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John Irving recommended David Copperfield in Books (curated)
Lee (2222 KP) rated The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019) in Movies
Jan 26, 2020
Based on the famous and beloved novel by Charles Dickens, Armando Iannucci (Veep, The Thick of It, The Death of Stalin) brings us this fresh new take on David Copperfield. And it’s like no other Dickens adaptation you’ve ever seen before.
Dev Patel stars as Copperfield, the star and narrator of the story which charts his personal rise from rags to riches during Victorian England. We begin though with Copperfield as an adult, recounting his life story to a small theatre audience as he steps into a painted backdrop behind him on stage, transporting him, and us, to the location of his birth. He enters the family home and continues to narrate from within the scene as his mother struggles with labour. It’s just one of a variety of wonderfully inventive storytelling devices that the movie employs throughout.
While the chaos of childbirth plays out, the first in a long line of star-studded supporting characters arrives, David’s eccentric Aunt Betsey (Tilda Swinton), and we immediately get a glimpse of the kind of humour Iannucci has brought to the story as she sets about upsetting Peggotty, the family housekeeper, and declares that the baby will definitely be a girl.
From there, the storyline is fast paced, weaving between locations as David grows up - from an overturned boat house in Yarmouth, to the chaos of London and the difficulties of working in a bottle factory, and on to the Kent countryside. Along the way we meet yet more big names, including Peter Capaldi, Ben Whishaw, Hugh Laurie, Paul Whitehouse and Benedict Wong. Not to mention countless other recognisable faces.
The Personal History of David Copperfield is a real mixing pot of beautiful visuals, quirky humour and larger than life characters. Realism has been ditched in order to deliver a whimsical tale that is accessible to all ages. Unfortunately though, it just didn’t work for me. Aside from the opening scenes, and the occasional moment later on, the humour didn’t land at all. In fact, I got more laughs from the incredible movie Parasite that I saw just the night before seeing this.
Dev Patel, always impressive and enjoyable in everything he does, is charming as David Copperfield and is definitely the standout. Benedict Wong and Hugh Laurie were both enjoyable, but I felt the others all suffered from a script that just wasn’t strong enough. A beautifully shot movie, bold and bright and vibrant, but instantly forgettable.
Dev Patel stars as Copperfield, the star and narrator of the story which charts his personal rise from rags to riches during Victorian England. We begin though with Copperfield as an adult, recounting his life story to a small theatre audience as he steps into a painted backdrop behind him on stage, transporting him, and us, to the location of his birth. He enters the family home and continues to narrate from within the scene as his mother struggles with labour. It’s just one of a variety of wonderfully inventive storytelling devices that the movie employs throughout.
While the chaos of childbirth plays out, the first in a long line of star-studded supporting characters arrives, David’s eccentric Aunt Betsey (Tilda Swinton), and we immediately get a glimpse of the kind of humour Iannucci has brought to the story as she sets about upsetting Peggotty, the family housekeeper, and declares that the baby will definitely be a girl.
From there, the storyline is fast paced, weaving between locations as David grows up - from an overturned boat house in Yarmouth, to the chaos of London and the difficulties of working in a bottle factory, and on to the Kent countryside. Along the way we meet yet more big names, including Peter Capaldi, Ben Whishaw, Hugh Laurie, Paul Whitehouse and Benedict Wong. Not to mention countless other recognisable faces.
The Personal History of David Copperfield is a real mixing pot of beautiful visuals, quirky humour and larger than life characters. Realism has been ditched in order to deliver a whimsical tale that is accessible to all ages. Unfortunately though, it just didn’t work for me. Aside from the opening scenes, and the occasional moment later on, the humour didn’t land at all. In fact, I got more laughs from the incredible movie Parasite that I saw just the night before seeing this.
Dev Patel, always impressive and enjoyable in everything he does, is charming as David Copperfield and is definitely the standout. Benedict Wong and Hugh Laurie were both enjoyable, but I felt the others all suffered from a script that just wasn’t strong enough. A beautifully shot movie, bold and bright and vibrant, but instantly forgettable.
Gareth von Kallenbach (962 KP) rated The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019) in Movies
Oct 8, 2020
This retelling of Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield takes us from his birth, through his adolescence and adulthood. With the tempo set like a whirling dervish from the moment David (Dev Patel) takes us with him to witness his birth and travel along through his pivotal life moments as he tells his story.
We see his birth where his mother, Clara Copperfield (Morfydd Clark, playing a double role, later as Dora Spenlow) a slight, fantastical woman, and the steadfast housekeeper, Peggotty (Daisy May Cooper) go through the hectic confusion while people mill about, entering and exiting during the process of birth. His Aunt, Betsy (Tilda Swinton) goes about, adding to the calamity insistent that the child of her late brother would be a girl, who would carry her legacy as a Trotwood. Her eccentricity noted immediately as she storms out once learning the child is a boy.
The film progresses, with the same quick tempo, through his brief, idyllic childhood with his mother, then his trip to Yarmouth summering with Peggotty’s family where his imagination begins its bloom in the house that is a boat, by the sea. Once David returns home, he is informed that his mother had married, and his stepfather sends him to London. He is sent to live with Mr. & Mrs. Micawber (Peter Capaldi and Bronagh Gallagher) while he works at the bottle factory.
David’s life goes from famine to feast, bear to bull. However, he has learned resilience through his encounters with people of all classes and situations. As Copperfield makes his way through life, the tempo slows down, and the frenzy subsides.
Yes, it’s a remake, the film is beautifully made, the cast is an incredibly talented international group. Hugh Laurie and Tilda Swinton provide an endearing portrait of eclectic personalities. The film is just a charming and whimsical piece of storytelling.
We see his birth where his mother, Clara Copperfield (Morfydd Clark, playing a double role, later as Dora Spenlow) a slight, fantastical woman, and the steadfast housekeeper, Peggotty (Daisy May Cooper) go through the hectic confusion while people mill about, entering and exiting during the process of birth. His Aunt, Betsy (Tilda Swinton) goes about, adding to the calamity insistent that the child of her late brother would be a girl, who would carry her legacy as a Trotwood. Her eccentricity noted immediately as she storms out once learning the child is a boy.
The film progresses, with the same quick tempo, through his brief, idyllic childhood with his mother, then his trip to Yarmouth summering with Peggotty’s family where his imagination begins its bloom in the house that is a boat, by the sea. Once David returns home, he is informed that his mother had married, and his stepfather sends him to London. He is sent to live with Mr. & Mrs. Micawber (Peter Capaldi and Bronagh Gallagher) while he works at the bottle factory.
David’s life goes from famine to feast, bear to bull. However, he has learned resilience through his encounters with people of all classes and situations. As Copperfield makes his way through life, the tempo slows down, and the frenzy subsides.
Yes, it’s a remake, the film is beautifully made, the cast is an incredibly talented international group. Hugh Laurie and Tilda Swinton provide an endearing portrait of eclectic personalities. The film is just a charming and whimsical piece of storytelling.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019) in Movies
Jan 29, 2020
Misses the mark
The trailer made this film out to be a wonderfully eclectic humorous look at the life of David Copperfield, but I'm afraid to say the trailer was very misleading.
I've never read the book and to be honest, I really hope it's different to this mess. Yes this film is definitely rather eclectic and seems to swing from attempts at humour (that really miss the mark) to rather sombre drama and seriousness, and it also just feels a little jumbled. The script too is not what you'd expect from a film that feels so obviously British and there's nothing particularly clever or witty about it.
The cast are great, there really is a stellar line up of British stars in this and Dev Patel is a wonderfully charismatic choice as Copperfield and he's well supported by Tilda Swinton and Hugh Laurie. It's just a shame the rest of the cast are let down by the dodgy script and plot.
I really wanted to like this, but sadly it's missing virtually everything you'd expect and want, especially some decent British humour.
I've never read the book and to be honest, I really hope it's different to this mess. Yes this film is definitely rather eclectic and seems to swing from attempts at humour (that really miss the mark) to rather sombre drama and seriousness, and it also just feels a little jumbled. The script too is not what you'd expect from a film that feels so obviously British and there's nothing particularly clever or witty about it.
The cast are great, there really is a stellar line up of British stars in this and Dev Patel is a wonderfully charismatic choice as Copperfield and he's well supported by Tilda Swinton and Hugh Laurie. It's just a shame the rest of the cast are let down by the dodgy script and plot.
I really wanted to like this, but sadly it's missing virtually everything you'd expect and want, especially some decent British humour.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated David Copperfield in Books
Oct 10, 2017 (Updated Oct 11, 2017)
How trauma can be overcome through determination
David Copperfield is written in the perspective of him narrating his experiences as a child, in which his stepfather and sister treat him cruelly, eventually sending him away to a boarding school. Similar to Cinderella, his mother dies leaving him neglected by his family, hence he begins his search for his father’s sister, Miss Betsey Trotwood.
His life consists of moving from one place to another, literally walking the length of England, much like Oliver Twist, attempting to find a place in the world. Dickens', as in his other works, explores how hardships can force a child to become independent and successful. It's terribly sad once again, so you'll need something lighthearted afterwards.
His life consists of moving from one place to another, literally walking the length of England, much like Oliver Twist, attempting to find a place in the world. Dickens', as in his other works, explores how hardships can force a child to become independent and successful. It's terribly sad once again, so you'll need something lighthearted afterwards.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019) in Movies
Jan 24, 2020
Armando Ianucci's adaptation of Charles Dickens' semi-autobiographical novel strikes an interesting balance between being the movie you expect and something new and unusual. Somewhat rambling plot: David Copperfield is born, grows up, goes from rags to riches and back again, meets various colourful characters, and so on. Obviously an opportunity for some actors to turn in rather big comedy performances, and the cast duly oblige.
However, the film is also quite studied in its non-naturalism - it doesn't even pretend to be realistic (this obviously extends to many of the casting choices), and in this context the experiment just about succeeds. However, it doesn't feel affected, and the film retains a warmth and sincerity that make it a real pleasure to watch.
However, the film is also quite studied in its non-naturalism - it doesn't even pretend to be realistic (this obviously extends to many of the casting choices), and in this context the experiment just about succeeds. However, it doesn't feel affected, and the film retains a warmth and sincerity that make it a real pleasure to watch.
ClareR (5542 KP) rated Demon Copperhead in Books
Jan 21, 2023
This will be one of my very favourite books of 2022, without a shadow of a doubt.
Demon Copperhead is a modern retelling of David Copperfield, which I first read years ago. It’s always stayed with me though (as Dickens books have a habit of doing). Demon Copperhead feels more personal though. It’s not because of the setting, I’ve never been to Appalachia, I’ve never seen a trailer park in the flesh, and I’m certainly lucky enough to have never experienced the opioid crisis that’s very much still ongoing in the US.
Demon is our David, born in a trailer to a mother with an addiction that she desperately tries to control. His father is dead before he’s born. His mother makes some questionable decisions: one is that she marries Stone, a controlling bully, and the reason that Demon is taken into care.
There are so many links to David Copperfield, and I’m glad that I’d read Dickens novel first. But it really isn’t necessary at all. This is a truly magnificent novel in its own right.
Demon’s desperation and depression leaps off the page: his desperate need for love and approval, and his eventual descent into addiction were so terribly sad to read. I felt I built a connection with Demon and wanted more for him than society was willing to give. He was given to foster parents who weren’t vetted and were unsuitable. No-one cared enough to help him, and by the time they did, he was past being able to accept their help - he just didn’t think he deserved it.
But there is ultimately hope. There is the chance for Demon to live a good life.
I adored this book. I’m a big Barbara Kingsolver fan anyway, but this just confirmed that for me.
I’m hoping that this book will point more people towards her books. They’re in for a treat!
Demon Copperhead is a modern retelling of David Copperfield, which I first read years ago. It’s always stayed with me though (as Dickens books have a habit of doing). Demon Copperhead feels more personal though. It’s not because of the setting, I’ve never been to Appalachia, I’ve never seen a trailer park in the flesh, and I’m certainly lucky enough to have never experienced the opioid crisis that’s very much still ongoing in the US.
Demon is our David, born in a trailer to a mother with an addiction that she desperately tries to control. His father is dead before he’s born. His mother makes some questionable decisions: one is that she marries Stone, a controlling bully, and the reason that Demon is taken into care.
There are so many links to David Copperfield, and I’m glad that I’d read Dickens novel first. But it really isn’t necessary at all. This is a truly magnificent novel in its own right.
Demon’s desperation and depression leaps off the page: his desperate need for love and approval, and his eventual descent into addiction were so terribly sad to read. I felt I built a connection with Demon and wanted more for him than society was willing to give. He was given to foster parents who weren’t vetted and were unsuitable. No-one cared enough to help him, and by the time they did, he was past being able to accept their help - he just didn’t think he deserved it.
But there is ultimately hope. There is the chance for Demon to live a good life.
I adored this book. I’m a big Barbara Kingsolver fan anyway, but this just confirmed that for me.
I’m hoping that this book will point more people towards her books. They’re in for a treat!
Dean (6921 KP) rated Terror Train (1980) in Movies
May 3, 2021
Ok early Slasher film
One of the early 80's Slasher films featuring Scream Queen Jamie Lee Curtis just after she did @Prom Night (2008)
It's actually not that bad for a Slasher film of the time. A few years after pulling a prank on a medical student a bunch of students celebrate New Year's Eve with a costume party aboard a steam train. A lot of the time it doesn't feel like much of a Slasher film, the body count is quite low and the with not a lot of gore. The setting of the film is different and the train adds to the film quite well with the confined spaces. Also featuring David Copperfield. The plot is OK as the killer dons different costumes and there is a surprise as well. Overall a decent 80's slasher film worth checking out. Currently on Amazon prime.
It's actually not that bad for a Slasher film of the time. A few years after pulling a prank on a medical student a bunch of students celebrate New Year's Eve with a costume party aboard a steam train. A lot of the time it doesn't feel like much of a Slasher film, the body count is quite low and the with not a lot of gore. The setting of the film is different and the train adds to the film quite well with the confined spaces. Also featuring David Copperfield. The plot is OK as the killer dons different costumes and there is a surprise as well. Overall a decent 80's slasher film worth checking out. Currently on Amazon prime.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2051 KP) rated Oliver Twisted (Ivy Meadows #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Ivy and her PI uncle Bob are working on a case together as they go undercover on the Get Lit! ship the S.S. David Copperfield. They are trying to track down the people behind a rash of petty theft that have been plaguing the literature themed cruise company. As part of her cover, Ivy is working in Oliver! At Sea!, the ships current play. However, the ship has barely left when Ivy finds her roommate stuffed into their closet. Have the thieves escalated to murder?
This is another delightful romp with Ivy. There are some fun distractions and twists before she begins to put the pieces of the case together, and the way everything comes together at the end is masterful. Ivy’s cast mates are also the suspects, and we get to know them very well, yet the regular characters we’ve met in Phoenix still get to pop in, mostly via a sub-plot Ivy is trying to help with over phone calls. Throw in some delightful humor and you have another winner.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/02/book-review-oliver-twisted-by-cindy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is another delightful romp with Ivy. There are some fun distractions and twists before she begins to put the pieces of the case together, and the way everything comes together at the end is masterful. Ivy’s cast mates are also the suspects, and we get to know them very well, yet the regular characters we’ve met in Phoenix still get to pop in, mostly via a sub-plot Ivy is trying to help with over phone calls. Throw in some delightful humor and you have another winner.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/02/book-review-oliver-twisted-by-cindy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.