Normal People (2020) Analysis: A Portrait of 21st Century Romance
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ส.ค. 2024
- Normal People, the 2020 BBC Three and Hulu tv show shows the beauty and brutality of young relationships. In this video essay and analysis, I examine and review what makes normal people the tv show so great, and why it should be regarded as a portrait of 21st century romance.
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They do not break up in the end, neither do they in the book - it's an open-ended ending. Throughout the series/book they grow up and realize that they can be together or apart but will always have love for each other.
An amazing video, beautifully edited and accompanied by an exquisite choice of music. Very well done; you an exceptionally talented person in your own right. Thank you. I simply loved your work.
Proper recognition at last.
Daisy E-J has been nominated for the 2021 Golden Globes for her role as Marianne in Normal People according to the Evening Standard of 03/02/21. [ Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology or TV Movie] About time too! Excellent news; well done Daisy for your brilliant performance. I'm full or admiration for such an extraordinary lady and for her parents who so lovingly and carefully moulded her phenomenally delightful character and allowed her to pursue her dream of becoming a wonderfully talented actress and a 'complete' individual.
However, although Paul Mescal was snubbed he it absolutely delighted that Daisy, his gorgeous 'friend' has finally received the recognition she so richly deserves. What an amazing 'real life' couple they'd make.
An amazing video, beautifully edited and accompanied by an exquisite choice of music. Very well done; you an exceptionally talented person in your own right. Thank you. I simply loved your work.
Proper recognition at last.
Daisy E-J has been nominated for the 2021 Golden Globes for her role as Marianne in Normal People according to the Evening Standard of 03/02/21. [ Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology or TV Movie] About time too! Excellent news; well done Daisy for your brilliant performance. I'm full or admiration for such an extraordinary lady and for her parents who so lovingly and carefully moulded her phenomenally delightful character and allowed her to pursue her dream of becoming a wonderfully talented actress and a 'complete' individual.
However, although Paul Mescal was snubbed he it absolutely delighted that Daisy, his gorgeous 'friend' has finally received the recognition she so richly deserves. What an amazing 'real life' couple they'd make.
Cope
they kind of do, i see where you are coming from though. although there isnt a explicit break-up the line "its only a year then ill be back" - "dont promise that., you dont know where either of us will be or what will happen" kind of puts the relationship on hold leaving the possibility for a renewal of the relationship but no certainty.
@@joshwalker2483 Yes but just for my mental health I'd like to think they find eachother in the end, just as they've always done. They spent a year apart when Marianne was in sweden, why not now? :) (dont rain on my parade)
Just from a guy who lives in western Ireland. Connell as a character is incredibly accurate to the age demographic, which has one of the higher suicide rates. Paul Mescal does the accent and speech patterns to perfection, to the point where I thought that he wasn't acting and the show had casted some culchie to play the role
The way his anxiety and depression are portrayed is one of my favorite pieces of this show and I don't hear it talked about very often in reviews. I didn't realize that about suicide rates in Ireland, and appreciate having that deeper context for Connell's experience and story.
I would like to know more about the factors affecting the male suicide rate in Ireland. Is it due to culture or what?
@@sukimarcheti7823 Culture of conformity and a reluctance to express are two of the main ones. Connell's fear of opening up to anyone is a painfully common feature. The biggest killer of men about 20-40 in Ireland is suicide, and while I'm not quite able to pinpoint the exact reasons, I will say that I've never related to a character more than Connell
@@sukimarcheti7823 Ireland went through some terrible things and generational trauma has taken a huge effect, and particularly the male conformity of being unemotional is pretty bad
I feel like a lot of men, especially me even being from the states related to Connor as I thought once I went to college i would find people just like in highschool, and I really tried, I joined orientation, I went to school events, but I was never able to find I guess" my people" I felt isolated and still do sometimes.
Love the way Marianne always closed her eyes when Connell touched her, it was like you could feel her comfort and guard melting only a few times in my life did this happen to me, and I can tell you as a man that there is something so much more to this than a sexual contact.
Not sure there was a break up at the end. It was more a realisation that they were normal and had grown up and so would make their own choices. Marianne did not need to submit herself to Connell or anyone else. Connell had the ( uncertain) confidence to go into the world. They would remain reference points for each other.
There is talk of a sequel but I would prefer the background to be coloured in so we have Lorraine’s story Denise’s story etc
‘
That is how the book ends, that's why.
After watching last episode I was mad at first that Marianne didn't want to move with Connell to New York after having gone through so many things. I thought : "Of course. It's a drama so they can not be just simply together. How frustrating. " Now after reading some of yours reflexions below I see the deeper and wider meaning of this ending. As somebody wrote, Marianne didn't need anymore to submit to Connell, and he was confident enough to move to NYC. That made me realize that this is not just another love story, the troubled one. It's a genuine love story about the first, true love with all its shadows. If you love someone set him free. Real love always come back to you. I've separated some time ago with my bf. We will be never back together cause to many bad things happened and we are to different to carry on but I know that we will have for each other special places in our hearts and if someone will hurt him, it will hurt me as well. But the life needs to go on. And I think that can be also a lesson taken from this serie. That at the end you need to find a peace in your head and the life needs to go on.
It felt like we were intruding on two people feeing love and pain and it was just amazing
yes there was something so intimate about the storytelling that it sometimes was uncomfortable...
Once Nikes by Frank Ocean turned on I knew I loved this show.
Somebody else by the 1975 for me!!
Omg Nike’s in normal people! Some tears are bout to be coming
And Carly Rae Jepsen was just a cherry on top
no literally when they were kissing to frank i said heart: done
@@ohjulia5690 was there somebody else in the show???
It made me realise if I was watched from the outside my relationships would look the same. Especially one I pushed away for no good reason. Not commiting and always seeming and subtly thinking there is something/someone better. Its part of the consumerisation of relationships mixed with uncertainty in careers and other areas of modern life making things uneasy.
It made me realsie I've allowed life to complicste things that dont need to be so.
B M G I have been looking at this comment for a week now.. You and I are living the same life, I wouldn’t be able to highlight a certain part of your comment because the entirety of it represents me. This show is incredible, I cried, I felt joy, I reflected etc.. A person who grew up in Saudi Arabia relating to something written in Ireland, this world!!
Your comment.. Brought back some very painful memories
The real innovation is the Intimacy and Purity of the lovemaking and the kisses. And: the rich and smart girl being the victim of bullying and the outcast! Connells Shyness is portrayed so strongly it pushes out of the screen!
I LOVED this show. Granted, I am a bi black girl from the US, but Connell IS me. I have never seen a character on the screen who matched my personality so perfectly. It was almost traumatic.
To me, the open ending, both in the book and in the show, wasn't really an open ending which the reader or viewer could fill in. To me, the ending was the ending of their chapter as Marianne and Connell as they were from the start to the end of this story. Sure, perhaps they will end up together eventually, or maybe not. But either way, both Marianne and Connell healed their wounds together, and the next chapters of their lives, regardless of whether they'll end up together or not, they'll be grown ups. I am literally typing this with pain in my heart, reflecting back on their story with so much nostalgia, love and melancholy. I love both characters so much and I am so proud of who they've become. In the end, to me the message is: love isn't about attachment. It is a connection. and the love they have for each other is true love.
I love this relatively brief but succinct analysis of the show, dealing with the major issues in a way neither rambling nor boring. I have not been a teenager since the last half of the 20th century but the actors themselves said in interviews that this is not just a teenage love story for millenials and younger, but a story which appeals to, and is relevant to, all ages. That is why it has proved to be the phenomenal success it is and just as much a hit with those in middle age as those who are younger. For many in the former category it resurrects painful memories.
I found this story was about self acceptance and self value more than anything.
I loved this series, you have summed it up perfectly as it was very moving - Fleur
What a fabulous summary. You were able to explain everything I got out of watching this series 5 times. Each time I watched an episode, I picked up something new. Thank you for simplifying the complexity of this amazing series.
A very accurate portrayal of the drama. Thank you. Apart from the other comments which I totally agree with, it was noticeable that there were no disrespectful confrontational episodes, or gratuitous violence so prevalent in today's 'soaps' & films. Maybe true romance & feelings, as opposed to technology & special effects will be the hallmark of the early twenty first century. If so this is a wonderful start.
This is such a great review. Just loved this series. The best thing I have maybe ever seen. Paul and Daisy were excellent. Always loved Daisy in Cold Feet, but this for both of them is another level. Cant believe how immersed I was in this series. Had to watch it on my own, as if I didnt want to share it with anyone, not even my husband!! Thank you so much.
It's funny how some people say it portrays modern relationships but I can relate to it. My first love was 30 years ago & we were in college, our relationship ended the same way as Connell and Marianne. My girlfriend went to America for a year but never came back & is still there, unfortunately she never married or had kids unlike me. I think it's a timeless portray of relationships.
Why don’t you go after her?
@@bubblegirl9854 water under the bridge now, it was her decesion to stay & she ended our relationship. I didn't want to live in the States despite being born there. Married to the same girl for 27 years & 3 kids. Relationships are complex - having 2 people who are happy in their jobs/careers and happy where they live at the same time is very rare. I do feel sadness for her as she never did find the right person - she did deserve that.
@@bozothedog9024 Your original comment made me think of Dylan's Boots of Spanish Leather. Life is choices made.
@@Anhorish True, we are free to make whatever choices we want to make, however, we are not free of the consequences.
I was quite sad to say the least at the end yet, somewhat really happy. I don’t know but I think it’s due to the fact that I wanted to see them together, happily ever after given how they’ve went through so much hardship in order to finally be fully together. I really would love a season 2 but then again it would kill the fact that we (the audience) can come to our own conclusions about their future and how things will turn out for them which for me is a happy one. Great video btw mate!
This came up in my suggestions after watching a load of normal people interviews and I really enjoyed it, thank you. I’ve subscribed and look forward to watching more of your videos.
Also you’re voice/way you talk reminds me of josh widdicombe haha
I had a similar relationship in my late teens/early 20s but it was with someone at work. I wasn't 'allowed' (his request) to tell anyone we were dating, even though everyone knew and we all hung out at weekends etc. It was obvious that something was going on between us. For multiple years we hooked up and dated until finally I moved away and saw how toxic it was. The first 3 episodes had me in tears remembering my own experiences, and certain songs still trigger memories of him. I read the book first, and I recommend it because there is a lot of outside looking in type analysis in the book that makes some scenes in the show make more sense.
why didn't he want to touch her Infront of other ppl when everyone knew they were dating
I wouldn't have watched this show, because I didn't know about it. Thank you for introducing it to me.
I loved this series and this is a great analysis. I haven't read the novel (yet) but I want to speak to criticisms that Marianne in the series, as played by Daisy-Edgar Jones, is too pretty. I think she's perfect. And she mirrors my own teenage experience, in the 1970's (except no Connell came along for me). I was a top student and considered very smart, but I was bullied relentlessly. I also had a hostile home environment. I was also called ugly, and believed I was, but when I look back now on pictures of the teenaged me, I think I was very pretty, and other people concur when I show them the pictures. What I was was very, very different from my peers. I was strange. I had a precocious vocabulary because I'd been reading for a long time. I carried a book with me everywhere and would read one in public, like Marianne, and was mocked for it, too. Teenagers are terrified of not fitting in (as Connell shows) and they are vicious to those who stand out. I know I also seemed younger than my peers because I didn't wear makeup. Partly this was because my mother thought it inappropriate, but mostly because I was afraid of getting it wrong. That may have been true with Marianne, as we see her putting on makeup and wiping it off before going to Connell's. But as a smart girl, she can figure it out when she really wants to make an effort, and I think she did, for Connell, when she went to the club to sell raffle tickets. When I got to college and decided to wear makeup, it didn't take me long to figure it out, too. So, yeah, I find Marianne in the series to be perfectly believable.
i love this analysis its very well thought and I definitely agree that this show portrays the 21st century romance! It's complicated, raw and a whirlwind of emotions.
First time ever watching one of your videos-- I really, really love this! I am such a huge fan of both the book as well as the series. Thank you for your analysis!
Magnificent analysis 🙏 Outstanding show. Am savoring every episode!
Very well said … fascinating to understand how the filming and direction makes the story .. such an intense love story and one of my fav shows in awhile
Interesting stuff. The ending is brilliantly ambiguous. You can project your own future onto the characters which is refreshing.
WOW, I loved this
Your wording is immaculate
this is the best review I've seen for the series
I think it was a nice touch that you had Frank Ocean playing in the background when you were praising the show's soundtrack!
An excellent review love your video! I have very much believed that they did end up together. Because they’ve already tried living apart, dating multiple people. I feel like they’ll make it at the end together because they did overcoming in articulating their feelings for each other. I feel like they overcame their insecurities, and that’s why they can make it together as a couple. I don’t understand them not ending up together. I do understand, though, that they learn from their mistakes. Also, by being a part and dating other people, they grew as individuals as well as a couple, but I felt like they did stay together in the end. They would have ended up together because they are Best friends and soulmates; I believe that was the whole point of the story in the series that it was a journey of self-reflection so they could love themselves and each other.
Im sure they will eventually end up together. The point of the ending was that they were both secure enough to know they had a strong bond and a good relationship and they could pursue their separate dreams knowing the other person will always be there. They are both too young to settle down anyways.
An intense, moving and beautiful series. You describe it very well. I felt some very intense flashbacks from watching it. Makes me glad Im in my 30s now haha
loved your analysis!
Lovely Interview of Daisy E-J in which she really showing her maturity. A beautiful women with and prodigious talent. Mescal has now spoken of his pride in his co-star after she was nominated for a Golden Globes award. He wrote, "“Could not be prouder of you my friend.” What a great guy!
Good review. Though I'd argue there were no "euphoric highs" to balance the "heartbreaking lows." When things were going well for Maryanne and Connell, there was no real joy, no real happiness, no bliss. They seemed fairly consistently gloomy despite the changing circumstances. That is what I took to be the main failing of this film--the characters had no capacity for joy, and neither did the film--it was indulgent in it's unrelenting gloominess.
I have to agree with that.
No wayy. I mean you’re definitely allowed to have your own opinion but I’d say give it a second chance. The beauty in this show is the subtlety. They aren’t your impulsive, picnic having, rooftop sneaking, joyriding YA couple (which are in their own way adorable), but they are capable of feeling joy. They just feel it more in the safety of quiet shared moments not needing to overly animate their feelings. I will say there was a lot of gloom though
I love the analysis!
I loved this show tv a lot! It was overwhelming and felt so authentic at the same time!
amazing video!! thank u for sharing this
I really loved it! I have watched it for the second time, i guess it hits me in some way..
Loved the show! Thank you for the review! I enjoyed the video
I am obsessed with this show. I can't wait for her to write about them ten years after he left to NY.
Awesome video!! Your channel’s getting better and better!
Thank you that means a lot!
Great review!
I hope there is a sequel as I felt very connected to the characters and would love more, I’ve never associated Ireland with hot summers being an Aussie and really enjoyed the backdrops/settings of Ireland, Trinity, Italy and Sweden I would love to see them in New York
Brilliant analysis and phenomenal and relatable show!
Thank you so much!
Perfectly summed up, just subscribed
A very good review of a brilliant series.
I love how the video is so short...... 💖
Dude this video essay is incredible. I’m not sure if you intended it (probably did) but the flow of your script follows the backing track meter so the entire essay sounds like a spoken word song. Beautiful.
Thanks I really appreciate that! Honestly I put more work into the music and narration than usual, but i didn't intend for it to flow like it did - some times the stars just align! Thanks for the support again
Great Video! thanks for sharing :)
They don't break up in the end -- and the book seems to convey that more strongly. And I won't hear any differently. Ever. I have to believe they remain together, things are turbulent sometimes but they do end up together until death do they part. Connell has a fabulous career as a writer and Marianne works in non-profits and politics. The end! :)
These two are me and my husband 28 years ago and two kids and house in the mountains we still love each other
Marianna '' saying I love you too'' is the Best scenes in this show . finally she feels that beeing loved.
Great review of a brilliant show!
I really love serie/ movie/ novel analysis, it can allows us to have a different point of view on the situation while believing it or not. I really appreciate reading all the comments because people usually give an other view on one subject or give other details that the reader or the viewer did not see at first. After seeing or reading an analysis you often see details that you wouldn't have seen without the help of it. I can also add something by giving a detail that maybe some of you hadn't seen, some times the realisator give a more global view on a particular action as at Marianne's birthday when the camera zoom out to emphasize the fact that they are just NORMAL PEOPLE. Well to conclude I will say that the aesthetic of the movie is incredible and that this book is one of my favourite with "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, "Les Fleurs du Mal" by Charles Baudelaire (it's a book of poetry), "Pay It Forward" by Catherine Ryan Hyde and "Women's Dreams" by Virginia Woolf.
PS : (excuse me for the grammar mistakes i'm french, even if I know this is not an excuse I will still try to defend myself in all of the cases....)
I love comments like this! So glad you found the video and could come and join the discussion in the comments ❤
There are several essays that trace connections from Austen's Emma to Normal People. Austen is surely an influence.
@@Anhorish Oh yeah now that you said it!!! I really like Emma !!
Everything about this show is amazing
I was really interested in the series after watching the first episode. Especially because the character of Daisy Edgar-Jones reminded me of Carey Mulligan in "An Education" which is one of my favourite movies. However after being 5 episodes in, the series became very much unbearable, reminding me of a famous quote that Irish people were ineligible to psychoanalysis. In don't know whether that is true, or if the series actually bears proof there has been some progress. Anyhow, as someone who was born in the late 60s, this series makes me feel that I understand the world and its people less and less. For anyone whol feels the same, I would like to recommend to watch the french movie Fanfan (1993) as a cure!
So good, love from Ireland
I relate to it and I am not the target audience. Some good insight here, thank you.
great video - should be "its audience" by the way...
I enjoyed the video essay. Can you list the music you used in the video?
Currently on episode 4!
Can you share the playlist!
Nice video
What sources did you use with the cinematography and director quotes
Soundtrack: www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/art-books-music/a32393566/normal-people-songs/
Cinematography: www.theringer.com/tv/2020/4/28/21238925/normal-people-making-of-sally-rooney-hulu
General Review: www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/apr/26/normal-people-review-sally-rooney-bbc-hulu
I would say it is a good portrayal of 21st century romance, but perhaps for a different reason. For me, this show really mirrored dating as a trans woman in 2020. It’s sad to say, but I can’t tell you how similar Marianne’s experiences are to my own. Being a perfectly normal girl and yet being outcast by some people in society, being a “secret”, and (some) men wanting to exist in secret relationships which lead to dysfunction. Luckily not all men are like this, and some men are completely comfortable dating trans women and cis women - but there are still many men who would allow their friends to make fun of trans people, and stay silent during, only to lust after us in secret. And I fully realize that Marianne isn’t trans in the show, but you could have put a trans actress in the role and it would have mirrored those experiences just the same. And then as Marianne grows she becomes more comfortable in her own skin and more comfortable with who she is, and Connell grows into himself and realizes he didn’t have to be ashamed of being with her in school.
What a beautiful analysis. I'm glad you could find in art something that makes you feel understood.
they could never make me hate you, sally rooney
Hahaha, so this going to kill me. Great cannot wait!
Do not think anyone else can explain it any better.
I didnt like the ending. After rooting for them to sort their issues out a be together all the way through it was annoying for it to end with yet another wedge coming between them.
The truth. Theyll look back at this chapter of their life and just smile back. Life as it is
Whats the Song at 3:33??? Anyone? X
Youth by Pacific, it's a beat made in the style of Khalid's music
Is it meant to be relatable for a 21 year old from a small town in the British countryside ?
Yes, as someone from a small town in the British countryside, I'd say so!
where can i watch this
It's on BBC iPlayer, check it out for free there!
Can I just say she is beautiful, not plain enough!
Brutal, real, the best
What is kind of awkward that the critics are refering to young people experiences with love. Love has no age and relationships or can always be challenging through life especially when it comes to romantic relationships and communication. Another thing is also when they come from different backgrounds and "classes" is the issue or the misunderstanding of the couple somewhere else. I find it strange that it's mainly pointed out on classes differences. It's all about self-worth and feeling love and accepted by others which is a topic what is fundamental. This label of class is just weird as it's actually not important. I don't get who created this idea to give something like this an importance.
The series lives mainly about the rawness of exposing everyone's anxieties and therefore the intensity of feeling either close to someone or left out. It's a fundamental and primal need. Everyone thrives on it and I would say what makes this series or book so intense and real. The characters aren't appearing as classical teenagers maybe because they come across as self-aware.
Any other show like this?
I May Destroy You & Fleabag are both kinda similar, both great
I kept asking myself “ should I be watching this?” During their sex scenes because they were so real and I felt like I was intruding into something so personal and felt like it was none of my business. That is a weird feeling when watching a movie or a series. However, it was how I felt.
Moral:
" You kept me like a secret but I kept you like an oath "
I think it is very limiting to class it a 21st Century romance. Those who spent their youth in the later part of the 20th century also find it identifiable. It has universal appeal similar to Romeo and Juliet
Well done. But at 0:34 it should read its and not it's. Love.
Did they break up? I thought they just realised that it COULD happen because their lives are becoming too different... and they came to terms with that realisation?
I interpreted the ending as them breaking up, but your interpretation is equally valid! I guess it all comes down to if you're a pessimist or an optimist about the ending, if its glass half empty or glass half full.
The Film Essay 100% I actually like either perspective tbh!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I don't think that the storyline is particularly 'modern' in its basics. Take away the sex scenes and the particular modern technological and cultural referents and it could have been written by George Eliot, Thomas Hardy or one of the Brontë's. Indeed, the class division element of the plot speaks more of the 19th century than the 21st. Like many 19th century romantic novels, the whole edifice rests on pivotal instances of the plot device of miscommunication, with some instances stretching credulity to breaking point. One such, is when Connell loses his share in the Dublin accommodation he is living in, that any sane human being would not say "Can I stay with you?". to an acknowledged girlfriend, is staggeringly unlikely - at the very least a very heavy hint would have been dropped. The series was superbly acted and shot, and some of the dialogue was wonderful, but I do not think that the story - and presumably the plot of the original book - is either essentially modern, or inherently believable. Good as it is, the series left me feeling exasperated that two supposedly intelligent and, at times, eloquent people, could be depicted as quite so obtuse.
I'm watching the show for a second time. Connell is so selfish and confused. Can someone tell me why he didn't want to make Marianne his gf in college and didn't show affection in public? And after the restaurant job went south, he ended up breaking up with her when later on he admits it was "a perfect time in his life"? -_- But was exclusive with the next girl in med school. Make it make sense. A psychological analysis of Connell's character would be interesting!
I actually disagree here and thought that Connell was too good for Marianne. He bent over backwards time and time again for her for years and she kept pushing him away bc she didn’t think she deserved to be loved by him. I think marianna was more selfish really
@@ashleymarron5406 disagree with both of you guys haha. Connell loved Marianne but due to anxiety, his attitude around her came off nonchalant when on the inside he was hoping for they’d just magically get together. Marianne was definitely good enough for Connell but at first he didn’t treat her so. By the time he realized who she really was and saw other people seeing it he felt like an idiot for hurting her and hiding her. Then he felt less than her, like he didn’t deserve to be in control of whether he got to have a relationship with her. He even tells the gf ‘who I am with her is my real personality’. Marianne still felt like the same girl from high school. Unloved, overlooked, meant to be hidden. She even tells him he’s been holding all the cards saying ‘it was different with you, I wouldn’t done whatever you wanted me to if you asked’. And ‘always’ whenever he said he was hoping to stay with her the summer before they broke up. She loved him but didn’t know how he felt. Multiple times he states ‘I think it’s obvious I…’ and her reply is ‘I don’t find it obvious what you want’. These are two complex, broken people who want to be loved but then find true relationship in giving love to the other person without expecting it back. That’s why it’s so sweet when they are finally together. They melt into each other. They both love the other so much and at the same time can’t believe the other loves them so much back. They show affection while thinking ‘is this awkward to do?’ And the other is delighted thinking ‘I never want to leave this moment, I feel so cherished, is that how they think of me? As worth cherishing’. This goes on until they realize how mutual and safe the love is and set each other free with the peace in their hearts that they’ll both be happy. They love each other enough to want their happiness and fulfillment even if they aren’t together. They also know at any moment their arms are open for them to come back to each other if it’s right. I love this show too much because it feels too human.
drink every time he says “patronizing”
When talking about the music, why not let us hear the music? Or talking about sex scenes but not showing them?
Music and sex scenes will probably be flagged, and the video might get taken down.
I think you read far too much into the wealth/class aspect. Sure, Marianne came from a rich family and Connell didn't but it was never an issue as far as I could tell. And why no mention of the truly exceptional acting of both leads? This is what really lifted it into something really special.
Fair points, the wealth class aspect I just mentioned because I read a review in the daily telegraph that highly emphasised it. The acting was of course incredible, I left that unsaid because I feel it's so self evident for anyone who saw the show!
The wealth issue was an inherent part of the story. Connell's lack of freedom came from his working class origins, he depends on his friendship group for social capital. He feels out of place in college partly because of his different socio-economic background from others. This plays into his mental issues. Marianne's relative wealth adds to her sense of shame and isolation. She's an outsider in school, and cannot escape her abusive family unit, which impacts her self-esteem and destructive patterns.
@@thefilmessay9832 Oh the Telegraph said it...must be right then. I just don't know how you can praise the music and ignore the most important part. I wouldn't know Frank Ocean from the Atlantic ocean.
@JeremyEM1 Maybe but I do not believe any of this impacted their relationship which surely is the crux of the story. I know Sally Rooney is a self confessed Marxist but even she says she wouldn't know how to write a "Marxist novel".
@JeremyEM1 I am glad you said that. The relationship falters because they each had problems relating to the other's circumstance. The class/ different socioeconomic aspect is a major part of the story. If his family situation had been similar to hers, there wouldn't have been a story. Also, obviously for the purposes of the story, they had to have gone to the same school but in real life in Ireland, she would have been sent to a prestigious boarding school and then gone to on to Trinity, while he might have gone to Galway University. Nothing wrong with that but they might never have met.
Double mid roll ads wow must be mint
The ending is unbelievable. The novel and the tv series doesn’t set us up to believe Marianne’s final decision. There is no foreshadowing of her decision. This could have been a good novel.
The ending is more subtle than it appears. There is no final decision. They will be OK.. In the end they have become normal with with normal problems and they look with realism to the future. They have both achieved their goals, in Marianne’s case to be normal, in Connell’s case to face the world through art. I am not sure that they break up but they both realise that things happen. ( In the book it is significant that it is Marianne who says that it will only be a year rather than Connell).
I would hope there is a prequel to explain amongst other things, Connell’s parentage, Marianne’s family wealth- and the fact she goes to a state school- and the various other tropes that are glimpsed at in the story. The last scene in the series can be Connell going to pick his mother from Marianne’s house.
It doesn’t set us up? I feel like her entire arc is a setup for her to reach a point in her life when she’s finally strong enough to make that choice. To realize she can take care of herself, to understand how she deserves to be treated, and to be strong enough to let Connell go-with the hope that they will fit back together into each other’s life. They changed each other, helped each other become who they are, too, which they talk about when she says they would be completely different people without each other. I feel her journey was to reach a place of certainty and contentment and strength enough to make the choice at the end.
Cody Lakin Do The more I contemplate this story the more I dislike it. Connell is an intelligent english major that has a limited speaking vocabulary. The writer gave us no reason for Marianne to remain in Ireland. Okay she now gets along with students from high school that once hated and mocked her! The only positive is the normal movement through high school and college with different relationships and motivations.
G C Well I’m a writer and grammarian, and I’m pretty horrible at speaking. And I’m getting the impression you just have something against this story-and that’s fine. I just don’t see how you see it that way. The writer gives no reasons? Marianne’s entire arc is reason. She’s grown and gotten to a place in her life where she’s actually content, she’s comfortable, she’s doing what she wants to be doing, and doesn’t want to upend that life to start a new one in another country-even if it’s just for a year.
@@richardwalters2264 There would not be a big enough pool of wealthy people in the west of Ireland to facilitate elite private and expensive schools, though some do exist.
Think you should have spoiler warning just in case people haven't seen it yet
Hi, i think you are distilling it into something too simple. You keep stating that the show is about adolescent relationships. Though this is clearly part of it, you follow the characters growing. By the end they are mid-twenties, hardly the difficulties facing an adolescent relationship. The intricacy of relationships in the long term would be a more appropriate description as well as the interwovenness of some people into you life, by your choice or otherwise.
Perhaps I didn't choose my words carefully enough. I meant young relationships, starting adolescent but ending mid-twenties. My point was meant to be that so often, in tv and film, young relationships are portrayed in a very patronising and reductionist way. However, in Normal People, the relationship is portrayed with all the deep meaning of real young relationships, making the viewer's experience that much richer.
@@thefilmessay9832 From secondary school to university takes 3-4 years so the ages are 18 to 21 or 22. Connell would be mid 20's after Graduate school, and one would presume a much older and wiser man. You were right the first time.
The cinematography is to die for but the characters did nothing for me.
This show is not about normal people
Actually, I think it is very much about normal people, all of whom could be subject of a great novel if they had the skill to turn their own lived experiences into art.
We are all magic, all mortal, and all aware of that fact.
marianne was a sweetie
The absolute most garbage thing I ever binged. First World problems.
Chick lit.
Nah not really. It's an examination of class and modern young love. Maybe 'Human lit'?
It end up choice only the book now
I just want normal relationship
I love the analysis!
💜