Month: November 2024

“Is She the Tutor?” Or Throwback Thursday to American Buffalo Stage Door

Prologue

Hey all, Damianista here!

My husband Lewisto wrote this very post back in 2015. While it is an extremely funny story centered around Damian, it is quite personal and it says as much about the two of us as about Damian. That is why I am sharing it again this week marking a milestone anniversary for me and Lewisto! Since it is Lewisto’s story I do not intend to give any spoilers but I cannot help say if you think of Carrie and Brody as the best cat and mouse you have ever seen… you ain’t seen nothing yet 😀

ENJOY!

source: Damianista
source: Damianista

Folks, I have a fun story to tell.

First, let me put the record straight: We are a lucky generation. Our life time has given us geniuses of all sorts, from Maradona to Michael Jackson, to Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Banksy, Steve Jobs, Mandela, Philip Glass, Haruki Murakami, Serena Williams…. and our very own Damian Lewis. Continue reading ““Is She the Tutor?” Or Throwback Thursday to American Buffalo Stage Door”

10 Years of Wolf Hall: A Personal Journey

Henry VIII is a monster, but he’s our monster. We’re perversely proud of Henry. -Hilary Mantel

Now tell me… what are the odds your all-time favorite actor plays your all-time favorite historical monster in a mini-series based on your all-time favorite book?

I know! 🙂

In celebration of  Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light arriving finally on BBC, I would love to share my own very personal Wolf Hall journey with you. ENJOY!

Continue reading “10 Years of Wolf Hall: A Personal Journey”

Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light – Episode 3 Defiance

“The Rebels demand that “vile blood” be drained from the Council. It’s your blood, I imagine.” – Imperial Ambassador Eustache Chapuys

The talk of the court is suitors,  marriages, pregnancies, heirs, newborns and children in this episode as an uprising erupts in the East and spreads to the North.

Cromwell is not in a good place. He may come across as a 16th century terminator, but he is a human being. He is deeply hurt by Dorothea’s false claim that he betrayed the Cardinal and her words keep haunting him in his dreams. And he wakes up only to get bad news. Continue reading “Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light – Episode 3 Defiance”

Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light – Episode 2 Obedience

“The King never does an unpleasant thing. Lord Cromwell does it for him.” — Queen Jane

Episode 2 Obedience opens with a refresher from the first series reminding us of Cardinal Wolsey’s fall. When Wolsey is forced to go to Yorkshire, Cromwell, Wolsey’s most trusted man, chooses to stay in London. Here is my detailed review of Wolf Hall  Episode 2: Entirely Beloved focusing on Cromwell working his ass of to get under Henry’s skin. There are rumors about him that he is now serving himself, not the Cardinal; but Cromwell’s ultimate goal is to become the King’s most trusted servant and persuade him to have Wolsey reinstated as the Lord Chancellor. Continue reading “Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light – Episode 2 Obedience”

Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light – Episode 1 Wreckage

“So, good Privy Seal, as you love me and love my service, you will bring this matter to a conclusion.”

– Henry VIII

I have said it before and will say it again. Wolf Hall is the best thing that has happened to TV. It is a slow-cooking, dark, witty political drama with a contemporary feel. Peter Straughan’s script is wonderfully condensed, with most of the conversation coming directly from Mantel’s pen. Hearing some of the best lines I have ever read spoken by the characters is delightful. Peter Kosminsky’s directing is flawless. Every shot feels like a painting. And while some characters needed to be recast, the continuity is beyond impressive that you don’t feel the nine-year interval between the two productions. Mark Rylance is as nuanced as ever as Thomas Cromwell, and Damian Lewis is quietly terrifying as Henry VIII. And while the two leads are electric together, the entire cast gives a masterclass in acting. So yes, the long wait is entirely worth it. Now, let’s get to it. Continue reading “Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light – Episode 1 Wreckage”