Author Topic: "Utopia" CH4, Tuesdays (Read 2616 times)

mattc · « **on:** 22 January, 2013, 04:38:57 pm »

Ep2 tonight, 10ish. Anyone else watch the first one?

Couldn't decide what to make of it, it's a bit between genres. But interesting, I'll be watching tonight's. the atmosphere was quite Shallow Grave, with a plot not unlike various elements of WIlliam Gibson books.

(If I'd been directing it, I'd have taken out 90% of the torture/gore porn. Hopefully it'll calm down a bit after the opener ... )

Here's a random web review:
http://www.crimetimepreview.com/2013/01/utopia-channel-4-with-alexandra-roach.html

Juan Martín · « **Reply #1 on:** 22 January, 2013, 04:48:52 pm »

I enjoyed this (apart from some of the violence) and am looking forward to part 2. It was good to see something a little different on TV and I thought it looked rather like a graphic novel, which I guess was the point given the storyline.

Pancho · « **Reply #2 on:** 22 January, 2013, 05:32:26 pm »

I've got Episode 1 on my the-machine-that-watches-tv-so-I-don't-have-to. Was toying with with watching it this evening. Not sure I want to if it's a gore-fest.

mattc · « **Reply #3 on:** 22 January, 2013, 05:41:05 pm »

Quote from: Pancho on 22 January, 2013, 05:32:26 pm

Not sure I want to if it's a gore-fest.

It was just 2-3 isolated scenes. Not my thing at all, I hope it will die down (and they can't keep killing characters off

)

The overall tone was much lighter, which was why the gore jarred so much. (No doubt the makers will say thats the point!!!. but lots of good films use the suggestion of violence just as effectively - Shallow Grave being the one that stays in my head. Also Reservoir Dogs - it's known for using some 'shocking' violence, but it's mainly 1 scene, and you hardly actually see anything - it's all about the anticipation, and what we learn about the characters. )

Notsototalnewbie · « **Reply #4 on:** 24 January, 2013, 01:46:20 pm »

Quote from: mattc on 22 January, 2013, 05:41:05 pm

Quote from: Pancho on 22 January, 2013, 05:32:26 pm
Not sure I want to if it's a gore-fest.
It was just 2-3 isolated scenes. Not my thing at all, I hope it will die down (and they can't keep killing characters off )

Got around to watching Ep 1 on 40D last night. Was not expecting it to be quite so dark/gory (though as you say it was only a few scenes) and in general I'm not a fan of too much gore or violence. I certainly didn’t feel like going straight onto the second one without a break in between, though we will carry on watching it because it seems fairly different and original.

mattc · « **Reply #5 on:** 24 January, 2013, 02:30:32 pm »

Well I thought Ep2 ticked along quite nicely. Thankfully far less gore.

The arrival of JH has livened it up somewhat!

mattc · « **Reply #6 on:** 30 January, 2013, 06:28:08 pm »

Quote from: Notsototalnewbie on 30 January, 2013, 03:53:42 pm

There's a thread buried on the 2nd page.

http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=67716.0

I expect they could be merged.

I'm enjoying it, despite the violence.

(click to show/hide)
Rob has a theory that Jessica and Arby are brother and sister

Did anyone realise that Becky is also the young Thatcher from the Iron Lady (though I reckon she had a prosthetic nose in that film).

Bless you NSTN!

Anyway, still watching here.

Last night's was the first time I can remember a 'content' warning midway thru a programme - I can't even recall anything bad in the final segment.

Pancho · « **Reply #7 on:** 30 January, 2013, 06:35:55 pm »

Quote from: Pancho on 22 January, 2013, 05:32:26 pm

I've got Episode 1 on my the-machine-that-watches-tv-so-I-don't-have-to. Was toying with with watching it this evening. Not sure I want to if it's a gore-fest.

Well, I've watched all the episodes so far and, despite my apparently delicate nature, was left wondering what all the fuss was about.

MattH · « **Reply #8 on:** 01 February, 2013, 12:20:41 pm »

I'm quite enjoying this. I'm hoping, with it being British rather than American, that it'll actually have some sort of conclusion rather than ending on a cliffhanger for a second season that never gets made because the network weren't happy with the ratings.

marcusjb · « **Reply #9 on:** 02 February, 2013, 08:09:34 am »

I am enjoying it (currently not seen episode 3 as I've been out of the country this week). Nicely crafted story with sme great acting. It sounds brilliant as well, they have used sound very nicely (the assassin type chap with his cheap leather jacket beng a good example).

Will catch up on episode 3 this weekend.

Juan Martín · « **Reply #10 on:** 02 February, 2013, 08:39:18 pm »

I am enjoying this too. The violence (and for that the entire premise) are sufficiently 'cartoonish' that it avoids being overly shocking or outrageously tasteless. I have always been a fan of 'graphic novels' and I really like how it has been filmed so that the shots appear to be illustrated cells from a story.

Notsototalnewbie · « **Reply #11 on:** 13 February, 2013, 11:56:04 am »

Who’s still watching? And who felt a glimmer of sympathy for The Network’s aim, as revealed last night?!

I’d not have left Wilson alone with whatsisname (I can only think of him as Gatehouse out of Shadow Line) after he showed that he also felt a certain sympathy for their views.

I love the mercenary scientist wot is also the sarcastic bishop from Rev, too.

Also liked ‘He’s a civil servant, I didn’t expect him to take a risk!’

mattc · « **Reply #12 on:** 13 February, 2013, 04:49:14 pm »

No idea why, but an attack of the dozies befell me at 10pm! Saw about every 3rd minute

Will try to catch a repeat. or something. It looked quite good!

Pancho · « **Reply #13 on:** 13 February, 2013, 05:01:38 pm »

Absolutely loving this series. A rare success in capturing the feel and atmosphere of a comic; the colour, the framing, the music, the humour, the darkness, the characterisation, the sympathy engendered etc.

Wife and I agreed that we'd side with the network.

Notsototalnewbie · « **Reply #14 on:** 13 February, 2013, 05:05:48 pm »

Quote from: mattc on 13 February, 2013, 04:49:14 pm

No idea why, but an attack of the dozies befell me at 10pm! Saw about every 3rd minute

Will try to catch a repeat. or something. It looked quite good!

It’s on 4OD (though undoubtedly better watched on a proper telly).

Flynn · « **Reply #15 on:** 14 February, 2013, 08:55:07 am »

Quote from: Notsototalnewbie on 13 February, 2013, 05:05:48 pm

Quote from: mattc on 13 February, 2013, 04:49:14 pm
No idea why, but an attack of the dozies befell me at 10pm! Saw about every 3rd minute

Will try to catch a repeat. or something. It looked quite good!

It’s on 4OD (though undoubtedly better watched on a proper telly).

If people have a Sony PS3, it has 4OD, BBC iPlayer, itvPlayer, so they can be watched on a normal TV.

bikenrrd · « **Reply #16 on:** 15 July, 2014, 02:57:44 pm »

It's back. A prequel episode last night and another episode tonight.

Notsototalnewbie · « **Reply #17 on:** 17 July, 2014, 07:54:05 pm »

It is so, so good. Where on earth did they find such a good baby to play Arby/Piotr?! And such beautiful shots.

andyoxon · « **Reply #18 on:** 11 August, 2014, 12:26:45 pm »

Gripped by season 1 atm. Good characters, Arby/RaisinBoy, and Becky reminds me of Gwen (Twd), but may just be the accent...

mattc · « **Reply #19 on:** 12 August, 2014, 05:00:56 pm »

With one to go, S2 is keeping us watching. Despite having forgotten who the hell half the cast are, or who they killed, or who their dad is! But it's still hugely entertaining, stylish and funny in the right places. (Why is everything green?!?)

(I'm sure the script would be much less elegant if it kept reminding us idiots what was happening.)

Detailed recap for those who - like me - need storylines spoonfed to them a bit more:
http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2014/aug/05/utopia-recap-series-two-episode-five