The latest adaptation of Charles Dickens’ well-known literary classic, Great Expectations tells the story of an orphaned boy named Pip, who, after living a hard existence under his aunt and uncle’s care, has a few chance encounters with members of the upper classes that will change his life forever.
By Keeva Stratton
As a boy, Pip (Jeremy Irvine) is introduced to the eccentric Miss Havisham (Bonham Carter), and is exposed to a new world of money and class. It is here that he makes an acquaintance with the equally different yet beautiful Estella. A prepossessing young girl who wins Pip’s heart—even though his common position means he has no chance with her.
Years pass, and as a young man Pip is brought to London, thanks to the kind generosity of a mysterious benefactor, where it is intended that he will be moulded into a gentlemen. Neither fitting comfortably with his new wealth, nor able to belong any longer among the common friends and family he left behind, Pip is stuck in an unusual torment of displacement.
Those who are familiar with Dickens’ classic works will know too well his fixation with exploring class dynamics. His characters—each bold and idiosyncratic—stand to exaggerate the often senseless and ugly role class played in determining one’s place in society.
Great Expectations has found its way to the screen before (most recently in 1998’s modernised retelling), however I don’t believe it has ever been done better. Gritty and grotesque, romantic and eccentric, director Mike Newell has created a fine work that captures Dickens well.
Bonham Carter as Miss Havisham is casting genius. She makes sense of this out-there character, and along with Ralph Fiennes as the fierce Magwitch and Robbie Coltraine as the soulless solicitor Mr Jaggers, there is ample darkness, quirk and quivers to bring this 19th century classic resoundingly to life on the big screen.
Part romance, part mystery and part social critique, Great Expectations certainly exceeded mine.
Directed by: Mike Newell
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Jeremy Irvine
Runtime: 128mins
Release Date: 7 March
Reviewer rating: 3.5/5
