Cast
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Michael Gambon
as John Harrison
Jeremy Irons
as Rupert Gould
Ian Hart
as William Harrison (Adult)
Andrew Scott
as John Campbell
Bill Nighy
as Lord Sandwich
Gemma Jones
as Elizabeth Harrison
John Wood
as Sir Edmund Halley
Anna Chancellor
as Muriel Gould
Brian Cox
as Lord Morton
Samuel West
as Nevil Maskelyne
Ian McNeice
as Dr. Bliss
Jonathan Coy
as Adm. Sir Cloudsley Shovell
Christopher Hodsol
as Capt. Ainsley
Liam Jennings
as William Harrison (Young)
Peter Vaughan
as George Graham
Crew
Director
- Charles Sturridge
Writer
- Charles Sturridge
Producer
- Selwyn Roberts
Reviews
Peter McGinn
I had known about this 3-hour long, two part made-for-tv movie for a long time, but it took me a while to get around to watching it. It is very well done, so that even though the dual plots move slowly and with a lot of detail, it kept my interest throughout. It is hard to believe what John Harrison went through all those years working on his clock to be used by sailors to help them know where they are even on the open sea. If Harrison had worked for decades in the hard sciences during a later era, I dare say he would have received a Nobel prize, for it seemed the monetary prize he was seeking from the hopelessly bureaucratic award committee gave him a rougher time than the Nobel committee and fellow scientists ever would have.
In the other story thread that took place many years later, the Jeremy Irons character was on a similar Quixotic epic quest, and his marriage suffers even more. I found his plot slightly less interesting, if only because it seemed like the damage to his personal life was more self-inflicted, like perhaps he wouldn't have been a great husband in the best of times. One minor critique I have is that the stories could have paid more attention to the wives. We more or less lose sight of them after we are deep into the story, though they both make guest appearances here and there. I can't say I will be tempted to watch Longitude again in the future, but the writing and acting is strong enough for me to recommend it.
Apr 2, 2020
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Longitude examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Charles Sturridge brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2000, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Longitude took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 198 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 223 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 53 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1704 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2000, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Longitude shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dangerous Liaisons, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Longitude offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Cool Runnings and The Wild Child explore similar territory, Longitude stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 2, 2000
- Runtime: 3h 18m
