For Dickens fans throughout the world, David Lean's beautifully authentic rendition of 'Great Expectations' is a treasure to behold. And even those who are not fans of Dickens (how sad are they?) should hardly be discouraged by the astonishing antiquity of this work. It is truly a feat of genius. But then, Dickens himself was a genius; and any work that represents him with fidelity must endure as long as our culture.
Over 60 years ago, Lean set out to recreate the story and characters of Dickens and accomplished the task with honours. The sets, the locations, the lighting, the editing, and indeed all of the technical aspects of cinematography are quite superb. But more important, the actors are perfectly chosen for the characters they must play. In a movie that features the very youthful John Mills in its starring role, it is easy to overlook the host of supporting characters who not only acquit themselves well, but who entirely suit the parts they play.
The comparatively unknown Ivor Barnard has Mr Wemmick to a tee. Likewise, Francis L Sullivan - who would not have been my first choice - does a Stirling job as lawyer Jaggers (he features more believably as the beadle in Lean's other master-work of Dickens' 'Oliver Twist'. Then there is Bernard Miles as the stalwart but childish Joe Gargary 'What Larks!'. I could go on... Unlike most modern directors, David lean evidently read the original.
Dickens is something of an acquired taste. For generations like mine that had him forced down our throats in youth he was often a blight, a gloomy, contrived and unwelcome one at that. But accepted by choice he is the master of story-telling and character creation. His narrative prose has eloquence beyond equal. Yes; I became a fan.
Just check-out the chapter detailing the wedding day in 'Dombey & Son, and you'll see why.
This movie charts the progress of Pip - one of Dickens' less admirable heroes. He has too much pride and too much ambition, and when unexpectedly given the opportunity to realise both; he becomes a snob. As most of us would. As indeed Dickens knew, and he taunts us with that self-realisation. It's a clever story by a very clever man.
But pride comes before a fall. And Pip falls flat on his face. The scenes of revelation in which Abel Magwich discloses his identity and Ms Havisham confronts the wickedness she has realised are classic moments in human experience, and Lean has them to perfection.
Even if you're not a Dickens fan, even if you don't care for old movies, even if black & white doesn't suit your taste (it suits Dickens perfectly), watch this re-telling of human nature in all of its strengths and weaknesses. If it doesn't enthral you - your heart must have stopped beating. And you're certainly not fit to read the original.
Loved the book, loved the movie; Can't recommend either enough.
Over 60 years ago, Lean set out to recreate the story and characters of Dickens and accomplished the task with honours. The sets, the locations, the lighting, the editing, and indeed all of the technical aspects of cinematography are quite superb. But more important, the actors are perfectly chosen for the characters they must play. In a movie that features the very youthful John Mills in its starring role, it is easy to overlook the host of supporting characters who not only acquit themselves well, but who entirely suit the parts they play.
The comparatively unknown Ivor Barnard has Mr Wemmick to a tee. Likewise, Francis L Sullivan - who would not have been my first choice - does a Stirling job as lawyer Jaggers (he features more believably as the beadle in Lean's other master-work of Dickens' 'Oliver Twist'. Then there is Bernard Miles as the stalwart but childish Joe Gargary 'What Larks!'. I could go on... Unlike most modern directors, David lean evidently read the original.
Dickens is something of an acquired taste. For generations like mine that had him forced down our throats in youth he was often a blight, a gloomy, contrived and unwelcome one at that. But accepted by choice he is the master of story-telling and character creation. His narrative prose has eloquence beyond equal. Yes; I became a fan.
Just check-out the chapter detailing the wedding day in 'Dombey & Son, and you'll see why.
This movie charts the progress of Pip - one of Dickens' less admirable heroes. He has too much pride and too much ambition, and when unexpectedly given the opportunity to realise both; he becomes a snob. As most of us would. As indeed Dickens knew, and he taunts us with that self-realisation. It's a clever story by a very clever man.
But pride comes before a fall. And Pip falls flat on his face. The scenes of revelation in which Abel Magwich discloses his identity and Ms Havisham confronts the wickedness she has realised are classic moments in human experience, and Lean has them to perfection.
Even if you're not a Dickens fan, even if you don't care for old movies, even if black & white doesn't suit your taste (it suits Dickens perfectly), watch this re-telling of human nature in all of its strengths and weaknesses. If it doesn't enthral you - your heart must have stopped beating. And you're certainly not fit to read the original.
Loved the book, loved the movie; Can't recommend either enough.