First screened on BBC in 2001, The Way We Live Now will surprise those who know Anthony Trollope through the subtleties of his Barsetshire novels. This story of ambition centers around Augustus Melmotte, an Austrian Jewish financier who takes the London money markets and social scene by storm in his efforts to become an "English country gentleman." His rise and fall is followed with remorseless logic by Trollope, and David Yates's direction keeps this in focus against a wealth of subplots and character interaction. The cast is a strong one, with David Suchet's Melmotte gripping in his recklessness, climaxing in the theatrical magnificence of his departure in disgrace from the House of Commons. Shirley Henderson is magnetic as his put-upon daughter Marie, courted by the cream-of-society bachelors for her dowry rather than her person.
S01E04 : Episode 4 8.57/10 (51 voting)Melmotte reaches the highest echelons of London society but the wolves are beginning to gather at… |
S01E02 : Episode 2 8.47/10 (52 voting)While Paul Montague throws himself into the booming railway business with Melmotte, the presence of… |
S01E03 : Episode 3 8.4/10 (51 voting)Paul visits Mexico to have his worst fears about the railway construction confirmed. Returning to… |
Actor | Role | Actor | Role |
---|---|---|---|
David Suchet Augustus Melmotte | Matthew Macfadyen Sir Felix Carbury | ||
Cillian Murphy Paul Montague | Paloma Baeza Hetta Carbury | ||
Cheryl Campbell Lady Carbury | Richard Cant Dolly Longestaffe | ||
Shirley Henderson Marie Melmotte | Tony Britton Lord Alfred Grendall | ||
Douglas Hodge Roger Carbury | David Bradley Mr Broune | ||
Miranda Otto Mrs Hurtle | Allan Corduner Croll | ||
Angus Wright Miles Grendall |
Name | Job |
---|---|
Nigel Stafford-Clark | Producer |
Anthony Trollope | Writer |