David Copperfield (1999) (TV)

User Rating:

7.7/10   

Director:

Simon Curtis

Writers:

Charles Dickens (novel)
Adrian Hodges (screenplay)

Release Date:

16 April 2000 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Charles Dickens' haunting semi-autobiographical tale of a boy who is sent away by his stepfather after his mother dies but manages to triumph over incredible adversities. |

Plot Keywords:

Boarding School | Playing Footsie | Poignant | 19th Century | Atmospheric

Awards:

Nominated for Primetime Emmy. Another 1 win & 3 nominations

Cast

Emilia Fox	...	Clara Copperfield
Pauline Quirke	...	Peggotty
Maggie Smith	...	Betsey Trotwood
John Normington	...	Dr. Chillip
Daniel Radcliffe	...	Young David Copperfield
Trevor Eve	...	Murdstone
Michael Elphick	...	Barkis
James Thornton	...	Ham Peggotty
Alun Armstrong	...	Daniel Peggotty
Patsy Byrne	...	Mrs. Gummidge
Laura Harling	...	Little Emily
Zoë Wanamaker	...	Miss Murdstone
Jacqueline Tong	...	Lady in Coach
Karl Johnson	...	Tungay
Ian McKellen	...	Creakle

Runtime:

185 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Singapore:PG | Australia:PG | UK:PG | USA:Unrated

Filming Locations:

Blackfriars, London, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Trivia:

Harry Lloyd (Young Steerforth) is the great-great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, who wrote the novel on which this production is based.

Quotes:

Barkis: [repeated] Barkis is willin'!

Movie Connections:

Version of David Copperfield (1911)

Soundtrack:

Newcastle

Wonderful acting--a must for fans of Dickens!

This version of David Copperfield rivals the classic 1935 version, which starred Freddie Bartholomew as David, and W. C. Fields as Mr. Micawber.

Dickens' great strength as an author was characterization, and Director Simon Curtis transforms this strength onto the screen. Even the most minor supporting characters are portrayed well.

In the major roles, Daniel Radcliffe as the young David is outstanding. (Of course, he has gone on to star as Harry Potter.)

Bob Hoskins is excellent as Micawber, Amanda Ryan portrays Agnes Wickfield beautifully, and Ian McNeice as Mr. Dick and Nicholas Lyndhurst as Uriah Heep are perfect.

For me, however, the true star of the movie is Dame Maggie Smith as Aunt Betsy Trotwood. Dame Maggie was born to play this role, and every frame in which she appears is a pleasure to watch.

This movie presents Dickens in the way Dickens was meant to be seen on the screen. Bravo!