud and loyal Centurion, who believes in the traditions and moral code of the military, unlike his loose-cannon underling Pullo, who lives more for the carnic pleasures of soldering, (read rape and pillaging). The two become witness, and sometimes directly take part in the sweeping changes of Roman history. Mixed in with this is all the scandal, passion, grief, and emotion of a soap opera. All is done with great skill and flair by its exceptional, mostly British cast of excellent actors. I was sad when I finished the last episode, but greatful for the ride. It's history with a kick!