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BaftaBaby 
"Always entranced by cinema."
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 Posted - 12/23/2012 : 11:02:15
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I've lost count of the versions I've seen of Great Expectations, one of Dickens' most popular tales of the transcendent nature and profundity of true love set against a rags to riches trek through class-ridden Victoriana.
Though any adaptation will undoubtedly always be measured by David Lean's seminal 1946 version, this one ain't too shabby. Which begs the question, why do yet another remake?
The answer is Dickens himself. For under the directorial guidance of film veteran Mike Newell working with former actor-turned-screenwriter David Nicholls, we're treated to a film in which the story itself takes centre stage.
At just over two hours, it's a tale told with economy - albeit some of the transitions feel a bit rushed. But all the set pieces are there, made visually electric with a minimum of fuss. That's caused some critics to brand it bland.
Not so. What Newell et al have achieved is the space to engage with some uncomfortable truths about human nature. By "normalizing" elements that are sometimes portrayed as OTT, we're continually brought back to versions of ourselves.
The credit is equally shared by cast and crew. Newell has surrounded himself with some of the best practitioners both in front of and behind the camera. Special mention in the latter group must go to cinematographer John Mathieson, editor Tariq Anwar, production designer Jim Clay, and composer Richard Hartley.
In pride of place among the faultless cast are Ralph Fiennes as Magwitch and Helena Bonham Carter as the fabled Miss Haversham. Both successfully bring new twists to characters which, in past versions, have tempted actors into over-playing their hand.
The two younger leads as well provide wholly credible pawns, manipulated by others, who eventually learn what they must sacrifice to become themselves.
There's a reason Dickens' novels have earned the epithet 'classic.' Like Shakespeare et al, the stories are true throughout time and actually demand retelling.
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Edited by - BaftaBaby on 12/24/2012 09:49:22 |
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Great Expectations
