After the death of his father and a second wedding of his mother, David Copperfield suffers from his tyrannical stepfather, Mr. Murdstone. The mother dies shortly after the death of another child, whereupon Mr. Murdstone sends David to London, where he has to work for a starvation wage.Here he makes some new friends, but soon flees from the capital of England to his aunt Traddles in Canterbury, where he is adopted by her.
Reviews
You won't be disappointed!
For all the hype it got I was expecting a lot more!
The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful
There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.
Why ruin a wonderful story with trashy casting and dreadful direction. Mr Micawber is a "character" not someone pretending to be an actor trying to be funny. When I saw Eileen Atkins name in the titles I thought she would be playing Betsy Trotwood. Oh dear! I wonder if any of the production team have read the book or even seen the original 1935 version of the film or indeed any of the later versions. Freddie Jones as Barkis was excellent and I also enjoyed Emily Hamilton's performance as Agnes Wickfield. Why the introduction of the Murdstones throughout the film ? Was it put in so that Mr. Murdstone got his "come-uppance" ? He certainly deserved a far more drastic one than he got which was nothing more than a weak ticking off. Overturning a table laden with cakes did not lend the scene any extra gravitas. Don't waste your time on this film unless, like me, you want to be very disappointed.
This film captures the idea of the book so good. There are a few flaws though like having no child actor for Steerforth and no teenage actor for David himself and cutting of some not significant plot parts but let the one who is without sin com forth and speak :) Generally it's one of the best films made after a famous book. The actors are excellent the music is great... It can throw you in Dickens's novel as if you're there. If you liked this movie and haven't read the book go out there and buy it from the nearest bookstore and you'll find out much more about the characters.7/10 - no second thoughts (btw for a TV film this is huge)
I disagree with the earlier comments on this adaptation. As a matter of fact, I very much enjoyed this version of Dickens' famous novel! Charismatic and handsome Hugh Dancy turns in a warm and sensitive portrayal of David Copperfield. Sally Field and Michael Richards are memorable and over-the-top performances as quirky Betsy Trotwood and funny, good-hearted Mr. Micawber.This adaptation came in the heels of the Ciaran McMenamin and Bob Hoskins version but deserves our attention as well. It is at times funny and light but also gives us an insight into the dark side of human nature, most especially through Anthony Andrews' cold, brutal Mr. Murdstone and Frank MacCusker's creepy Uriah Heep. Hats off to Hugh Dancy for giving us a David that we can emphatize with and admire. I highly recommend it!
This marvelously cohesive version of 'David Copperfield' takes Dickens' 900 page answer to 'War and Peace' and delivers up what must be called an improved edition of the original story. (Mr. Dickens was apparently paid by the pound for his manuscripts.)The youthful David Copperfield, like his sweet mother, is a naively poor judge of human nature. During his voyage through a sea of arch and eccentric characters, he matures in both his discernment and assertiveness, arriving at manhood by finally confronting a wicked character from his past. The adult David, played by Hugh Dancy, is a fairly passive soul throughout most of his namesake novel, but his role as narrator in this production is enormously helpful in illuminating both the character and the story.Sally Field and Michael Richards are the familiar American faces in a cast packed full of fine British character actors. Field is crusty and endearing as Betsy Trotwood, the one thread of continuity in David's life. Richards (of 'Seinfeld' fame) is the quintessential Mr. Micawber--manic and outrageous, and ideally costumed for his `all arms and legs' performance.The sets, locations and cinematography deserve high praise as well.If you've ever passed out trying to read Dickens, take heart. This excellent production paints vivid scenes and develops memorable characters. Congratulations to director Peter Medak, screenwriter John Goldsmith and everyone whose work helped turn this behemoth novel into a manageable and entertaining story.
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