Nicholas Nickleby

Rating:
Summary: Bored.
Review: Don't think I'm an idiot - even though I'm not a fan of Dickens, I read other classic books, such as novels by Jane Austen and the Bronte Sisters - I am currently reading Vanity Fair by William Thackeray. So it's not that I didn't understand the plot, it's just that I found the acting bad, the story tedious, and it was overall a very boring film. Save yourself the trouble of watching this - watch Andrew Davies TV adaptatation of Pride and Prejudice.

Rating:
Summary: Delectable Dickens
Review: Going by the comments I've read it is not advisable to view this film if you're not a Dickens fan. You are likely to find many characters absurd and unbelievable, and plotlines ridiculously convoluted. They are - that's Dickens for you. But if you are a fan (I am) I think you will like this production very much. I only knew Nickleby from the excellent 1977 TV adaptation starring Nigel Havers, so I can't judge how true this version is to the book. But the atmosphere is thoroughly Dickensian: a colourful mix of comedy and tragedy played out by an equally colourful and engaging cast of characters. It seems to me McGrath's stylistic approach is well suited to Dickens's larger than life story (his earlier adaptation of Austen's far more subtle and subdued "Emma" I found somewhat slick and overly technicoloured). Extravagant scenes like those in Mr Crummles's traveling theatre company are brought to life with relish, and only deepen the sense of squalor surrounding the Squeeres's Yorkshire school and the gloom, evilness, and eventual tragedy suffusing the sphere of Uncle Ralph.
I've seen reviewers complain about Hunnam's title role as a serious miscast- "surfer dude lost in a period drama," said one; "delivers his lines like a schoolboy in his first play," said another. I don't agree, and found his acting just as convincing as that of other cast members - his only problem is that Nicholas exclusively represents the forces of good, which always makes for somewhat flat characterisation; but that would be Dickens's fault, not Hunnam's. In that respect it is a good thing that the scriptwriter has stressed the vengefulness of the character, gloating as he does over his uncle's downfall: it only helps to make him believable, and also to make him a powerful presence in the story rather than an impassive stander-by. Admittedly there is one rather gratuitous shirtless scene in which Hunnam displays a physique one would not likely have found in an impoverished mid-nineteenth century schoolmaster, but on the other hand: who would complain?
The rest of the cast is universally excellent, with Jamie Bell ("Billy Elliott") taking the laurels for his truly heart-rending depiction of Smike: here's one great actor in the making - the death scene is simply crushing. Christopher Plummer is fantastic as Uncle Ralph; Tom Courtenay portrays a most endearing Newman Noggs; and Edward Fox a most horrible Sir Hawke - to mention just a few. Among female roles Romola Garai stands out as a sweet and dignified Kate. The tongue-in-cheek casting of Barry Humpries (aka Dame Edna Everage, and thus credited in the end titles) as Mrs. Crummles is bound to provoke smiles.
Of course, to fit the 800+ page novel into two hours, a lot of sideplots and characters had to go. On the plus side, this keeps things moving at a pace sometimes lacking in Dickens's novels (though I was still bothered by one or two scenes that seemed to lack action; e.g., when Nicholas adminsters a well-deserved caning to Squeeres, the subtly deranged Mrs. Squeeres meekly stands by, even though she is holding a torch she might easily have used to ward off the attacker. But these are minor details).
Décor and costumes are lavish to say the least, and combine with imaginative cinematography to make this a true feast for the eyes. To top it all off there is the terrific musical score by Rachel Portman with a delightful title tune that will stay with you for days. So if you like period drama, I would say this is a must-see!


Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: I was surprised at how well done this movie was, considering most adaptations of Charles Dickon's classics are botched. This one however was incredibly written as well as acted. It had very talented actors as well as a smoothly flowing plot.

Never having read the book myself I found the plot most intriguing, and though I was a little worried about the length of the movie (as I have the shortest attention span in the world) I was soon engaged in the plot. I did not feel compelled to skip portions or speed through others as with the help of a capable DVD player I sometimes do.

Once again I cannot stress how wonderful this film is. I highly reccomend it. One note of advice that I give is that I suggest the use of subtitles. Some people find them distracting, but if you don't they sometimes aid with the dialogue. Enjoy!!!