The Personal History of David Copperfield
This is not a movie entitled “David Copperfield” for a very specific reason. It isn’t the Charles Dickens classic novel. It is a movie “based” on the book known as “David Copperfield.” Once we get past that point, we can sit back, relax, and enjoy the charming satirical wit and wonder of this delightful film. It is a loving re-imagining of the classic tale by director Armando Iannucci and co-writer Simon Blackwell with an astounding cast of international talent aptly led by Dev Patel (Lion, Slumdog Millionaire).
If you’ve ever traveled to a European city and found yourself with far too many sites to see and in need of a tour bus to pass through what you can in the time allotted, then you understand how this film works. Dickens’ world is far too large and detailed to be captured in a two hour film. So Iannucci and Blackwell take you on a sweeping tour of the highlights including all the remarkably flamboyant, darkly foreboding and inexplicably zany characters that have flowed from Dickens’ pen. They’ve leaned heavily on Dickens’ mirthful humor to mix a brisk period comedy with a few bleak moments and added a touch of modern production values and pacing. The end result is a episodic journey through the most memorable and compelling scenes of “David Copperfield”.
The cast is a who’s who of international talent including Tilda Swinton as Betsey Trotwood, Hugh Laurie (Mr. Dick), Peter Capaldi of Dr. Who fame as Micawber, Gwendoline Christie (Jane Murdstone), Benedict Wong (Mr. Wickfield) and the remarkable Morfydd Clark in duel roles of Dora and Clara that you have to read the credits to believe. One note of interest is the complete color-blindness of casting that was refreshing and a trend that is already more present on the stage and hopefully will catch on in Hollywood as well. The result was a rich cast of remarkable actors who clearly loved their work and fully inhabited their characters without a weak moment on the screen.
On one hand, the family friendly film is such a boisterously fun saunter that is does run the risk of underplaying the darker side of life in London in the mid-1800’s that Dickens so deeply wanted us to understand. But there is just enough of it here to remind us that it too exists and the rest is a joyful celebration of the vibrant and diverse world “David Copperfield” represents. After seeing the film, the viewer will hopefully dive into the novel with relish to discover the rest of story.
Written by David Alford
Score: 91 out of 100
Parents: Yes!
Teens: Yes!
Children: Caution (A scene of drunkenness followed by silly behavior/A man drowns off camera and his body is partially scene lying on a beach surrounded by mourners. A few punches are thrown. No one is seriously hurt)
Tots: Not much here for the little ones that they’d enjoy or appreciate
