8mm Forum: "House of Cards" UK versus US versions.

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Posted by Jonathan Trevithick (Member # 3066) on July 03, 2013, 02:00 AM:

I saw the original on its first airing in the 90s. Perfectly timed ( by coincidence) with the end of Thatcher's reign, I have always foumd the UK version fast paced, compelling and told with wonderfully dark humour. Much as I admire the Kevin Spacey version and it does look great, it's relatively slower in pace, has too many story threads and many of the supporting characters have been altered for the worst, in my opinion. I was wondering if anyone else has seen both versions.

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on July 03, 2013, 09:23 AM:

It's usually the case when the US copy something that worked
something always goes wrong,be it comedy or drama,they can't
pull it off.Take the show "Men Behaving Badly", which was funny
but naughty, the US tried it,changed it, sanitized it until it no
longer resembled what the show was about.That doesn't mean to say that the US doesn't have funny shows,far from it,"Frasier"
"Everybody Loves Raymond","Just Shoot me","Third Rock From the Sun", the list is endless, but trying to emulate tried and tested, forget it. As for Kevin Spacey thinking he can come close to Ian Richardsons' portrayal of the wiley Prime Minister,
as Francis Urquhart would have said,"You might say that, I couldn't possibly commemt"

Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on July 03, 2013, 01:52 PM:

Since I haven't seen the UK version I have nothing to compare it too...but Kevin Spacey is the only reason I watch it.

Posted by Jonathan Trevithick (Member # 3066) on July 03, 2013, 03:45 PM:

I am actually enjoying the US version and to be honest, if they got rid of the "you may very well say that, I couldn't possibly comment" phrase and changed the title, it would be an almost entirely different show. I agree, Hugh. Ian Richardson's portrayal will never be surpassed. The original was strangely overlooked in the awards department at the time. That's a pity because, in retrospect, it's one of the best dramas the BBC has ever produced.

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on July 04, 2013, 08:18 AM:

I think the reason it was probably overlooked Jonathan,could
have been a political one.

Posted by Jonathan Trevithick (Member # 3066) on July 04, 2013, 05:18 PM:

That's awards ceremonies for you, Hugh! I gave up all faith in them as a kid when Bafta awarded best comedy film to "Rising Damp the Movie" over "Life of Brian"!

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on July 04, 2013, 07:44 PM:

Probably the reason for that Jonathan,would be the religion
thing, Rising Damp is very funny, but "Brian" was pushing
boundaries, I too lost faith in the Oscars when they were given
to "Marooned" & "Bedknobs & Broomsticks" over the Harryhausen
masterpiece "Valley of Gwangi".

Posted by Jonathan Trevithick (Member # 3066) on July 04, 2013, 08:43 PM:

Very true, Hugh. Marketing is a big thing too, of course, especially in the USA. Big wads of money are used to promote films "for your consideration" at Oscar time.

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