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The Virtues

(48 Posts)
bikergran Thu 16-May-19 09:00:41

Was looking forward to watching Stephen Graham in this what I thought maybe a gritty drama.

But....had to turn it off when it got to a certain point..made my stomach churn (won't spoil it ) Just wondering if anyone else watched it.

Charleygirl5 Thu 16-May-19 09:04:13

I also started to watch it but by the time they had reached the time in the pub I had had enough and went to bed. I am still not too sure what it was all about but I will not be switching it on any time soon.

Auntieflo Thu 16-May-19 09:13:04

I watched it, but had to turn on the sub-titles. The first 5 minutes were absolutely inaudible, and it didn’t really get much better. The sound quality of the adverts between the parts, were fine. What were the producers, directors hoping to achieve?

fizzers Thu 16-May-19 09:14:32

I wasn't too keen on it either, but will persevere and see how it pans out

Charleygirl5 Thu 16-May-19 09:17:02

Auntieflo I thought it was only me- I found each and everyone who spoke totally inaudible and I also used subtitles for the short while I watched it. It had a good write up but not on GN it would appear.

lovebeigecardigans1955 Thu 16-May-19 09:17:42

I was sort of 'half watching' it whilst reading. I have the sub-titles on permanently anyway. The pub scenes were a bit irritating but I suppose it conveyed the man falling apart. I'll do the same next week to see how it goes.

Teetime Thu 16-May-19 09:36:55

I switched off after 20 minutes

Maggiemaybe Thu 16-May-19 09:37:41

Hmm, yes. We were a bit bemused, but will try the next episode. Great acting by Stephen Graham, but I don’t think last night’s episode took much writing!

Liz46 Thu 16-May-19 09:45:06

Yes, great acting but does anyone understand why he has gone to Ireland? I'm not sure about the programme but will give it another go next week.

bikergran Thu 16-May-19 11:24:46

Same here with audio it was terrible I normally have my volume at 8/9 I still could barely make the speech out at 19 ! tut.

EllanVannin Thu 16-May-19 11:31:39

>>>>>>>>forgot to watch it, after having read about it etc. Trust me, typical. I'll have to remember next week.
My D got a selfie with him when he was " on-set " too along with another actor who used to be on Brookside, who she'd said was the loveliest man she'd ever met. I think he was Sinbad in the series.

Auntieflo Thu 16-May-19 15:03:06

Liz46, I think he was having flashbacks to his childhood, in Ireland? I thought his acting was great, but not many clues to go on with as to the unfolding story.

Jane43 Thu 16-May-19 15:08:02

I had to turn on the subtitles too. I will stick with it because of Stephen Graham. There are a lot of unanswered questions but I’m sure they will be answered as the series progresses.

grannyticktock Thu 16-May-19 21:54:14

I had to put the subtitles on too, but thought it was very good in a gritty, realistic sort of way. They were taking about on Front Row tonight and a lot of the dialogue is, as I suspected, semi-improvised. The pub scene was actually made in an impromptu way with a crowd of pub regulars who were given a free bar for a few hours and just did what came naturally (edited down, of course).

Telly Thu 16-May-19 22:49:32

Had to stop, too much detail for me. A pity as the plot had promise.

dragonfly46 Thu 16-May-19 22:53:25

I found the sound so muffled I booked a hearing test today. My DH and I decided we are not ready for Channel 4 gritty dramas!

bikergran Thu 23-May-19 17:41:22

Watched the second part last night...sound still not great,but story emerging now, bit slow but will stick with it now.

( He does seem to do a lot! of walking) lol (Stephen Graham, deff gets his 10,000 steps in! it made me feel exhausted watching him)

lovebeigecardigans1955 Thu 23-May-19 17:45:09

I found the second episode a heck of a lot better than the first. I have the subtitles on permanently anyway as a supplement to the hearing aids. It's a 'slow grower' I think.

BlueBelle Thu 23-May-19 17:57:44

Really enjoying it Thought the acting was good and the kids very believable
I always have sub titles on too lovebeige for all the dramas

Eloethan Thu 23-May-19 18:06:45

I watched and, of course, the aftermath of the heavy drinking session was gross and, as another poster said, stomach churning. However, I think it was completely necessary to show how completely out of control Joseph's life is and how his utter degradation gives him the impetus to go to Ireland.

Having watched the second episode, I think it is absolutely brilliant. Stephen Graham's acting is so natural, convincing and moving, as is the acting of the rest of the cast. (I do agree that some of the dialogue is difficult to hear though).

mcem Thu 23-May-19 18:13:59

Thought the clever camera work was excellent in making clear when the story was in flashback!

gillybob Thu 23-May-19 18:33:18

I really enjoyed the second episode too . I loved the scene with the children around the table, firing questions at Stephen . smile

gillybob Thu 23-May-19 18:34:05

Firing the questions at the character Joseph.

grannyticktock Thu 23-May-19 22:51:24

I did find the second episode slow in parts, but the realistic dialogue is excellent (once the subtitles are on!).

BlueBelle Fri 24-May-19 08:00:25

I didn’t find it at all slow and like you gilly I thought the kids were brilliant so natural no thoughts of them acting they were just inquisitive kids I think it’s really well written showing how he has completely fell to pieces inside but kept up the ‘Im ok I m great’ act outside, the life and soul of the party but crumbling inside Just the sort of man who would commit suicide and everyone would be shocked
I m looking forward to next week but keep the sub titles on folks you are not going deaf