David Copperfield (1999) (TV)

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:

Semi Autobiographical | Stepfather | Dickens | Playing Footsie | Clerk

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

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

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

Filming Locations:

Blackfriars, London, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Trivia:

The aqua pelisse Emilia Fox (Clara Copperfield) wears to say goodbye to Davy was previously worn by Emilia Fox (Georgiana Darcy) at Ramsgate in "Pride and Prejudice" (1995). The same costume is also worn by Olivia Williams (Jane Fairfax) at Box Hill in Emma (1996) (TV), by Anna Madeley (Lucy Steele) at Fanny's London house in "Sense & Sensibility" (2008), and by Julie Cox (Annabella Milbanke) at the London party where she meets Byron in Byron (2003) (TV).

Quotes:

Barkis: [repeated] Barkis is willin'!

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Troldspejlet: (#31.14)" (2004)

Soundtrack:

Newcastle

Brilliant British drama-- Dickens can be enjoyable

For me, 'David Copperfield' was quite the revelation as a film as it was one of the few times I could tolerate Charles Dickens' adaptation and it was a chance to see Dan Radcliffe, before his rather mediocre performances as Harry Potter, prove he does have acting potential in him.

As the grown author David Copperfield reminisces on his life, the film focuses more on his childhood years and how he survived being an orphaned boy, with an abusive step-father, growing up in the bleakness of the Victorian era.

The cast is exemplary. Maggie Smith was just perfect as David's aunt, a woman who seems cold on the outside but does welcome the child into her home. Pauline Quirke stepped away from her usual comedic roles to play the maternal Pegotty, a lovable character who you truly felt cherished this little boy. Trevor Eve delivered a very chilling performance as the hideous stepfather Mr Murdstone who loathed David on sight with Zoe Wannamake equally as cruel as Murdstone's vile sister. Every actor did an excellent job of bringing their character to life and I don't think there has ever been such a well-cast drama. However, nine-year-old Daniel Radcliffe, who two years after this film would be cast to play Harry Potter, stole the show as the vulnerable but tenacious young David. It is easy to forget his bland wooden acting in the Harry Potter films as he throws himself into the role of winsome, wide-eyed David, wonderfully depicting the pains and joys of his character.

'David Copperfield' has to be one of the best adaptations of a classic novel yet. The excellent script and wonderful actors mesh together to really bring the story to life and it reminds you that sometimes the BBC does get it right. It's a pity our TV license money couldn't go to making more like this.