The dashing designer of modern dress?and disgrace As seen on BBC America James Purefoy (Rome, Vanity Fair) delivers a captivating performance as the dandy of Regency England who changed male fashion forever. In an age when... more » men bedeck themselves in powders, perfumes, and all manner of finery, Brummell boldly advocates simplicity, elegance, and?good heavens!?washing. His friendship with the Prince Regent (Hugh Bonneville, Iris) rockets Brummell to social prominence, but his fascination with the magnetic bad-boy poet Lord Byron (Matthew Rhys, Brothers & Sisters) eventually proves his undoing. Directed by Philippa Lowthorpe (The Other Boleyn Girl) and based on Ian Kelly?s critically acclaimed biography, Beau Brummell tells its story with a wit, flair, and irresistible stylishness that befit England?s ultimate man of fashion. DVD BONUS FEATURES INCLUDE "Brummell in Pop Culture" essay and cast filmographies.« less
I first heard of this archaic celebrity in the Doctor Who episode: "The Twin Dilemma" where the newly regenerated sixth Doctor's outfit is contested and he replies "That, my dear, is what they said about Beau Brummell." Brummell lived during the Romantic age (early to mid 1800's.) Fashion during this period was dominated by the French. Men wore white wigs and makeup, red lips, rouged cheeks, and were known as Fops.
Brummell here started a trend known as the Dandy. Basically a dude in a black suit with a white dress shirt. He also got folks to start bathing daily, shaving, and brushing their teeth. In fact, we may actually owe it to this fellow for the current less smelly state of affairs we live in today. Unfortunately, Brummell's common sense in pragmatic concerns was not as efficient as his dress acumen. In 1840, he met his ignominious end in an asylum, shabby and penniless, syphilitically insane.
This 2006 BBC production is based on the biography "Beau Brummell: The Ultimate Dandy" by Ian Kelly. Title from the 1983 The Smith's song. It focuses on a small portion of Brummell's life and is presented in a rather surrealistic manner. And seemingly, the moral of the story here is all can be fine and dandy until you tell someone they're fat. This film was just okay for me, and I think what really needs to be done is a more encompassing miniseries, rather than something pigeonholed like this.
4 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jeannine W. (jrelehw) from LONDONDERRY, NH Reviewed on 2/26/2012...
Very Interesting that this is about a real person! I heard there is a book the movie was based on. I will check that out....in the mean time, I enjoyed seeing the back side of James Purefoy! What a good actor and a beautiful man!!
Movie Reviews
Gorgeous Cast Fun story
S. DuRoss | Bethesda, MD | 05/09/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Who knew that Beau Brummell was the tabloid celebrity of his day. James Purefoy is just amazing as Beau - the man that changed the way men dressed. Matthew Rhys from Brothers & Sisters has a small but great role as Lord Byron.
The music is very catchy and I just had fun with this story."
WORTH THE WAIT !
C. E. | FT. WORTH, TEXAS | 09/08/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Period dramas are my favorite type of movie. James Purefoy (Rome,Vanity Fair, Mayor of Casterbridge, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Mansfield Park)is one of my favorite actors, so this movie was destined to be a favorite! Historically it is of great value. Just think, if it weren't for Beau Brummel, our men might still wear ruffles. The most excellent supporting cast includes Hugh Bonneville(also of Mansfield Park)and Matthew Rhys. My only complaint is that this movie is too short. I am sure this story deserves more than it's length of only 79 minutes and someone should be "horse whipped" or at least ashamed of the stunted state of this production. Now, if we might only be able to purchase "Blackbeard" starring James Purefoy, on DVD as well! One may only hope!"
Beau Brummell - This Charming Man
Elisabeth A. Maphet | Florida | 08/20/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you are a James Purefoy fan, this movie is a must. Very entertaining. James is absolutely adorable in this, his acting and his presence."
The birth of the dandy
Trevor Henderson | 12/15/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The movie is beautifully done -- costumes, settings, cinematography. The story is about a friend of the Prince Regent who radically changes how men dress. It is also about a compulsive gambler and debtor. He risks the friendship of the Crown Prince for the pleasures of Byron."