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{{Infobox television
{{Infobox television
| show_name = White Teeth
| show_name = White Teeth
| image = [[File:White Teeth (TV).jpg|250px]]
| image = [[File:White Teeth (TV).jpg|220px]]
| caption = DVD cover
| caption = DVD cover
| show_name_2 =
| show_name_2 =
Line 35: Line 35:
| distributor = [[WGBH-TV]]<br>Channel 4 Television Corporation
| distributor = [[WGBH-TV]]<br>Channel 4 Television Corporation
| channel = [[Channel 4]]
| channel = [[Channel 4]]
| picture_format = 1.78 : 1
| picture_format =
| audio_format = [[Stereophonic sound|Stereo]]
| audio_format = [[Stereophonic sound|Stereo]]
| first_run =
| first_run =
| first_aired = {{film date|2002|9|17|United Kingdom|df=y}}
| first_aired = {{start date|2002|9|17|df=y}}
| last_aired = {{film date|2002|10|8|United Kingdom|df=y}}
| last_aired = {{end date|2002|10|8|df=y}}
| status =
| status =
| preceded_by =
| preceded_by =
Line 48: Line 48:
}}
}}


'''White Teeth''' is a 2002 [[United Kingdom|British]] four-part [[television]] [[drama]] [[miniseries]], based on the [[White Teeth|novel of the same name]] written by [[Zadie Smith]]. The series was adapted by [[Simon Burke]], directed by [[Julian Jarrold]], and starred [[Om Puri]] and [[Phil Davis (actor)|Phil Davis]]. It was broadcast on [[Channel 4]] over four consecutive weeks between 17 September 2002 and 8 October 2002.
'''White Teeth''' is a 2002 [[United Kingdom|British]] four-part [[television]] [[drama]] [[miniseries]], based on the [[White Teeth|novel of the same name]] written by [[Zadie Smith]].
The series was adapted by [[Simon Burke]], directed by [[Julian Jarrold]], and starred [[Om Puri]] and [[Phil Davis (actor)|Phil Davis]]. It was broadcast on [[Channel 4]] over four consecutive weeks between 17 September 2002 and 8 October 2002.


==Overview==
==Overview==
White Teeth consists of four self-contained short-stories, focusing on a major male character as he encounters a turning point in his life, with background cameos from other characters.<ref name="guardian3">{{cite news |last=Lawson|first=Mark|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2002/sep/16/artsfeatures.zadiesmith|title=TV review|location= |work= |publisher=''[[The Guardian]]''|date=16 September 2002|accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref> The series spans 20 years of three cultures, chronicling the interlinked stories of three families over three generations in a multicultural area of north-west London<ref name="guardian1">{{cite news |last=Deans|first=Jason|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2001/nov/27/channel4.race|title=Channel 4 bares White Teeth|location= |work= |publisher=''[[The Guardian]]''|date=27 November 2001|accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref> from 1974 to 1992.<ref name="bbc1">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1679599.stm|title=White Teeth to be televised|location= |work= |publisher=''[[BBC News]]''|date=27 November 2001|accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref>
White Teeth consists of four self-contained short-stories, focusing on a major male character as he encounters a turning point in his life, with background cameos from other characters.<ref name="guardian3">{{cite news |last=Lawson|first=Mark|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2002/sep/16/artsfeatures.zadiesmith|title=TV review|location= |work= |publisher=''[[The Guardian]]''|date=16 September 2002|accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref> The series spans 20 years of three cultures, chronicling the interlinked stories of three families over three generations in a multicultural area of north-west London<ref name="guardian1">{{cite news |last=Deans|first=Jason|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2001/nov/27/channel4.race|title=Channel 4 bares White Teeth|location= |work= |publisher=''[[The Guardian]]''|date=27 November 2001|accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref> from 1974 to 1992.<ref name="bbc1">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1679599.stm|title=White Teeth to be televised|location= |work= |publisher=''[[BBC News]]''|date=27 November 2001|accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref>


The four-hour saga also features leaps back to the [[Second World War]], where Samad and Archie served together, and even further back to the [[Indian Rebellion of 1857|Indian Mutiny]].<ref name="guardian2">{{cite news |last=O'Hagan|first=Sean|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2002/aug/25/fiction.bookerprize2002|title=Zadie bites back|location= |work= |publisher=''[[The Observer]]''|date=25 August 2002|accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref>
The four-hour saga also features leaps back to the [[Second World War]], where Samad and Archie served together, and even further back to the [[Indian Rebellion of 1857|1857 Indian Mutiny]].<ref name="guardian2">{{cite news |last=O'Hagan|first=Sean|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2002/aug/25/fiction.bookerprize2002|title=Zadie bites back|location= |work= |publisher=''[[The Observer]]''|date=25 August 2002|accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref>


==Cast==
==Cast==
===Main cast===
*[[Om Puri]] Samad Miah Iqbal
*[[Om Puri]] Samad Miah Iqbal
*[[Phil Davis (actor)|Phil Davis]] as Archie Jones
*[[Phil Davis (actor)|Phil Davis]] as Archie Jones
Line 65: Line 68:
*Sarah Ozeke as Irie Jones
*Sarah Ozeke as Irie Jones
*[[James McAvoy]] as Josh Malfen
*[[James McAvoy]] as Josh Malfen

===Recurring cast===
*[[Mona Hammond]] as Hortense Bowden
*[[Mona Hammond]] as Hortense Bowden
⚫
*Kammy Darweish as Ardashir
⚫
*[[Deepak Verma]] as Shiva
*[[Charlie Creed-Miles]] as Ryan Topps
*[[Charlie Creed-Miles]] as Ryan Topps
*[[Maggie O'Neill]] as Poppy Burt-Jones
*[[Maggie O'Neill]] as Poppy Burt-Jones
⚫
*[[Deepak Verma]] as Shiva
*[[Jeff Mirza]] as Mohammed Ishmael
*[[Jeff Mirza]] as Mohammed Ishmael
*[[Nina Wadia]] as Neena
*[[Nina Wadia]] as Neena
⚫
*Kammy Darweish as Ardashir
⚫
*[[John Simm]] as Mr Hero
⚫
*[[Russell Brand]] as Merlin
*[[Sophie Winkleman]] as Joely
*[[Sophie Winkleman]] as Joely
*[[Rufus Jones (actor)|Rufus Jones]] as Crispin
*[[Rufus Jones (actor)|Rufus Jones]] as Crispin
*[[Chu Omambala]] as Brother Ibrahim
*[[Chu Omambala]] as Brother Ibrahim

===Guest cast===
⚫
*[[John Simm]] as Mr Hero
⚫
*[[Russell Brand]] as Merlin


==Episodes==
==Episodes==
Line 90: Line 97:
|Title= The Peculiar Second Marriage of Archie Jones
|Title= The Peculiar Second Marriage of Archie Jones
|OriginalAirDate= {{start date|2002|9|17|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate= {{start date|2002|9|17|df=y}}
|ShortSummary= It is 1974. Recently divorced Archie Jones [[Phil Davis (actor)|Phil Davis]] is one of life’s losers, with a dead end job, and makes important life decisions on the toss of a coin. Archie’s old war comrade, Samad Miah Iqbal ([[Om Puri]]) returns to fulfill an arranged marriage to a woman half his age, Alsana ([[Archie Panjabi]]). After being unable to find work, Samad reluctantly asks his cousin, Ardashir (Kammy Darweish), for a job in his restaurant, Curry Heaven.
|ShortSummary= It is 1974, and recently divorced Archie Jones ([[Phil Davis (actor)|Phil Davis]]) is one of life’s losers, with a dead end job, who makes important life decisions on the toss of a coin. Archie’s old war comrade, Samad Miah Iqbal ([[Om Puri]]) returns to fulfill an arranged marriage to a woman half his age, Alsana ([[Archie Panjabi]]). After being unable to find work, Samad reluctantly asks his cousin, Ardashir (Kammy Darweish), for a job in his restaurant, Curry Heaven.


Meanwhile, Jamaican-born, Clara Bowden ([[Naomie Harris]]), with the encouragement of her Jehovah’s Witness mother, Hortense ([[Mona Hammond]]), proselytises door-to-door of the end of the world. When she meets Ryan Topps ([[Charlie Creed-Miles]]), she loses her virginity, abandons her religion and after an encounter with a commune takes up his rebellious ways. After Ryan and Clara have an accident in Ryan’s shooter, Ryan himself becomes a believer. Merlin ([[Russell Brand]]) from the commune takes Clara from hospital to the End of the World party.
Meanwhile, Jamaican-born, Clara Bowden ([[Naomie Harris]]), with the encouragement of her Jehovah’s Witness mother, Hortense ([[Mona Hammond]]), proselytises door-to-door of the end of the world. When she meets Ryan Topps ([[Charlie Creed-Miles]]), she loses her virginity, abandons her religion and after an encounter with a commune takes up his rebellious ways. After Ryan and Clara have an accident in Ryan’s shooter, Ryan himself becomes a believer. Merlin ([[Russell Brand]]) from the commune takes Clara from hospital to the End of the World party.
Line 101: Line 108:
|Title= The Temptation of Samad Iqbal
|Title= The Temptation of Samad Iqbal
|OriginalAirDate= {{start date|2002|9|24|df=y}}
|OriginalAirDate= {{start date|2002|9|24|df=y}}
|ShortSummary= It is 1984, Samad works as a waiter in his cousin’s restaurant and is forced to sleep in the loft by his feisty wife, Alsana, who is on sex-strike.
|ShortSummary= It is 1984, and Samad works as a waiter in his cousin’s restaurant and is forced to sleep in the loft by his feisty wife, Alsana, who is on sex-strike.


After meeting Poppy Burt-Jones ([[Maggie O'Neill]]), his twin sons’ teacher, on his way to a PTA meeting, a frustrated Samad embarks on a passionate, adulterous affair. Meanwhile, Millat, Magid, Josh and Irie deliver their harvest festival offerings.
After Samad meets Poppy Burt-Jones ([[Maggie O'Neill]]), his twin sons’ teacher, on his way to a PTA meeting, a frustrated Samad embarks on a passionate, adulterous affair. Meanwhile, Millat, Magid, Josh and Irie deliver their harvest festival offerings.


To make amends Samad tries to save his sons from the corruption of the West, however he can only afford to send one of them to Bangladesh for a proper education in the old ways. He has to choose between pompous, know-it-all Magid, or idle, good-for-nothing Millat. Samad thinks Millat would benefit the most, however after he finds out Magid saw him kissing Poppy, with Archie’s help, he sends Magid to Bangladesh instead.
To make amends Samad tries to save his sons from the corruption of the West, however he can only afford to send one of them to Bangladesh for a proper education in the old ways. He has to choose between pompous, know-it-all Magid, or idle, good-for-nothing Millat. Samad thinks Millat would benefit the most, however after he finds out Magid saw him kissing Poppy, with Archie’s help, he sends Magid to Bangladesh instead.
Line 114: Line 121:
|ShortSummary= It is 1992, and Millat ([[Christopher Simpson (actor)|Christopher Simpson]]) is a 17 year old, attractive, streetwise, drug-dealer, who is idolised by Archie’s diffident daughter Irie, who is in turn adored by nerdy Josh Malfen ([[James McAvoy]]). When all three are caught with a joint at school, their punishment is study classes with Josh’s eccentric parents, controversial geneticist Marcus ([[Robert Bathurst]]) and author Joyce ([[Geraldine James]]).
|ShortSummary= It is 1992, and Millat ([[Christopher Simpson (actor)|Christopher Simpson]]) is a 17 year old, attractive, streetwise, drug-dealer, who is idolised by Archie’s diffident daughter Irie, who is in turn adored by nerdy Josh Malfen ([[James McAvoy]]). When all three are caught with a joint at school, their punishment is study classes with Josh’s eccentric parents, controversial geneticist Marcus ([[Robert Bathurst]]) and author Joyce ([[Geraldine James]]).


Alsana worries about Magid and resents Samad for sending him away. Samad is angered by Millat’s rebellious behaviour and in a drunken rage burns Millat’s belongings. Millat leaves home and moves in with the Malfen’s. Irie gets a job as Marcus’s secretary, and develops a desire to visit Jamaica to discover her roots. After Clara refuses, Irie runs away and moves in with Hortense.
Alsana worries about Magid and resents Samad for sending him away. Samad is angered by Millat’s rebellious behaviour and in a drunken rage burns Millat’s belongings. Millat leaves home and moves in with the Malfen’s. Irie gets a job as Marcus’s secretary, and develops a desire to visit Jamaica to discover her roots. After Clara objects, Irie runs away and moves in with Hortense.


Samad’s work colleagues, Shiva ([[Deepak Verma]]) and Mo attempt to recruit Millat into an Islamic sect, K.E.V.I.N (Keepers of the Eternal and Victorious Islamic Nation), who joins after finding his girlfriend’s immodesty irritating. Joyce worries about Millat’s disappearance and whereabouts. After being canvassed by Joely ([[Sophie Winkleman]]), a neglected Josh is smitten and leaves home to join F.A.T.E (Fighting Animal Torture and Exploitation), an animal rights group with plans for mouse liberation, whose number one target is Marcus.
Samad’s work colleagues, Shiva ([[Deepak Verma]]) and Mo attempt to recruit Millat into an Islamic sect, K.E.V.I.N (Keepers of the Eternal and Victorious Islamic Nation), who joins after finding his girlfriend’s immodesty irritating. Joyce worries about Millat’s disappearance and whereabouts. After being canvassed by Joely ([[Sophie Winkleman]]), a neglected Josh is smitten and leaves home to join F.A.T.E (Fighting Animal Torture and Exploitation), an animal rights group with plans for mouse liberation, whose number one target is Marcus.


Meanwhile, to Samad’s horror, a video from Bangladesh reveals a grown-up Magid (Christopher Simpson) more “British” than ever and is now an atheist. He has a place at Oxford and a secret benefactor who is flying him home.
Meanwhile, to Samad’s horror, a video from Bangladesh reveals a grown-up Magid (Christopher Simpson) more “British” than ever and is now an atheist. He has a place at Oxford and a secret benefactor, who is flying him home.
}}
}}
{{Episode list
{{Episode list
Line 129: Line 136:
After F.A.T.E find out who Josh’s father is, Joely’s husband and fellow F.A.T.E member, Crispin ([[Rufus Jones (actor)|Rufus Jones]]), tests Josh’s loyalty by making him steal tickets to the FutureMouse launch. F.A.T.E then plot to liberate the mouse.
After F.A.T.E find out who Josh’s father is, Joely’s husband and fellow F.A.T.E member, Crispin ([[Rufus Jones (actor)|Rufus Jones]]), tests Josh’s loyalty by making him steal tickets to the FutureMouse launch. F.A.T.E then plot to liberate the mouse.


Millat struggles with abstinence whilst training with K.E.V.I.N, who think FutureMouse is an abomination. Millat returns and meets Magid, who then arranges for launch tickets to be given to K.E.V.I.N members. K.E.V.I.N leader, Brother Ibrahim ([[Chu Omambala]]), gives Millat the task to assassinate Marcus by K.E.V.I.N.
Millat struggles with abstinence whilst training with K.E.V.I.N, who think FutureMouse is an abomination. Millat returns and meets Magid, who then arranges for launch tickets to be given to K.E.V.I.N members. K.E.V.I.N leader, Brother Ibrahim ([[Chu Omambala]]), gives Millat the task to assassinate Marcus by K.E.V.I.N.


When Irie goes to deliver the launch tickets to Millat, she finds him naked and has sexual intercourse with him. When Millat regrets his actions, she runs to Magid and has sexual intercourse with him. Later, Irie, disgruntled by Marcus’s sexist treatment of her, gives Hortense launch tickets for the Jehovah’s Witnesses to attend. F.A.T.E are stopped by police, so Josh and Jolie drive away leaving the other members behind.
When Irie goes to deliver the launch tickets to Millat, she finds him naked and has sexual intercourse with him. When Millat regrets his actions, she runs to Magid and has sexual intercourse with him. Later, Irie, disgruntled by Marcus’s sexist treatment of her, gives Hortense launch tickets for the Jehovah’s Witnesses to attend. F.A.T.E are stopped by police, so Josh and Jolie drive away leaving the other members behind.


At the FutureMouse launch: Magid reunites with Alsana and Marcus’s mentor, Professor Archibald (the Devil of Dachau who Archie was supposed to have killed during the war) appears. Josh and Jolie capture the mouse, Millat whilst attempting to shoot Marcus changes his mind and fires at the mouse cage subsequently shooting Archie. Archie survives due to a coin in his pocket.
At the FutureMouse launch: Magid reunites with Alsana and Marcus’s mentor, Professor Archibald (the Devil of Dachau, who Archie was supposed to have killed during the war) appears. Josh and Jolie capture the mouse, Millat whilst attempting to shoot Marcus changes his mind and fires at the mouse cage subsequently shooting Archie. Archie survives due to a coin in his pocket.


Irie reveals to Magid and Millat that she is pregnant with twins.
Irie reveals to Magid and Millat that she is pregnant with twins.
Line 140: Line 147:


==Production==
==Production==
White Teeth was originally due to become a [[BBC television drama|BBC drama]] series. However, after Channel 4 acquired the rights, it compressed a £3.5 million version of Smith's novel into four one-hour episodes.<ref name="telegraph">{{cite news |last=Gritten|first=David|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/3582134/An-everyday-story-of-Willesden-folk.html|title=An everyday story of Willesden folk|location= |work= |publisher=''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''|date=31 August 2002|accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref>
White Teeth was originally due to become a [[BBC television drama|BBC drama]] series. However, after Channel 4 acquired the rights, a £3.5 million version of Smith’s novel was compressed into four one-hour episodes. Company Pictures originally asked [[Zadie Smith]] if she wanted to adapt the screenplay for the series from her novel. However she declined the offer in order to continue with her next novel, ''[[The Autograph Man]]''.<ref name="telegraph">{{cite news |last=Gritten|first=David|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/3582134/An-everyday-story-of-Willesden-folk.html|title=An everyday story of Willesden folk|location= |work= |publisher=''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''|date=31 August 2002|accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref>


In February 2002, the adaptation went into production. It was shot mainly in [[Willesden]] and [[Cricklewood]] as well as the Caribbean and the Indian sub-continent.<ref name="guardian1"/>
In February 2002, the adaptation went into production. It was shot mainly in [[Willesden]] and [[Cricklewood]] as well as the Caribbean and the Indian sub-continent.<ref name="guardian1"/>
Line 221: Line 228:
White Teeth’s first episode received 2.2 million viewers and a 14 percent audience share between 10pm and 11.05pm, according to unofficial overnight figures.<ref name="guardian4">{{cite news |last=Dean|first=Jason|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2002/sep/18/overnights|title=White Teeth fails to dazzle for Channel 4|location= |work= |publisher=''[[The Guardian]]''|date=18 September 2002|accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref> The series gained healthy viewing figures throughout and peaked at 3.5 million during the final episode.<ref name="tv">{{cite web ||url=http://www.tv.com/shows/white-teeth/|title=White Teeth|publisher=[[TV.com]]|date= |accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref>
White Teeth’s first episode received 2.2 million viewers and a 14 percent audience share between 10pm and 11.05pm, according to unofficial overnight figures.<ref name="guardian4">{{cite news |last=Dean|first=Jason|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2002/sep/18/overnights|title=White Teeth fails to dazzle for Channel 4|location= |work= |publisher=''[[The Guardian]]''|date=18 September 2002|accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref> The series gained healthy viewing figures throughout and peaked at 3.5 million during the final episode.<ref name="tv">{{cite web ||url=http://www.tv.com/shows/white-teeth/|title=White Teeth|publisher=[[TV.com]]|date= |accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref>


In October 2002, the series was hailed as one of the must-watch shows that autumn on British TV.<ref name="bbc3">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/2262088.stm|title=Add Your Views: White Teeth|location= |work= |publisher=''[[BBC News]]''|date=1 October 2002|accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref>
In October 2002, the series was hailed as one of the must-watch shows that autumn on British television.<ref name="bbc3">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/2262088.stm|title=Add Your Views: White Teeth|location= |work= |publisher=''[[BBC News]]''|date=1 October 2002|accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref>


William Feaver called the series “an enjoyable epic sweep type romp...liked the way in which topics are brought in, adroitly dealt with and dealt out.” [[Bonnie Greer]] thought “the adapter did a very good job...broke it open and made it into something else...lovely multicultural sweep...The cast was wonderful.” [[Mark Lawson]] “thought the director...was trying to put a visual style to replace the prose style.” [[Tim Lott]] said “it captured the energy of the book very well...more successful than the book, artistically...very well cast...It's very brilliantly cut. It has great pace...It's one of the best adaptations.”<ref name="bbc2">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/review/2281236.stm|title=White Teeth|location= |work= |publisher=''[[BBC News]]''|date=25 September 2002|accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref>
William Feaver called the series “an enjoyable epic sweep type romp...liked the way in which topics are brought in, adroitly dealt with and dealt out.” [[Bonnie Greer]] thought “the adapter did a very good job...broke it open and made it into something else...lovely multicultural sweep...The cast was wonderful.” [[Mark Lawson]] “thought the director...was trying to put a visual style to replace the prose style.” [[Tim Lott]] said “it captured the energy of the book very well...more successful than the book, artistically...very well cast...It's very brilliantly cut. It has great pace...It's one of the best adaptations.”<ref name="bbc2">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/review/2281236.stm|title=White Teeth|location= |work= |publisher=''[[BBC News]]''|date=25 September 2002|accessdate=1 May 2013}}</ref>
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[[Category:Television series set in the 1990s]]
[[Category:Television series set in the 1990s]]
[[Category:Television shows set in London]]
[[Category:Television shows set in London]]
[[Category:Television shows set in India]]
[[Category:Television shows set in Jamaica]]

Revision as of 22:00, 2 May 2013

White Teeth
Channel 4 Television Corporation
Original release
NetworkChannel 4
Release17 September (2002-09-17) –
8 October 2002 (2002-10-08)

White Teeth is a 2002 British four-part television drama miniseries, based on the novel of the same name written by Zadie Smith.

The series was adapted by Simon Burke, directed by Julian Jarrold, and starred Om Puri and Phil Davis. It was broadcast on Channel 4 over four consecutive weeks between 17 September 2002 and 8 October 2002.

Overview

White Teeth consists of four self-contained short-stories, focusing on a major male character as he encounters a turning point in his life, with background cameos from other characters.[1] The series spans 20 years of three cultures, chronicling the interlinked stories of three families over three generations in a multicultural area of north-west London[2] from 1974 to 1992.[3]

The four-hour saga also features leaps back to the

Second World War, where Samad and Archie served together, and even further back to the 1857 Indian Mutiny.[4]

Cast

Main cast

Recurring cast

Guest cast

Episodes

No(s). in series Title Original release date
1"The Peculiar Second Marriage of Archie Jones"17 September 2002 (2002-09-17)

It is 1974, and recently divorced Archie Jones (Phil Davis) is one of life’s losers, with a dead end job, who makes important life decisions on the toss of a coin. Archie’s old war comrade, Samad Miah Iqbal (Om Puri) returns to fulfill an arranged marriage to a woman half his age, Alsana (Archie Panjabi). After being unable to find work, Samad reluctantly asks his cousin, Ardashir (Kammy Darweish), for a job in his restaurant, Curry Heaven.

Meanwhile, Jamaican-born, Clara Bowden (Naomie Harris), with the encouragement of her Jehovah’s Witness mother, Hortense (Mona Hammond), proselytises door-to-door of the end of the world. When she meets Ryan Topps (Charlie Creed-Miles), she loses her virginity, abandons her religion and after an encounter with a commune takes up his rebellious ways. After Ryan and Clara have an accident in Ryan’s shooter, Ryan himself becomes a believer. Merlin (Russell Brand) from the commune takes Clara from hospital to the End of the World party.

Lonely and depressed Archie’s attempt to commit suicide on New Year’s Eve is thwarted by butcher, Mo (Jeff Mirza). Then by chance Archie meets Clara at the End of the World party, and they kiss at the stroke of midnight. Clara leaves home after Hortense disowns her. Archie’s boss, Mr Hero (John Simm), raises concerns over racial tension arising if Archie brings his new fiancée to the company dinner. Archie and Clara then get married, and during Samad’s best man’s speech he reveals that during World War II Archie executed a Nazi war criminal, the Devil of Dachau.
2"The Temptation of Samad Iqbal"24 September 2002 (2002-09-24)

It is 1984, and Samad works as a waiter in his cousin’s restaurant and is forced to sleep in the loft by his feisty wife, Alsana, who is on sex-strike.

After Samad meets Poppy Burt-Jones (Maggie O'Neill), his twin sons’ teacher, on his way to a PTA meeting, a frustrated Samad embarks on a passionate, adulterous affair. Meanwhile, Millat, Magid, Josh and Irie deliver their harvest festival offerings.

To make amends Samad tries to save his sons from the corruption of the West, however he can only afford to send one of them to Bangladesh for a proper education in the old ways. He has to choose between pompous, know-it-all Magid, or idle, good-for-nothing Millat. Samad thinks Millat would benefit the most, however after he finds out Magid saw him kissing Poppy, with Archie’s help, he sends Magid to Bangladesh instead.
3"The Trouble with Millat"1 October 2002 (2002-10-01)

It is 1992, and Millat (Christopher Simpson) is a 17 year old, attractive, streetwise, drug-dealer, who is idolised by Archie’s diffident daughter Irie, who is in turn adored by nerdy Josh Malfen (James McAvoy). When all three are caught with a joint at school, their punishment is study classes with Josh’s eccentric parents, controversial geneticist Marcus (Robert Bathurst) and author Joyce (Geraldine James).

Alsana worries about Magid and resents Samad for sending him away. Samad is angered by Millat’s rebellious behaviour and in a drunken rage burns Millat’s belongings. Millat leaves home and moves in with the Malfen’s. Irie gets a job as Marcus’s secretary, and develops a desire to visit Jamaica to discover her roots. After Clara objects, Irie runs away and moves in with Hortense.

Samad’s work colleagues, Shiva (Deepak Verma) and Mo attempt to recruit Millat into an Islamic sect, K.E.V.I.N (Keepers of the Eternal and Victorious Islamic Nation), who joins after finding his girlfriend’s immodesty irritating. Joyce worries about Millat’s disappearance and whereabouts. After being canvassed by Joely (Sophie Winkleman), a neglected Josh is smitten and leaves home to join F.A.T.E (Fighting Animal Torture and Exploitation), an animal rights group with plans for mouse liberation, whose number one target is Marcus.

Meanwhile, to Samad’s horror, a video from Bangladesh reveals a grown-up Magid (Christopher Simpson) more “British” than ever and is now an atheist. He has a place at Oxford and a secret benefactor, who is flying him home.
4"The Return of Magid Iqbal"8 October 2002 (2002-10-08)

In 1992, Magid arrives home and moves in with his benefactor, Marcus Malfen. They are preparing for the launch of Malfen’s breakthrough in genetic engineering - FutureMouse, an £8 million, genetically-modified, terminally-ill mouse. Joyce concerned about Millat suggests to Alsana that Millat and Magid should meet. Alsana blames the Malfen’s for her sons leaving home, Joyce alleges that the Iqbal’s were already dysfunctional provoking Alsana to assault Joyce.

After F.A.T.E find out who Josh’s father is, Joely’s husband and fellow F.A.T.E member, Crispin (Rufus Jones), tests Josh’s loyalty by making him steal tickets to the FutureMouse launch. F.A.T.E then plot to liberate the mouse.

Millat struggles with abstinence whilst training with K.E.V.I.N, who think FutureMouse is an abomination. Millat returns and meets Magid, who then arranges for launch tickets to be given to K.E.V.I.N members. K.E.V.I.N leader, Brother Ibrahim (Chu Omambala), gives Millat the task to assassinate Marcus by K.E.V.I.N.

When Irie goes to deliver the launch tickets to Millat, she finds him naked and has sexual intercourse with him. When Millat regrets his actions, she runs to Magid and has sexual intercourse with him. Later, Irie, disgruntled by Marcus’s sexist treatment of her, gives Hortense launch tickets for the Jehovah’s Witnesses to attend. F.A.T.E are stopped by police, so Josh and Jolie drive away leaving the other members behind.

At the FutureMouse launch: Magid reunites with Alsana and Marcus’s mentor, Professor Archibald (the Devil of Dachau, who Archie was supposed to have killed during the war) appears. Josh and Jolie capture the mouse, Millat whilst attempting to shoot Marcus changes his mind and fires at the mouse cage subsequently shooting Archie. Archie survives due to a coin in his pocket.

Irie reveals to Magid and Millat that she is pregnant with twins.

Production

White Teeth was originally due to become a BBC drama series. However, after Channel 4 acquired the rights, a £3.5 million version of Smith’s novel was compressed into four one-hour episodes. Company Pictures originally asked Zadie Smith if she wanted to adapt the screenplay for the series from her novel. However she declined the offer in order to continue with her next novel, The Autograph Man.[5]

In February 2002, the adaptation went into production. It was shot mainly in Willesden and Cricklewood as well as the Caribbean and the Indian sub-continent.[2]

Soundtrack

Untitled

Track list

No.TitleLength
1."Hang On In There Baby" (
House Of The Rising Sun" (Frijid Pink)
03:27
6."Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" (Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel)03:59
7."Children Of The Revolution" (T. Rex)02:29
8."Solid Air" (John Martyn)05:43
9."You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me" (The New Seekers)03:11
10."Tunnel Of Love" (Fun Boy Three)03:07
11."The Sun and the Rain" (Madness)03:32
12."Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)" (Soul II Soul)03:46
13."God’s Cop" (Happy Mondays)05:00
14."Too Blind To See It" (Kym Sims)03:31
15."Suspect Device" (Stiff Little Fingers)02:35
16."Dead Heat" (Barry Adamson)04:50
Total length:61:06

Release

In the United Kingdom, White Teeth was broadcast on Channel 4 over four consecutive weeks from 17 September 2002 to 8 October 2002.[1] In the United States, the series aired as part of the PBS Masterpiece Theatre anthology over two consecutive weeks on 11 May 2003 and 18 May 2003.[6] The series was also broadcast in; Australia in November 2002, Sweden in March 2003, Finland in September 2003 as Valkoiset hampaat, and Denmark in December 2004 as Hvide tænder.

On 9 May 2011, the DVD of the series was released.[7]

Critical reception

White Teeth’s first episode received 2.2 million viewers and a 14 percent audience share between 10pm and 11.05pm, according to unofficial overnight figures.[8] The series gained healthy viewing figures throughout and peaked at 3.5 million during the final episode.[9]

In October 2002, the series was hailed as one of the must-watch shows that autumn on British television.[10]

William Feaver called the series “an enjoyable epic sweep type romp...liked the way in which topics are brought in, adroitly dealt with and dealt out.” Bonnie Greer thought “the adapter did a very good job...broke it open and made it into something else...lovely multicultural sweep...The cast was wonderful.” Mark Lawson “thought the director...was trying to put a visual style to replace the prose style.” Tim Lott said “it captured the energy of the book very well...more successful than the book, artistically...very well cast...It's very brilliantly cut. It has great pace...It's one of the best adaptations.”[11]

BBC News reported “White Teeth lives up to the book but arguably betters it. The screenplay captures the book's grand scale and intimacy. But it also keeps up the pace where the novel began to flag...it is fresh, energetic and effortlessly played out by a great cast.”[11]

TV Quick thought the series was “a fabulous four part drama, with a cracking soundtrack.”[12] New York called it “superb...rambunctious...White Teeth is a wild ride...”[13] The Observer described it as “taut and fast-moving...On the television screen, White Teeth unfolds as a thing of often surreal and impressionistic beauty...” Also adding that “it features a strong cast...as well as strong performances from relative newcomers...”[4]

Daily Express thought the series was “beautifully shot, beautifully acted, this modern classic is a screen triumph.”[12] The Observer thought “the cinematography has a understated beauty rarely seen in television adaptations.”[12]

Independent on Sunday reported “a beguiling performance from newcomer Naomie Harris.”[12]

Awards

Year Award Category Recipient(s) Result
2003 British Academy Television Awards Best Make Up & Hair Design Sharon Martin Nominated
Best Photography and Lighting (Fiction/Entertainment) David Odd Nominated
Best Production Design Alice Normington Nominated
Cologne Conference
 Best Fiction Program Julian Jarrold Won
TV Spiel Film-Preis Won
Monte-Carlo Television Festival Best Mini Series Won
Mini-Series - Best Performance by an Actress Naomie Harris Won
Indie Awards Drama Nominated
Race in the Media Awards Nominated
Royal Television Society Craft & Design Awards Tape & Film Editing Andrew Hulme Nominated
Screen Nation Film & TV Awards
 Technical Achievement Nominated

References

  1. ^ a b Lawson, Mark (16 September 2002). "TV review". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 May 2013. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ a b Deans, Jason (27 November 2001). "Channel 4 bares White Teeth". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 May 2013. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  3. ^ "White Teeth to be televised". BBC News. 27 November 2001. Retrieved 1 May 2013. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  4. ^ a b O'Hagan, Sean (25 August 2002). "Zadie bites back". The Observer. Retrieved 1 May 2013. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  5. ^ Gritten, David (31 August 2002). "An everyday story of Willesden folk". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 1 May 2013. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  6. ^ a b "Masterpiece Theatre". White Teeth. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
  7. ^ Hattab, Maysa (25 September 2002). "'White Teeth' Neatly Dissects the Frictions of a Multi-Racial, Multi-Generational Society". PopMatters. Retrieved 1 May 2013. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ Dean, Jason (18 September 2002). "White Teeth fails to dazzle for Channel 4". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 May 2013. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  9. ^ "White Teeth". TV.com. Retrieved 1 May 2013. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  10. ^ "Add Your Views: White Teeth". BBC News. 1 October 2002. Retrieved 1 May 2013. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  11. ^ a b "White Teeth". BBC News. 25 September 2002. Retrieved 1 May 2013. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help) Cite error: The named reference "bbc2" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  12. ^ a b c d e "White Teeth". Company Pictures. September 2002. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
  13. ^ Leonard, John (12 May 2003). "The Melting Plot". New York. Retrieved 1 May 2013. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)

External links

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