The Personal History of David Copperfield

Some profoundly eccentric characters but the performances seemed a little forced and the connection you need to carry them over the line was missing for the most part.

'The Personal History Of David Copperfield (2019)' feels, quite significantly, like a clip-show, closer to a series of interconnected skits than a traditionally cinematic narrative. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, though. It gives the piece - which does, of course, have an overarching story - a unique feel. It's also an apt way to condense a lifetime into two hours, featuring only the most significant moments of its eponymous character's life. It all seems a little surreal, especially when it begins to visualise its narration in the middle of select scenes. The experience starts off a little slow but it soon picks up the pace, moving towards its low-key finale with a fair bit of momentum. Most of it is presented rather farcically, its eccentric characters flailing their arms or speaking in eloquent metaphor. There are a fair few moments that provoke a chuckle or two, but the flick still retains some resonance. It isn't all overtly comedic; some of its more sobering stuff does, indeed, sting. It comes so close to having something to say about class, but this aspect remains distinctly subtextual and always comes second to the more straightforward story. This isn't a huge issue, though. Perhaps the movie's biggest asset is its ensemble cast. Patel, who perfectly portrays the adult version of the whimsical protagonist, is a real stand-out. As are Capaldi and Laurie, who play eccentric but endearing middle-aged men. Each and every cast member is decidedly good, though, doing exactly what they need to with apparent joy. Overall, the film is entertaining and well-made. It's fun, energetic and, in general, just a good time. 7/10

IN BRIEF: Overrated period comedy that looks right but is all wrong.

JIM'S REVIEW: (MILDLY RECOMMENDED) Well, I did like the costumes. And the production design, a mishmash of vibrant colors and patterns, was also a delight. (Kudos to Suzie Harman and Robert Worley's unlikely period wardrobe and Cristina Casali's stylish sets) But the film, The Personal History of David Copperfield, was all useless energy and pure nonsense. The film tries to impress with its quirkiness, lavish settings, and hyperactive performances. Figures whose names might seem familiar... Uriah Heep, Mr. Micawber, Betsey Trotwood, Mr. Dick...are strange hybrids of Charles Dicken's more famous characters from his novel. Here, they are thrown together to chronicle the story of the fictional David Copperfield's life. Like a Dicken's novel, characters intersect our hero's coming-of-age journey and add to the pomp although the circumstances are dubious. Unlike a Dicken's novel, in this odd film adaptation, they are shallow, silly, and overstay their welcome.

The film is unevenly directed by Armando Iannucci, who also wrote the screenplay with Simon Blackwell. His movie takes on a surreal quality which impresses in its visual splendor. (Many times while watching this film, I was reminded of Terry Gilliam's dud, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, and we know how that one went.) But script-wise, it's a mess. The plot is contrived, a CliffNotes summary of the book which misses Dicken's clever prose. In this re-imagined film version, everyone plays their roles like live action cartoons without any restraint or comic timing. They become wind-up dolls dressed to the Victorian nines gone amok.

A good cast belabors the comedy. And Mr. Iannucci does assemble many of England's best actors for his movie such as Peter Capaldi, Ben Whishaw, Tilda Swinton, and Hugh Laurie; only the latter two performers hit their marks most of the time with their outlandish interpretations. He waste their time and talents. As the title character, Dev Petel is completely engaging, but he and the integrated ensemble deserve better material. While the casting may be color-blind, the overall vision lacks focus too. The concept of creating Victorian England with a contemporary attitude is intriguing, but never quite gels.

Critics worldwide have raved about this film. And I waited nearly a year with high hopes, only to be disappointed by the end results. The film looks authentic and, production-wise, has many admirable traits, but it is all surface treatment and sleight-of-hand trickery. A earnest effort, I would agree, but the reality is that The Personal History of David Copperfield is epic, as in failure. It's a farce without any laughs that exhausts rather than thrills. Be careful what you wish for. (GRADE: C)

A very dynamic film, David Copperfield lures you into his intriguing life stories. Unfortunately I haven't read the original but could still appreciate the flair and narrative of the film. This would have been a treat for those who are familiar with Dickens's work. This eventful and fluid manner of story telling nicely transitions into this film. Some decent performances by Dev Patel and the rest of the cast. It was also a pleasantly diverse film that modernised this classic novel. This may not appeal to a large mainstream audience as some cultural sensitivity is needed to see something in this film. I'm glad I went and enjoyed this modern spin on a classic tale.

Scottish director Armando Iannucci isn't the first name that springs to mind when one thinks of a director of Charles Dickens novels but the famed comedic filmmaker makes for a refreshing behind camera master of this more modern take on Dicken's semi-autobiographical tale.

Renowned for some of the modern era's greatest politically astute comedies in the form of In the Loop and The Death of Stalin, as well as extensive work on hit TV show Veep, Iannucci dials things back quite a bit here without ever losing sight of the oddball humor that has made his career so enjoyable, as we follow Dev Patel's kind hearted David Copperfield across a multi-year journey of trials and tribulations as he tries to find his way in a world that seems intent on knocking him down.

Not following any particular one plot thread, the film takes on board Copperfield's experience's being raised by Peter Capaldi's money waster Mr Micawber, his teenage years education and most importantly his life-defining relationship with Tilda Swinton's oddball aunt Betsey Trotwood and her mentally unhinged friend Mr. Dick, played wonderfully by Hugh Laurie.

There's a lot to cram into History's two hour run-time, one that Iannucci at times struggles to balance out, with the films later stages in particular feeling as though they could've had more time to breath but overall the film remains an entertaining and enthusiastic rendition of a story that has stood the test of time.

Front and centre throughout are some fantastic production values to this independent film, duly noted in the films large collection of nominations at last years British Independent Film Awards and another great lead performance from Dev Patel, who much like his fellow Skins graduate Nicholas Hoult has proven time and time again that his one of the most assured performers working today.

Patel's infectiously enjoyable performance is a genuine example of a film that is having a lot of fun with its narrative and one were the cast and crew clearly had a ball bringing it to life, while its likely to divide die-hard Dicken's fans, its great to see a director of Iannucci's skill-set tackle such a task.

Final Say -

It may not be quite up to the high-standards of the best Dicken's features but The Personal History of David Copperfield is a joyous little film with a lot of heart and a killer on-song cast to boot.

3 1/2 heavy cakes out of 5