When it comes to literary authors, Charles Dickens is one of the greats, with his work rife with iconic characters and scenarios. 'David Copperfield' is not among my top favourites of his ('A Christmas Carol', 'Great Expectations' and 'Oliver Twist' are up there), but it is closer to the better group than the lesser one. What also interested me into seeing 'The Personal History of David Copperfield' was the cast and seeing a different side to 'The Death of Stalin' director Armando Iannucci.
'The Personal History of David Copperfield' impressed me on the whole, certainly liked it better than some of my friends where there were some very mixed opinions. Was not sure at how a big book, that like all Dickens' work would fare better usually adapted as a mini-series, could be adapted easily in a film that is barely two hours. The good news is that it is not the disaster that it could have been in this regard. 'The Personal History of David Copperfield' though is one of those book to film adaptations that should be judged purely on its own terms and as a standalone, anybody expecting 100 percent faithful treatment will be disappointed.
A lot is done well in 'The Personal History of David Copperfield'. It looks fabulous, especially the evocative period detail that has a "makes one feel they are there" atmosphere and quite breath-taking scenery (notably the outside of Betsy Trotwood's residence). All of which beautifully shot. Iannucci reigns in the dark cynicism that was all over 'The Death of Stalin' to such brilliantly clever effect and instead proves that he can do sincerity well when given the chance.
Performances are great all round, Dev Patel being confident and lovable in the title role and Peter Capaldi being perfectly cast and genuinely funny. Hugh Laurie also enlivens the film whenever he appears and has expert comic timing, while Tilda Swinton is a suitably firm yet caring Betsy. Ben Whishaw has never been this much of a creep as Uriah Heep and is very snake-like as ought. The script is joyously funny and at other times very touching, while the story is told with passion and with a clear affection for the source material.
By all means the storytelling isn't perfect. It would have benefitted from being 15-20 minutes longer, as there are times where the pace did feel rushed and the structure jumped around. Particularly early on, like for example leaving out everything with David's school years which left a big gap.
Did feel that at times the music was a bit too loud and didn't always fit, more subtle orchestration would have worked better and that would have overbeared the dialogue less. The Murdstones did seem underwritten and didn't seem quite vile enough.
In conclusion, not perfect and best judged as a standalone but impressive in a lot of areas. 7/10.
'The Personal History of David Copperfield' impressed me on the whole, certainly liked it better than some of my friends where there were some very mixed opinions. Was not sure at how a big book, that like all Dickens' work would fare better usually adapted as a mini-series, could be adapted easily in a film that is barely two hours. The good news is that it is not the disaster that it could have been in this regard. 'The Personal History of David Copperfield' though is one of those book to film adaptations that should be judged purely on its own terms and as a standalone, anybody expecting 100 percent faithful treatment will be disappointed.
A lot is done well in 'The Personal History of David Copperfield'. It looks fabulous, especially the evocative period detail that has a "makes one feel they are there" atmosphere and quite breath-taking scenery (notably the outside of Betsy Trotwood's residence). All of which beautifully shot. Iannucci reigns in the dark cynicism that was all over 'The Death of Stalin' to such brilliantly clever effect and instead proves that he can do sincerity well when given the chance.
Performances are great all round, Dev Patel being confident and lovable in the title role and Peter Capaldi being perfectly cast and genuinely funny. Hugh Laurie also enlivens the film whenever he appears and has expert comic timing, while Tilda Swinton is a suitably firm yet caring Betsy. Ben Whishaw has never been this much of a creep as Uriah Heep and is very snake-like as ought. The script is joyously funny and at other times very touching, while the story is told with passion and with a clear affection for the source material.
By all means the storytelling isn't perfect. It would have benefitted from being 15-20 minutes longer, as there are times where the pace did feel rushed and the structure jumped around. Particularly early on, like for example leaving out everything with David's school years which left a big gap.
Did feel that at times the music was a bit too loud and didn't always fit, more subtle orchestration would have worked better and that would have overbeared the dialogue less. The Murdstones did seem underwritten and didn't seem quite vile enough.
In conclusion, not perfect and best judged as a standalone but impressive in a lot of areas. 7/10.