There is nothing
particularly wrong with the latest adaptation of Charles Dickens’ oft-adapted
classic “Great Expectations,” directed by Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral). There also isn’t anything right
enough to redeem its inability to set itself apart from countless other
adaptations, with particularly dull young actors unable to breathe any new life
into the roles while the older cast members do a bit of over-acting to make up
for it. Somehow this adaptation feels as though it shortchanges Dickens’
material while also dragging along unnecessarily.
It is as if studios
believe every new generation can only be swayed over to classic stories if
adapted with the latest young actors, resulting in flatly unimpressive films
such as the latest Romeo & Juliet or this Great Expectations starring
Jeremy Irvine (War Horse) as orphan blacksmith apprentice Pip, a young boy who
is easily swayed by romantic notions and newfound wealth. When sent to play in
the mansion of a bitter old woman named Miss Havisham (Helena Bonham Carter),
he makes the acquaintance of the coldhearted Estella (Holliday Grainger) and
mistakenly believes her obtainable.
Pip comes into a
fortune, unaware of where it comes from but willing to take the advancement in
social standing. As he works his way up in the world with wealth, Pip becomes
more disillusioned with his ability to win Estella over. Bonham Carter and
Ralph Fiennes play their roles very theatrically, covered in grime and such
exaggerated make-up that they appear in different films than the rest of the
cast, but at least they leave a lasting impression. Irvine
The Blu-ray
release includes only footage from the premiere and a trailer, which shows
where the emphasis lay with this adaptation.
Entertainment Value:
5.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 6.5/10
Historical
Significance: 4/10
Special Features: 3/10
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