THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD re-imagines Charles Dickens’ classic ode to grit and perseverance through the comedic lens of its award-winning filmmakers— giving the Dickensian tale new life for a cosmopolitan age with a diverse ensemble cast of stage and screen actors from across the world. Emmy® winners and Oscar® nominees Armando Iannucci (IN THE LOOP, THE DEATH OF STALIN, HBO’S VEEP) and Simon Blackwell (IN THE LOOP, HBO’S SUCCESSION) lend their wry, yet heart-filled storytelling style to revisiting Dickens’ iconic hero on his quirky journey from impoverished orphan to burgeoning writer in Victorian England.
PG – thematic material and brief violence. | | Comedy, Drama | 28 August 2020 (USA)
Commentary: An all star cast come together for one of this years most whimsical and heartwarming films. The Personal History of David Copperfield – yes that is a mouthful – chronicles one of Charles Dickens’ well known characters from childhood through adulthood. Copperfield’s (Dev Patel) journey is quite eventful and puts him in the path of many eccentric and extravagant individuals. Some good and some not so trustworthy. Through even the most horrendous times he never loses hope which is the driving force behind this wonderful adaptation.
Director Armando Iannucci uses colorful backdrops, unique editing, and fluid movement to bring his characters to vibrant life. The social classes of that era were distinct and David’s life intersects and engages them all. We see him as a tattered youngster working in a bottling factory and a prep school gentleman captivating his friends with stories. His trek is encouraging to watch and hopefully will drive us to always be positive and look at the wonderful opportunity around us. He isn’t pollyanna about life and does get discouraged. But he always finds a way to put on a smile and scratch his way back into the sunshine.
Eccentric and quirky are a few ways to describe the characters you will meet in this film. The actors seem to have as much fun creating them as we do watching. One of my favorite pairs is Tilda Swinton as Mrs. Trotwood and Hugh Laurie as the quizzical Mr. Dick. Other memorable faces leave lasting memories as well. Benedict Wong as the port loving accountant, Rosalind Eleazar as his level headed and ray of sunshine daughter. Not all characters are lovable as Ben Winshaw proves as the bowing and groveling Uriah Heep.
Another note worthy cast decision that I appreciated in this film is the choice to blend cultures and ethnicity. There is something beautiful about having a family where not everyone is the same color or nationality. A white son with a black mother. A black daughter with an Asian father. This element adds a richness and texture to the story that elevates it even more.
There is no doubt that The Personal History of David Copperfield is the kite on which we can attach our cares of the day and relinquish them to the wind for a few hours. It is fun, whimsical, and a pure delight. I seldom give a perfect A-grade to films but this one earned it on every level. Rated PG it is the perfect option to watch with the whole family again and again.
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