Civilisation - Programs 1-13 [VHS] Overview
Civilisation, A Personal View by Lord Clark, may be the definitive documentary series of the past 50 years. Aired in 1969, this ambitious British undertaking which spanned an "80,000 mile journey visiting 13 countries, 117 locations, 18 libraries, and 118 museums," not only reconfigured the public view of documentary style, but also cemented BBC Two and its new Controller, David Attenborough, in history. In watching this thirteen-episode series, one clearly sees how Attenborough, as well as narrator Kenneth Clark, pioneered the direct-gaze speaking style of the narrator along with the concept of placing the narrator in the setting he refers to. In episode one, The Skin of Our Teeth, Clark stands in front of Notre Dame to question first, if civilization worth preserving, and secondly, what the difference between art and culture is. Heavy. In subsequent episodes, cultural history is viewed through an art historical lens. Especially wonderful is The Worship of Nature, discussing 18th century England's obsession with landscape painting in relation to religious beliefs of the period. Deep philosophy colors each 50-minute segment. This DVD set includes an interview with Attenborough. Undeniably educational, Civilisation feels eternally significant, and improves with repeated viewing. --Trinie Dalton
Customer Reviews
For all those who were negative (can not remember the DVD quality), or flattery, you are that this is a TV program was made some 40 odd years. Not every episode is equally valuable, and, of course, Mr. Clark makes some stupid statements and omissions. But we remember that Thomas Cahill wrote a best seller a few years ago, "How the Irish saved civilization, the myth it seems, is alive. Clark was not a historian, but he was the head of the National Gallery in London. ParticularlyHate episodes 1-2, where Clark and many others had a very antiquated view of the Middle Ages. It really does not do justice to all, the contributions of Byzantium and Islam, the others have noticed. However, there are some great insights and a great feeling for the cultural milieu of modern times. Tough to do justice to the subject in 13 episodes. And who runs it now? The fading on Christopher Wren Naval Hospital in Greenwich, the ceiling of Jesus, his tailBalzac by Rodin in front of traffic, and opening up in the hall of Syon House with columns Beethoven Leonore No 3 in the background, just to name a few, are each worth the cost of the entire September
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment