The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019)

A modern take on Charles Dickens's classic tale of a young orphan who is able to triumph over many obstacles.

Director:

Armando Iannucci

Writers:

Simon Blackwell (screenplay by), Charles Dickens (novel)

Stars:

Dev Patel, Hugh Laurie, Tilda Swinton

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 15 wins & 29 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Fisayo Akinade	...	Markham
Nikki Amuka-Bird	...	Mrs Steerforth
Albie Atkinson	...	Mealy Potatoes
Aneurin Barnard	...	Steerforth
Tuwaine Barrett	...	Referee Boy
Nigel Betts	...	Creditor
Ruby Bentall	...	Janet
Darren Boyd	...	Murdstone
Peter Capaldi	...	Mr Micawber
Gwendoline Christie	...	Jane Murdstone
Morfydd Clark	...	Clara Copperfield / Dora Spenlow
Daisy May Cooper	...	Peggotty
Matthew Cottle	...	Mr Spenlow
Faisal Dacosta	...	Mick Walker
Glen Davies	...	Coalman

Storyline

A fresh and distinctive take on Charles Dickens' semi-autobiographical masterpiece, The Personal History of David Copperfield, set in the 1840s, chronicles the life of its iconic title character as he navigates a chaotic world to find his elusive place within it. From his unhappy childhood to the discovery of his gift as a storyteller and writer, David's journey is by turns hilarious and tragic, but always full of life, color and humanity.

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Plot Keywords:

1800s | fate | kite | orphan | child labour | 

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Taglines:

From rags to riches... and back again

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic material and brief violence.

Did You Know?

Trivia

Several supporting characters from the novel were not included in this adaptation. These include Mr. Barkis, who marries Peggotty, Littimer, Steerforth's manservant, and Rosa Dartle, companion to Mrs. Steerforth (Rose's characteristic scar was given to Mrs. Steerforth).

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Goofs

At around the 1h 30m mark, car headlights are seen moving from left to right behind the character.

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Quotes

David Copperfield: What are you doing?
Betsey Trotwood: Medicine. I'm reviving you.
David Copperfield: This is salad dressing.
Betsey Trotwood: Is it? Thought it was Armagnac. Don't have my spectacles on.
David Copperfield: Do you have lettuce somewhere covered in ointment?

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Crazy Credits

The end credits are supposed to be listed in alphabetical order, however, Paul Whitehouse is billed above Ben Whishaw whereas they should be the other way around.

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Connections

Version of David Copperfield (1935)

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Soundtracks

Westminster Is Full of Wigs/Old 1812
Traditional

User Reviews

Off target

The set up for this film appears, on the face of it, quite promising. However, there is too much 'wrong' in the execution of it that the final product fails on all fronts. Is it a spoof? A comedy? Historical reconstruction? Ten minutes in and you won't care, you just know you're in for some dull stuff that isn't bad enough for you to walk out. Besides, you want to see what your rated actors are going to do with this lemon. Not a lot as it turns out. If only this enterprise had been taken the next step, that is, turned into a proper pantomime, then we would have laughed, appreciated the pratfalls, slapstick and other tricks that fall flat in straight film making. TV trash. Nothing more.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official Instagram

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 August 2020 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Personal History of David Copperfield

Filming Locations:

King's Lynn, Norfolk, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$15,600,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$475,800, 30 August 2020

Gross USA:

$1,876,298

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$14,282,230

Company Credits

Production Co:

Film 4, FilmNation Entertainment, Searchlight Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

119 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39: 1