Evenings with the Count

For reasons that I’ve never explored, my favorite novel of all time is The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas.

My first encounter with the Count was more than likely the 1975 TV with Richard Chamberlain in the title role. Dumas provided quite a bit of work for Mr. Chamberlain back in the ’70s, it was as if he was born for the over-the-top romanticism of Dumas, and I ate it all up.

Over the weekend I watched the latest incarnation of this tale, an intoxicating animated feast for the eyes called Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo. Netflix is currently streaming all 24 episodes of this series, each only about 24 minutes long. FUNimation Videos also has a couple of episodes that you can view online and purchase as well. Two years ago I had watched this series with my Dad, it was actually the last selection from Netflix that we watched together before his death in 2007.

The animated version takes huge liberties with the story; it’s set in the future, in space, and the Count is possessed by a demon. The story focuses on the lives of the young Albert de Morcerf and his relationship with the Count. In the last episode, the costumes were designed by notable fashion designer Anna Sui, adding to the rich tapestry of textures and colors that make this series such a trip.

My desire to reconnect with the Count was sparked when I noticed a newer version of the book, a newer translation that I had not read before, translated by Robin Buss and published by Penguin Classics. This weighty tome restores content excised by prudish Victorians and promises to be altogether much more readable than my antique two-volume set (image above).  And, at 1276 pages, I expect to spend quite a few summer evenings with the Count before I’m finished.

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