Screen time: 'The Dig' leaves some details buried
By Jim Keogh
Basil Brown is how I envision a proper British archaeologist. He shovels dirt all day wearing tweed. His face is dirty, but not filthy. He is spectacularly articulate about the treasures that lie below the earth’s surface, but mute about the secrets hidden within his own heart. He rides a bike … everywhere.
He’s also the perfect man for the job of excavating a massive mound of soil and grass at Sutton Hoo, one of about a dozen dotting the countryside estate owned by Edith Pretty, a widow and single mother. Edith urges Basil to work quickly, since time is the enemy. It’s 1939 and storm clouds are gathering over Great Britain. Soon, all resources and manpower will be employed in the battle against Germany.