Blogcritics: Comments on Dark Carnivale

Comment by Bill Sherman

Mon, 8 Dec 2003 12:30:11 EST

The link didn't stick. That Nightmare Alley is at http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/02/09/175145.php.

Comment by Bill Sherman

Mon, 8 Dec 2003 12:27:58 EST

Nightmare Alley has also been adapted as a good graphic novel by former undergrounder Spain. A Blogcritics review can be found here.

Comment by David Mazzotta

Sun, 7 Dec 2003 18:38:33 EST

Jim - yes, that's the key, not using the fact that it's a supernatural based show to get you out of making good drama. I can't think of many fantasy/scifi shows that have done this other than for an episode or two at a time, nevermind a whole season or series. If they can pull it off it will be a remarkable acheivement. More on Nightmare Alley: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/NightmareAlley-10001187/reviews.php

Comment by HW Saxton Jr.

Sun, 7 Dec 2003 18:10:36 EST

Jim you're right,Nightmare Alley is a classic piece of Roman Noir.I was going to mention the book but just could not remember the author.Still can't.The film version of "N.A" is one of the few cases of a great book making the transition to great movie.As a point of interest the movie was produced by Mr.Georgie Jessel! The only production of his that I know of.You should be able to find the film online rather easily.I found mine years ago.It's probably on DVD by now.

Comment by Jim Carruthers

Sun, 7 Dec 2003 16:05:27 EST

"Nightmare Alley", that's what I was looking for! I've never seen the movie, but it is based on the novel, which I'd read years ago, and is even darker and more disturbing than Carnivale. The novel is a noir classic. I was thinking of it, but couldn't recall the title while watching Carnivale.

Comment by HW Saxton Jr.

Sun, 7 Dec 2003 15:50:05 EST

David, If you find this show intriguing,then you should search out the 1947 movie "Nightmare Alley".It stars Tyrone Power as a phony Psychic/Prophet traveling with a seedy carnival who ascends to fame and fortune via deception and his ultimate decline into alcoholism and circus geekdom.Having only seen one Ep. of "Dark Carnivale" it was clear to me that a small part of inspiration for this show was drawn from "N.A.".Enjoy!

Comment by Jim Carruthers

Sun, 7 Dec 2003 15:37:32 EST

I'm of a bunch of minds about Carnivale. While I like the grimness, unlike Six Feet Under, there are no laughs. And the magic schtick is, I expect, going to be used as a cheat to get the writers out of the corner they will paint themselves into. Also, you'd think if'n you had to bury momma, a bulldozer would be powerful useful to achieve that end. But since Dirtboy can't even be bothered to get a new shirt, I guess practicality isn't among his virtues. Carnivale is interesting, but with all the mystic mumbo-jumbo and making up the rules as they go along, I think it doesn't give its audience very much in return. And would it be too much to ask to see Adrianne Barbeau's hooters?