MovieChat Forums > Dickensian (2015) Discussion > Watching Compeyson is becoming more and ...

Watching Compeyson is becoming more and more difficult and frustrating

posted 8 years ago by michelebruce26-1
14 replies | jump to latest

I suppose it's a sign of good acting when a character causes such strong feelings in a viewer, so I can't fault the actor, but that character is so awful.

Was he in the original story of the Havisham family? I've never read the book, so I have no idea but I'm getting angrier and angrier every time I see him!

Tonight's episode in particular frustrated me, I won't give away any spoilers but I'm sure fellow viewers know why I'm feeling this way.

[–] KatharineFanatic 8 years ago

Yes.

Yes, he's frustrating.

Yes, he was the man that ... oh, wait, have you seen Great Expectations? I don't want to spoil it. But yes, he's in the original story.

What also frustrates me is Arthur's silence. HE COULD STOP THIS.

[–] lettyatuni 8 years ago

I haven't read Great Expectations, but I know the story and it's making me even more angry watching this.

What also frustrates me is Arthur's silence. HE COULD STOP THIS.

True. At first it was just out of greed and jealousy that he kept quiet, but now I think he's a bit like an abused spouse who thinks that if he just keeps going everything will hopefully be alright, or that he will at least avoid a beating/possible murder.

[–] bigbluecheese 8 years ago

He makes me so mad (great performance there)

I find it very difficult to watch as well, I tend to fast forward his scenes, especially when Arthur is weaselling away beside him.

Goodnight, good luck and may your God go with you

[–] michelebruce26-1 8 years ago

Oh yes, poor Arthur..I feel he's like an abused spouse too, I did dislike what he was doing to Amelia at first, but now I so wish he'd be brave and break his silence about Compeyson.

There was so much more I meant to say in my original post, but I couldn't bring any of it to mind when actually posting.

I haven't seen Great Expectations, though if it is the book with Pip and the escaped prisoner at the beginning of the drama I may have seen a little of it with Ray Winstone as the prisoner? I can't recall the full story though, as it's so long since I watched it.

I think it's time I brushed up on my Dickens novels, and started to read them. At school I didn't think much of studying him and chose to study twentieth century poetry instead, lol, I did enjoy that though.

[–] lakurfiss 8 years ago

I don't remember any mention of the vile Compeyson character in the old film version of Great Expectations. Compeyson seems to be able to seal wimpy Arthur's lips with the threat to reveal his "secret."

Comp is just about to get busted big time, because the company lawyer is onto him, and lovely, fragile, trusting Miss Havisham has seen his duplicity now with her own eyes. He deserves to be found floating in the Thames.

I love this series, and think Steven Rea is excellent as Detective Bucket. In fact, the whole series is a Master Class of outstanding British actors strutting their stuff. I'll be sad to see it end.

[–] NormHasRetired 8 years ago

If I'm not mistaken, isn't Magwitch's mortal enemy named Compeyson in Great Expectations?

[–] laura1-07 8 years ago

If I'm not mistaken, isn't Magwitch's mortal enemy named Compeyson in Great Expectations?

Yes, that's him.

[–] Morgana0 8 years ago

I tend to fast forward his scenes

Lol, me too! I find it too hard to watch, knowing what will happen, even as I hope the writers might take artistic license and make some changes.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Morgana0x

[–] bigbluecheese 8 years ago

Its so hard! I know the writing and acting are excellent but for the safety of my tv its better for me not to watch him!

Goodnight, good luck and may your God go with you

[–] Morgana0 8 years ago



http://www.youtube.com/user/Morgana0x

[–] lettyatuni 8 years ago

I now also hate his idiot wife.

[–] contos 8 years ago

Fascinating. I had similar reactions, but only with the scenes involving Honoria and Frances (after episode 16). Compeyson is a despicable character but I had no problems at following that part of the story.

[–] RhiJo 8 years ago

Great Expectations on the Drama channel at midday today.

[–] A-Pioneer-Without-A-Frontier 7 years ago

I hate watching psychopaths getting their way, both in real life and on screen.

I actually just stopped watching the show, because I couldn't take Compeyson anymore, and I have a problem with fast-forwarding anything I watch. He's so vile, I really hate him and I get so angry and sad, too!

Especially if you are familiar with Great Expectations, watching how it all started and knowing how it'll end is just too heart-breaking. I think this show is manipulating the watchers' feelings in a bit too cheap a manner here. There's a limit to rubbing it in, and that was crossed a good while ago.

P.S: I know this is an old thread, but decided to continue it anyway. :)