In 1987, U.K.-based animator Joan Ashworth created an amazing 17 minute stop-motion short film titled The Web based loosely on Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast novels, specifically the complex relationship between Sepulchrave the 76th Earl of Groan, his servant Mr. Flay and the castle chef Abiatha Swelter. According to a Wikipedia article, Ashworth was inspired to create this film after finding a "tattered paperback copy of Titus Groan while she was staying at a youth hostel in Holland." There is such a scarcity of material exploring the Gormenghast novels in other media, so it is a special treat to see something like this which is so utterly unique, well-crafted, and still true to the spirit of Peake's work. I know it is a bit long for something you will just watch online, but it is well worth the time spent. Even better, this film along with another by Ashworth entitled How Mermaids Breed is available on a region-free DVD from the shop on Ashworth's web site for around $15. I adore everything about this film, from the design to the characters to the music to the wonderful voices. Just amazing. Now, watch The Web.
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That video is an incredible visual interpretation -- Peake's characters in stop motion is a perfect medium, to start with, but she's really captured the feel of what's beautiful and revolting about Gormenghast.
I agree, so much that it almost pains me. As I mentioned in the post just above this, I was thrilled to see the BBC attempt a film version of the Gormenghast books, but four hours simply is not enough time. However, I understand that even in the UK, there is probably not enough commercial interest to warrant anything longer or with a bigger budget. Being as hungry as I am for more Peake, in ANY media, I forgave a lot from that BBC version but it is a very imperfect vision.
It is amazing how, in just 17 minutes, Ashworth seemed to distill the essence of the books into a tiny, almost flawless film. I would so love to see an entire stop motion film of each of the books. "Beautiful and revolting" indeed.
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