In this production, which breaks down the poeticism of Poe’s words into layman's terms, quotes that were once drawn out became easily digestible sound bites. Such as, “Now, this is no mere threat, no, no, no, no he deserves punishment.” Instead of Poe’s original lines, “A wrong is unredressed when retribution overtakes its redresser. It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong.”
One of the most powerful parts of this Poe story, in this reviewer’s opinion, is the way the two characters—our narrator and his foe, Fortunato—converse with one another. The cast of this radio adaptation brought that same jovialness, pain, and life into these conversations; so much so that you might hear them ringing in your ears after the 15-minute segment is over.
And to heighten this dialogue and narration, the audio is coupled with sound effects—such as water dripping in the wine cellar, a crowd roaring while at Carnival, and the sound of chains in the dungeon—which puts us in the place and calls upon many of our five senses.
For viewers that enjoy that spine chilling sensation, THE CASK OF AMONTILLADO is the perfect audio to give you a quick fright.
Nominated for Picture This Post BEST OF 2020