The Storyteller: Greek Myths (1990)
DVD Jim Henson Home Ent.
After the DVD release of the original StoryTeller series
in 2003, Jim Henson Home Entertainment has happily seen fit to
follow it up with its successor, Greek Myths. Michael
Gambon (Harry Potter) replaces John Hurt's storyteller
of the first season while Brian Henson returns to perform his
ever-incredulous dog. Produced under the supervision of Anthony
Minghella (Cold Mountain), and scripted by Nigel Williams,
only four Greek Myths episodes were ever produced, as Jim Henson's
untimely death called a halt to their production. Nevertheless,
those episodes number among the finest television productions
of all time.
Chased into a dark cavern after being caught robbing the dead
on Crete, the storyteller and his dog find themselves in the
ruins of the ancient Labyrinth. This scene sets up the series,
as each segment opens with the storyteller wandering deeper into
the Labyrinth, discovering more and more artifacts in the rubble,
each with a remarkable myth behind it.
Unfortunately, the stories on this DVD have been presented out
of order. Although placed last, "Theseus and the Minotaur"
is obviously the first episode (as it opens with the set up for
the series). This aside, the DVD presentation is otherwise first-rate.
"Theseus and the Minotaur" tells the story of a brave
hero, who, for all his courage, is an opportunistic man without
character, and his inability to ever keep his word destroys the
lives of those closest to him.
"Daedalus and Icarus" is the tale of master inventor
Daedalus, whose frustration that his genius was not passed on
to his son leads to tragedy. This episode also shows the interconnection
between different Greek myths; in this case, showing how Daedalus
created the Labyrinth for King Minos, in which the Minotaur was
imprisoned.
"Perseus and the Gorgon" is perhaps the most atmospheric
episode, and follows one of the bravest sons of Zeus, Perseus,
as he comes into mortal combat with the vile Medusa, whose gaze
can turn one to stone. Medusa's make-up is especially spine-tingling,
complete with a head of slithering serpents.
My own favorite is "Orpheus and Eurydice," the tragic
story of Orpheus, whose music could make the land fertile and
whose love, the wood nymph Eurydice, is claimed by Hades after
she is bitten by a snake. Composer Rachel Portman shines especially
brightly in this segment, providing the strains of Orpheus' lyre
and pipe, as he tries desperately to sway Hades with his melodies.
Filmed on a limited budget, the series is nevertheless gorgeously
realized. As with the previous StoryTeller series, some
of the greatest names of the English stage lend their talent,
among them Derek Jacobi (Daedalus), John Wood (Minos), and Ark
Malik (Orpheus). Robert Stephens is especially memorable in a
seething, mocking performance as Hades. Costumes, sets, and art
direction are also exquisite and the series is luminously photographed
by Roger Pratt, arguably the best lighting cameraman currently
working in England.
These stories are decidedly darker in tone from the fairytale
charm of the first StoryTeller series, yet more powerful
as well. Although probably too disturbing for very young children,
The StoryTeller: Greek Myths is the most respectful and
artistic screen adaptation of Greek mythology ever.
Unseen outside of England when first made, this new DVD will
hopefully bring deserved recognition to this series, and perhaps
even prompt further productions of its kind.
Paul Andrew MacLean
© 2004
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