Lets’s start this article by saying, that it’s been some years since I last read David Copperfield by Charles Dickens so it wasn’t fresh in my mind before seeing The Personal Life of David Copperfield at Cineworld the other night.
The first thing that many will notice from the trailer of the movie is that this adaptation of the Dickens’ classic is not ashamed to bring in a diverse selection of actors for the roles in the film, this is not like many other movies adapted from the authors books and personally for me, it’s wonderful to see a fantastic collection of actors and actresses being chosen for their acting skills and not for the colour of their skin.
The life of David Copperfield from childhood to maturity, with his own adventures and the web of friends and enemies he meets along his way.
The Personal Life of David Copperfield has an amazing cast, including Dev Patel (Copperfield), Hugh Laurie, Tilda Swinton, Peter Capaldi and Benedict Wong to name but a few, all of whom bring the memorable characters from Dickens’ novel to life on the big screen.
This is a movie that is a refreshing change from the modern ay movies of action, Sci-Fi and Horror, the movie is laced with comical moments that had me laughing out rather loudly throughout the screening, moment which I was joined by other members of the audience, which I have to say did to seem to be in a certain age bracket, I think we were the youngest ones in the screening.
As we follow David Copperfield (Patel) and his life’s journey from birth to his rise and fall we are treated to a stellar cast and some wonderful cinemaphotography throughout the film, sets are beautifully designed and the colouring of the film is perfect. Look out for the upside-down boathouse, Paul Whitehouse (The Fast Show) and of course the streets and houses that are a key part of Copperfield’s life.
The Personal Life of David Copperfield may not be for everyone, especially the younger audiences, but it’s my personal view that this is a movie that is not only delightful to watch it looks wonderful as well, it did take me a little while to shift “Doctor Who” out of my mind when Peter Capaldi came on to the screen, but I absolutely loved his portrayal of Mr. Micawber he is perfectly cast for the role. I also found myself laughing with the moments of Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange) as the rather alcohol loving Mr Wickfield.
Dev Patel is a delightful joy to watch as the lead role of David Copperfield and his screen time brings the character to life amongst some of the other wonderful and strange characters of the Dickens’ adaptation.
The film is beautifully directed by Armando Iannucci (In The Loop, The Thick of It), who many will know from The Thick of It and working with Capaldi on that, he has certainly brought the spirit of Dickens into the film.
The Personal Life of David Copperfield is certainly in my list of top movies of 2020 and I do recommend getting the chance to catch this movie on the big screen.
Delightfully Charming
Movie title: The Personal Life of David Copperfield
Movie description: 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, colour and humanity.
Date published: January 24, 2020
Country: UK
Duration: 1h 59m
Author: Charles Dickens
Director(s): Armando Iannucci
Actor(s): Dev Patel, Hugh Laurie, Tilda Swinton
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
