Oliver Twist’s dilemma
Film: Oliver Twist, based on novel by Charles Dickens <br>Stars: Harry Eden and Ben Kingsley, <br>Director: Roman Polanski<br>Rating: PG-13 (Violence, mature themes)<br>Running time: 130 minutes <br>Available at: Punchline DVDs<br>Review by: Sebidde Kiryowa
Film: Oliver Twist, based on novel by Charles Dickens
Stars: Harry Eden and Ben Kingsley,
Director: Roman Polanski
Rating: PG-13 (Violence, mature themes)
Running time: 130 minutes
Available at: Punchline DVDs
Review by: Sebidde Kiryowa
Let’s face it. Dickens was an excellent writer of melodrama. People have been known (and seen) to cry while reading his books. Therefore, even for the most talented directors, it is a nightmare to replicate such successes on screen.
There have been over seven versions of Oliver Twist the first one having been made in 1916. So far, critics contend, the definitive filmed version of Oliver Twist remains David Lean’s 1948 edition second to which comes Sir Carol Reed’s Oliver! It would only make perfect sense that another movie coming after the two greats endeavours to stand on its own, and set itself apart from previous adaptations.
And how does this, 2005 version fare? Not exactly up there with the best. It does not exactly induce the tears the book does. And, while there is humour in the book and in the movie, the two do not always occur in the same places.
Fortunately though, the film remains faithful to the novel, which is nobel. That also means that for those who are not familiar with the story of Dickens’ Oliver Twist, is a pleasure whilst the reverse might not be so true.
Oliver Twist is a story of misery relieved by the occasional expression of kindness.
Oliver’s life is tragic. The story begins at an orphanage, where he is soon kicked out for bad behaviour. His next stop is working for a coffin-maker, but mistreatment causes him to run away. After a cruel, seven-day trek to London, he meets Artful Dodger (Harry Eden) and becomes one of the merry band of thieves and pick-pockets ruled by the greedy Fagin (Ben Kingsley).
A chance encounter with a wealthy businessman, Mr. Brownlow (Edward Hardwicke), gives Oliver a chance at a better life. However, Fagin and his cutthroat associate, Bill Sikes, are unwilling to let him move on. They find a way to pull him back in and use Brownlow’s affection for Oliver to their advantage. Only Nancy, Bill’s wife, shows compassion for poor Oliver.
Consequently, Oliver finds himself thrust between two worlds: one offering a pampered existence and the other commanding a deprived one.
Stars: Harry Eden and Ben Kingsley,
Director: Roman Polanski
Rating: PG-13 (Violence, mature themes)
Running time: 130 minutes
Available at: Punchline DVDs
Review by: Sebidde Kiryowa
Let’s face it. Dickens was an excellent writer of melodrama. People have been known (and seen) to cry while reading his books. Therefore, even for the most talented directors, it is a nightmare to replicate such successes on screen.
There have been over seven versions of Oliver Twist the first one having been made in 1916. So far, critics contend, the definitive filmed version of Oliver Twist remains David Lean’s 1948 edition second to which comes Sir Carol Reed’s Oliver! It would only make perfect sense that another movie coming after the two greats endeavours to stand on its own, and set itself apart from previous adaptations.
And how does this, 2005 version fare? Not exactly up there with the best. It does not exactly induce the tears the book does. And, while there is humour in the book and in the movie, the two do not always occur in the same places.
Fortunately though, the film remains faithful to the novel, which is nobel. That also means that for those who are not familiar with the story of Dickens’ Oliver Twist, is a pleasure whilst the reverse might not be so true.
Oliver Twist is a story of misery relieved by the occasional expression of kindness.
Oliver’s life is tragic. The story begins at an orphanage, where he is soon kicked out for bad behaviour. His next stop is working for a coffin-maker, but mistreatment causes him to run away. After a cruel, seven-day trek to London, he meets Artful Dodger (Harry Eden) and becomes one of the merry band of thieves and pick-pockets ruled by the greedy Fagin (Ben Kingsley).
A chance encounter with a wealthy businessman, Mr. Brownlow (Edward Hardwicke), gives Oliver a chance at a better life. However, Fagin and his cutthroat associate, Bill Sikes, are unwilling to let him move on. They find a way to pull him back in and use Brownlow’s affection for Oliver to their advantage. Only Nancy, Bill’s wife, shows compassion for poor Oliver.
Consequently, Oliver finds himself thrust between two worlds: one offering a pampered existence and the other commanding a deprived one.