In the 2015 adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s novel ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan) challenges the roles of females and her own independence as a farm owner in Victorian England. With three very different suitors seeking her hand in marriage, she must decide whether or not she wants a man, and if so, which one.
By Keeva Stratton
The first suitor is Gabriel Oak, who first proposes to Bathsheba when he is a wealthy man. After losing his fortune (in a powerful and shocking scene), he accepts that he is no longer worthy of her hand and instead takes up the opportunity to work for her in the hope he can win her back.
The second suitor, Boldwood, whose attention she gains as the result of a juvenile prank, appears to be the most appropriate choice for her era and station. Not only is he very wealthy, he is also a well-reputed man, though admittedly a little old. But, just as it seems Bathsheba might be tempted, along comes suitor number three, a dashing solider in Sergeant Troy.
It’s Troy who Bathsheba falls for; but all is not quite as it seems, and she soon finds herself again torn between the three men.
Based on Thomas Hardy’s classic novel, the film comes set with high expectations—not dissimilar to those of the central character—but just falls short of reaching such heights.
Mulligan’s strong performance holds the film together, and she is ably supported by Mattias Schoenaerts as Oak, and Michael Sheen as Boldwood. What will divide audiences is the pace and style presented by director Thomas Vinterberg.
Vinterberg brings a slower pace, many dissolves between scenes; and he leaves plenty of pauses in the final cut. While this stylistic choice is affecting, it has the downside where if you’re not entirely swept away, you might find the film a little cloying.
As far as Victorian romances go, there’s plenty to enjoy, from the costumes, to the scenic Dorset countryside. It’s also refreshing to find a Victorian woman in control of both her feelings and her destiny.
While there’s no Mr Darcy here—disappointing insofar as the absence of Colin Firth—Bathsheba is wonderfully determined to pave her own path, and it makes for pleasant viewing.
Directed by: Thomas Vinterberg
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Mattias Schoenaerts, Michael Sheen
Rating: PG
Runtime: 119mins
Release Date: June 25
Reviewer rating: 3/5
