I got the sense that the monster wasn't something Richard Curtis really wanted in there, and would rather have done a proper historical with Van Gogh. (Certainly, this wasn't the first draft of the story. It was made "better".)
At the thirty minute mark, this episode seemed to be largely done. Reminded me of Victory of the Daleks. However, unlike that previous episode, this one actually continued on and continued to be worth watching, although, as I indicate above, does highlight the pointlessness of the monster.
While I did like the emotional closure of the show, it was rather... sacharrine. And does raise the question of why the Doctor doens't do this for other artists. And of that point, this is the first time we've had a non-literate historical figure (in the sense of he's an artist, not a writer). As such, I had less connection to him, as I'm more a reader than a paint-looker-ater, so while there was a lot of gushing "he's the greatest artist EVAH!", I am more neutral on the topic. (And it's amazing how empty Trogir Provence is in the morning, with tables of food already out.)
Tony Curran embodied the role well (someone in the museam should have said "you could play Van Gogh!"). And, of course, yay Bill Nighy! While Matt Smith got a lot of screen time, Karen Gillan was less featured, outside of a few moments (and yes, I noted the 'Rory' moment, that and the 'why are you crying?' won't get overlaboured, I'm sure...).
I'm not rating this story as highly as others, as the mashed nature of it meant it wasn't a good monster story, nor a good character based story. Would like to see what Richard Curtis wanted to write.
Next week: Oooh! Now that looks intriguing!
[END]
Monday, 7 June 2010
DW 510: Vincent and the Doctor
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2 comments:
I thought this was one of those episodes which could have gone either way, but I thought it had a level of quality and maturity that some of the other episodes haven't. Very well done, and one of the highlights of this series (so far). I kept comparing it to The Shakespeare Code and kept coming to the conclusion that Vincent was that sort of story done right (sorry Mr Roberts!)
It's funny you mention Victory of the Daleks as upon first viewing I really enjoyed it, but as I have reflected on it, my opinion has steadily dropped...and this is coming from a slightly biased fan of Mark Gatiss!
For all the discussion of confronting Vincent's depression... not really a lot was shown. One scene at best. (Never went for the 'fit' scene, as it was obvious that Vincent could see the monster.)
When the BBC "if you want to talk to someone about the issues raised", I didn't get it. "Is that about killing the monster? What?"
(And welcome to the rest of us in acknowledging that VotD is the nadir of the current series.)
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