Wednesday 15 January 2020

FILM REVIEW: The Personal History Of David Coppefield - HOME, Manchester


The Personal History of David Copperfield is a new film coming out on general release later this month, and is directed by Armando Iannucci, whose vision of the story comes to life on the big screen. Good direction was demonstrated throughout the film, excellent attention to detail with the stunning surroundings, props and costumes, which highlighted the authenticity of the Victorian era.Charles Dickens wrote the timeless classic, which is still as popular today as it was back then, whilst Armando Iannucci and Simon Blackwell adapted this as a screenplay. 

Dev Patel played the principal role, who has invested a lot into his characterisation of David Coppefield adding more depth and layers to the character. Patel really shone in his performance of David Copperfield. the audience really believing in his character and we could feel empathy for him. Patel was more than ably supported by a star-studded cast of brilliant actors including Tilda Swinton, Hugh Laurie, Peter Capaldi, Paul Whitehouse, Ben Winshaw, Daisy May Cooper, Morfydd Clark and Rosalind Elezour.

The Personal History Of David Copperfield is a comedy and drama, both rolled into one. Some funny one-liners and instances with the characters in the film worked well and added humour into the story. The narractive of the film chronicled the life of David Copperfield from his youth into adulthood. The story took us a journey from his hardship and humbled beginnings and then watching him transform into the young man he was going to become. His character was explored and developed through his interaction with the other characters in the film.

The music by Christopher Willis was joyful adding another dimension to certain scenes in the film. The cinematography of the film was good and made great use of the various locations. Editing by Mick Audsley and Peter Lambert of the film was very slick.

If you’re a fan of Charles Dickens, I am sure you will enjoy this adaption of one his more famous novels into film. The film had everything you would typically expect in a comedy/drama, such as sympathy, high emotions, humour, conflict and friction.

Reviewer - Mark Cooper
on - 14/1/20

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