Desperate Romantics

Desperate Romantics is a captivating six-part BBC television drama series that aired in 2009. The show boasts of a talented cast with Jennie Jacques offering a strong and compelling performance. As an engaging period drama, it brings to life the backgrounds, exploits, and the creative prowess of the members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. The series provides an enthralling and sometimes scandalous exploration of these 19th-century avant-garde artists, with a vivid blend of art, lust, and drama.

The story is set in the backdrop of 1850s London and starts with the formation of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Consisting of young radical artists, namely John Millais, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and William Holman Hunt, they challenge and rebel against the art establishment of the time, advocating a return to the vibrant detailed compositions of Quattrocento Italian and Flemish art, which starkly contrasts the sweeping broad-brush aesthetics of the Raphaelesque tradition that dominated the period.

In Desperate Romantics, the enigmatic endeavors of the artistic trio are guided and chronicled by Fred Walters, a composite character based on several historical figures and portrayed as the Brotherhood’s secretary, primum mobile, narrator, and the series’ connecting thread. The series is loosely based on Franny Moyle's biography of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, adding a certain layer of authenticity to the narrative.

Jennie Jacques, best known for her role in the series Vikings, portrays the effervescent Annie Miller. Annie, a model for the Brotherhood, transforms from a destitute orange-seller to an esteemed member of the Victorian art world, thanks to her innate wit and charm. Her compelling character not only intensifies the viewing experience but also serves to highlight women's often overlooked role in the art world during that period.

The series also dwells on the profound and complicated relationships the Brotherhood has with their muses, who are broadly explored and portrayed not merely as passive models but as active participants in the creative process. Their interactions unveil the scandals, romance, and personal struggles behind the Brotherhood's astonishing artworks, which forever changed the landscape of 19th-century art.

The show utilizes a vibrant palette in its cinematography, paying homage to the ethos of the Pre-Raphaelite approach. The rich period detailing in costume and production design create a compelling visual tapestry that immerses the viewer in the era. Some of the iconic artworks of the Brotherhood are recreated in the series, offering a unique insight into the creative process behind these timeless masterpieces and their underlying artistic philosophy.

Though the show may take some creative liberties with the historical accuracy of the events, it nonetheless manages to give an evocative and entertaining representation of lives fraught with passion, trysts, tumults, and triumphs of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.

Desperate Romantics also subtly delves into the broader social and cultural landscape of the Victorian era, touching upon the boom of industrialization, the changing role and status of women, the intellectual environment, and the developing public appetite for art. Amid the historical backdrop, the Brotherhood's aims for earnestness and truth in art creates a contrast and adds a rebellious spirit to the narrative.

The series is an appealing watch not only for those interested in art history but also for viewers who enjoy period dramas, biographies, and stories of personal passions and professional rivalries. Desperate Romantics is laced with an enchanting blend of drama, romance, and scandal that keeps the audience hooked from start to finish.

All in all, Desperate Romantics transports viewers to a fascinating world where art and passion intertwine seamlessly. The superb performances of the cast, including the engaging role played by Jennie Jacques, superb historical detailing, and engrossing narrative make this series a must-watch. The lives, loves, and scandals of the Brotherhood are sure to captivate and entertain in equal measure.