The Personal History of David Copperfield

Dev Patel carries the role of David Copperfield gracefully and naturally. He meets many characters along the way that vividly come to life on screen in ways that make you feel as though you are reading the descriptions as they unfolded on the page. They are almost caricatures in a very whimsical and delightful way. The rollercoaster that takes David from being the only son of a widow to the discarded baggage of a new marriage also makes him the guest in an overwhelmingly loving (yet constantly indebted) family. The ride continues as he becomes a young man on the run and on his fresh start as a gentleman with a past and then finally landing as a man in love with a girl who is out of place in his story.

Though we are introduced to a wonderful array of supporting characters who help David on his long and winding journey, we do not get to spend enough time getting to know them because of the fast pace of the film. We feel his connection to them based on all of the great performances, however, it is tough to stay connected to them on the other side of the lens as the pace through situations races ahead. The third act of the film is where it is felt the most. As all of the characters come together for a very satisfying ending, it would have been nice to have more time with the characters as they enjoy the spoils of ride they took together.

In the end, this is a redemption story about a very interesting character and his extraordinarily interesting life. David and his engaging journey have every element needed to go from whimsical to scary to revenge filled and eventually a satisfying conclusion. I would definitely recommend it. There are brilliant performances all around and the film is a welcome escape from the current lack of whimsy in the world.

I saw this film at the HOME arts centre in Manchester on 26th January. I would first like to say to all the reviewers who have a problem with the multi ethnic casting - lighten up and catch up. It might not be too common yet in period films but this kind of colour blind casting is hardly unheard of on 21st century TV, and as the director pointed out in an interview on the Today programme this morning (Radio 4, 28th January) it has been used in theatre for the past 10-15 years. The director explained his choice of actors as, he had always thought Dev Patel would be ideal for the role of David Copperfield because he portrays the right combination of naivety, strength and intelligence for the character. Following that he wanted to cast the significant roles in the film equally well and to give it a slightly modern feel, and that meant looking at actors of all ethnic backgrounds. The BAME actors who play the significant supporting roles of Ham, Markham, Mrs Steerforth, Dr Chillip, Mr Wickfield and Agnes Wickfield are exactly right for those roles and I found nothing jarring in it their presence at all. Likewise the Caucasian actors (let's not forget them) who play Dora, Mr Dick, Mr and Mrs Micawber, Aunt Betsy Trotwood, are perfectly cast. It is inevitable that a film adaptation is going to miss out some of what is in the original novel. Film is a different medium and isn't going to have space for all the subplots or all of the characters. But this adaptation is faithful to Dickens's main characters and plot developments, and it brings out all the comic elements in both. To take a familiar example, there is something hilariously absurd in Betsy Trotwood's obsession with keeping people from riding donkeys over her lawn. This makes the film a delight to watch, and if it skates over the more tragic elements of the story, this isn't a fault. It is also visually enjoyable due to the imaginative direction. This draws the audience in from the start. The opening scene has David Copperfield starting to read his own story on stage in front of an audience, and soon after he begins, he turns and walks through the backdrop into the real Norfolk countryside and walks the viewer to the house where he is being born. There are several such surreal scene changes throughout, which are both unexpected and pleasing to watch. This isn't a classic film but it is a respectful adaptation, very funny and entertaining, and well worth watching.

Some profoundly eccentric characters but the performances seemed a little forced and the connection you need to carry them over the line was missing for the most part.

A very dynamic film, David Copperfield lures you into his intriguing life stories. Unfortunately I haven't read the original but could still appreciate the flair and narrative of the film. This would have been a treat for those who are familiar with Dickens's work. This eventful and fluid manner of story telling nicely transitions into this film. Some decent performances by Dev Patel and the rest of the cast. It was also a pleasantly diverse film that modernised this classic novel. This may not appeal to a large mainstream audience as some cultural sensitivity is needed to see something in this film. I'm glad I went and enjoyed this modern spin on a classic tale.

Based upon Charles Dickens novel David Copperfield (1850), this latest adaptation starring Dev Patel as the titular lead chronicles Copperfield's erratic life from rags to riches. Set during Victorian-era England, The Personal History of David Copperfield commences with his idyllic childhood living on a beach in an overturned boat through to early adulthood after a somewhat turbulent string of events. Being a fan of Dicken's works (as well as having written and starred in the 2012 TV film Armando's Tale Of Charles Dickens), Iannucci appeared to be an appropriate choice to adapt Dicken's 600+ page behemoth for the screen. Along with co-writer and regular collaborator Simon Blackwell, Iannucci found himself drawn towards the comedy featured within the novel. Dev Patel shines as David Copperfield, and he's joined by a magnificent ensemble cast comprised of some of Britain's finest. Peter Capaldi (a previous collaborator of Iannucci's, most notably known for his work on The Thick Of It) features as the scheming Mr. Micawber, and Hugh Laurie delivers a wonderfully mad performance as Mr. Dick; a frantic, paranoid man plagued with what seems to be a loose form of schizophrenia. Tilda Swinton is another fantastic addition as Betsy Trotwood, and Ben Whishaw's performance as the seedy Uriah Heep lends a slightly more antagonistic presence to a storyline largely lacking such a component. It is evident both Iannucci and Blackwell are fans of the source material they're adapting, as The Personal History of David Copperfield is a vibrant, charming piece of work that is irresistibly fun. Driven by a wonderful cast and a fast-paced storyline spanning many years, it is a film made with affection that is an absolute joy to watch.