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[personal profile] amanuensis1
In hindsight, it's easy to ask, "Why do I do these things to myself?"

I watched the 1999 Masterpiece Theatre David Copperfield today--the production featuring young Dan Radcliffe in his first role. It's easy to see why he impressed Chris Columbus and the rest--damn, the kid was good. A fine child actor, and not just a cherubic face. But oh, why on earth do I never remember that Dickens' stories are nothing but kids being orphaned and starved and mistreated--watching this was AGONY. No, there was nothing attractively naughty about Ian McKellan taking a switch to our young Dan--I had all I could do not to sob through the whole thing.

When the first half concluded, the title character made the transition to adulthoood, and I can't tell you what a relief it was, knowing that the abuse would not continue to be heaped upon widdle Harry Potter. My gut--no, my very womb had been in a knot for the whole thing. I was practically lactating.

My recommendation? Watch it if it interests you, but bring Kleenex. And be relieved that Ciaran McMenarin (adult David) looks nothing like Dan now that the boy's aw gwown up.

Date: 2004-10-20 05:39 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lagreyeyes.livejournal.com
Know what sticks in my mind? When he was falling asleep on Maggie's sofa as she turned to look at him. Just...very precious.

I saw this when it was first shown on PBS years ago and Dan's performance really impressed me. He's becoming a bit more self-conscious in his acting now. Ah, adolescence.

Date: 2004-10-20 06:00 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] amanuensis1.livejournal.com
Oh, yes! The sleeping-on-the-couch moment! Yeah, he was particularly good in that early performance. Makes me wonder how Lucas could have picked Jake Lloyd for his flick, who was dreadful--but then, so was everyone else Lucas directed in that thing. Mebbe it's not Lloyd's fault.

Date: 2004-10-20 08:12 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] stanharding.livejournal.com
That whole production is excellent, and Dan Radcliffe is very good. Makes you wonder how he got along with Zoe Wanamaker as Madame Hooch after she'd been Evil Bitch Miss Murdock to him.

When David says to Emily, "Let's always be friends...", Mr. Man, watching it with me, added, "..., Hermione." It was pretty funny.

Date: 2004-10-21 05:59 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] amanuensis1.livejournal.com
Yeah, I consoled myself with imagining how they (Zoe and Dan) giggled things like, "I'm being simply dreadful to you, aren't I?" "Yes'm!" at each other, between takes.
(reply from suspended user)

Date: 2004-10-21 06:02 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] amanuensis1.livejournal.com
God, it was awful! I seriously considered stopping the damn DVD. Poor little w00blet!

Date: 2004-10-21 07:22 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] glockgal.livejournal.com
I've wanted to see this version for ages, considering Dan and Sir Ian and Maggie and my intense love for David Copperfield. Is Daisy still at Dan Radcliffle age when he meets his one true love his boyhood friend Steerforth? I hope so.

<3333333!!!

Date: 2004-10-21 06:07 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] amanuensis1.livejournal.com
Yes, yes, he is! And Steerforth was cool, too--you couldn't tell if he was truly a good friend to David at first, or if he was just being sort of, you know, condescendingly noble to the poor little oppressed boy. It really worked, especially with the way Steerforth is later in the story.

Date: 2004-10-21 12:06 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sor-bet.livejournal.com
A male friend of mine once asked, when I said I didn't want to go to the sad movie, "Don't women like to cry at movies?" Maybe some or most do, which is why chick flicks always have someone dying of a lingering illness, but I sure don't. So I don't think I'll be watching this. Ever.

And one other thing:

...and starved and mistreated--watching this was AGONY.

Now you know how I feel about your non-con fics. I cannot read some of your stuff, you're just too good at it, and it depresses me for the rest of the day. Cheers!

Date: 2004-10-21 06:08 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] amanuensis1.livejournal.com
Bwah! I guess saying, "Oh, then, just read the romantic ones," is too simple an answer? ^_~

Date: 2004-10-22 08:25 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sor-bet.livejournal.com
I was going to say, "please point me towards the funny ones!" Romantic will also do. ;-D

Date: 2004-10-22 02:54 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] amanuensis1.livejournal.com
Just check out: http://www.amanuensis1.com

and look at the category descriptions! ^_^

Date: 2004-10-21 02:12 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] loony-moony.livejournal.com
IAN MCKELLEN AND DAN IN THE SAME PLAY? NO NEED FOR KLEENEX WHEN YOU'RE DEAD, RIGHT? BECAUSE I'M DEAD MANY TIMES OVER RIGHT NOW.

Date: 2004-10-21 06:09 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] amanuensis1.livejournal.com
Noooo! Don't die! Stay alive and watch--there's some really good Bob Hoskins too, if you like him!

Date: 2004-10-22 02:50 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] loony-moony.livejournal.com
Bob Hoskins SQUEE! :D But...but...IAN AND DAN GAH! *still dead sorry gaaaah*

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