Years go I started emailing Kerry with suggestions for actresses to play Phryne when the series was finally made, but we forced to agree it would never happen. That was back when the ABC paid for 6 hours of fiction based programming a year. Things are now very different apparently, and I for one am very pleased to see the work of one of my favourite authors on the small screen.
Of course, the TV version is a highly reductive version of the original. The pool of characters has been pruned severely, omitting second adopted daughter Rose, Mrs Butler, Tinker, and sadly, reducing Lin Chung's role in her life to a two episode incident, not the long term partnership of body and mind in the books. AND they cast an actor whose diluted Asian heritage was hardly apparent. I think this says more about the perception of the Australian audience's tolerance for diversity more than it does anything else.
But, we're not here to grumble about what TV producers do to our favourite stories, we're here to have a thoroughly indulgent droolfest about the costumes, which are fantastic.
This ensemble is exquisite. The cut of those white trousers is perfect. Watching Essie Davis on screen moving around in this, it just sways and moves and generally supports our understanding that Phryne only dresses in the very best clothes.
The tumblr page I am sourcing these images from has a whole lot more, but stills do not do them justice. I love this imagining of the late 1920s in Melbourne, the lines of the costumes are very believable for the time, showing the transition to the styles of the 30s.
So, any other fans out there? Any other takes on the book vs the TV series?
I also just love the wardrobe of this stylish lady detective ~ she definitely lived in a glamorous world down there in 1920's Melbourne ... J
ReplyDeleteoh gosh! the outfits are gorgeous! i want that coat!!
ReplyDeleteI stumbled upon this series on a cable channel in the UK called 'alibi' (does all whodunits and cop shows) and just loved the frocks. I spend the whole time thinking I want that outfit and that out fit and well all her wardrobe. lol! Oh and I like the story format too. Didn't realise it was based on books, I shall have to serch them out. I'm a fan of agatha christie and dorothy L sayers novels.
ReplyDeleteIt's really hard not to want to rush out and create an entire replica wardrobe eh!! I am quite pleased that my rotundity eliminates most of it, otherwise I would be throwing a big tantrum. I am content to be inspired by some and covetous of a few pieces. Like that coat. Mmmmm. Phryne is a modern invention, and the recreation of 1928-1929 Melbourne is very accurate. Greenwood is an avid researcher and it shows. So her style is very different fror Christie and Sayers, who were writing as contemporaries. I like both ! :) I also really like that it is set in Australia, a nice change from the UK and US :)
Deleteat least you know you'll get good weather ;)
DeleteI watch the series on Netflix. Those clothes! Swoon :)
ReplyDeleteOooh, I will have to see if I can find this to watch and ogle! And now I want to dig out my stashed saris and see if they're compatible with this look!
ReplyDeleteWell you do have a similar look, gorgeous eyes, high cheekbones and raven bob ;-)
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