I just got done watching the 2009 “Emma” done by the BBC, and Romola Garai as the title character was just absolutely charming. It’s a hard role, and I thought she brought so much life and personality to it.
(The rest of the casting was pretty impressive, too, but I wanted to focus on one particular characterization.)
Who’s version of a role have you been most taken by, on TV, stage, or film? Even if the rest of the production was sorely lacking.
Daniel Craig is my favorite James Bond.
Benedict Cumberbatch is the best Sherlock Holmes I’ve ever seen, as well.
I’ve always felt that David Suchet’s Poirot was astoundingly spot-on.
Colin Firth nailed Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Ian McKellan is Gandalf.
I came in to say this.
I’d also give a nod to Shuler Hensley as Jud Fry in Oklahoma! (the Hugh Jackman London stage version available on DVD). I’ve seen many productions of Oklahoma!, and I never got that character at all until his performance. Jackman is amazing as Curley, but he doesn’t define the role the way Hensley does.
Val Kilmer as Doc Holiday
Patrick Wilson as Raoul in Phantom. I absolutely love him in movies, but his singing voice in that role is to. die. for.
I appreciate Cumberbatch but he is no Jeremy Brett. Brett is off the hook as Sherlock.
+1. But I do think Martin Freeman is the best Watson.
I agree with you about Colin Firth.
Personally, my favorite version of Elizabeth Bennet is Keira Knightley (although Jennifer Elhe was very good too).
I’ve seen several version of Jane Eyre. I think my favorite version of Edward Rochester is Michael Fassbender from the2011 film version. Mia Wasikowska was pretty good as Jane, but I think I prefer the version of Jane by Samantha Morton in the 1997 miniseries.