‘Is it too early for sherry?’
I’ve often considered writing my own personal history, but then I remember that I’m not very good at writing and my life is incredibly boring. Boring in a satisfying way mind. A life befitting my grand old age. Happily, the life of Charles Dickens’ protagonist David Copperfield is not boring. Indeed, it is a veritable feast of eccentric characters, unfortunate events and life affirming romance.
David Copperfield (Dev Patel) addresses a barely glimpsed audience with his larger than life story. Along the way, he will encounter the loveable beggar Mr Micawber (Peter Capaldi), a severe but caring aunt (Tilda Swinton) and a man who is haunted by the ghost of King Charles I (Hugh Laurie).
I have an odd relationship with Charles Dickens. Unrivalled as a storyteller, and capable of breathtaking passages of prose, Dickens also has a tendency to over describe everything to the nth degree. Conversely, director Armando Iannucci does away with anything that isn’t vital to the story which results in a dynamic and compelling two hours that still struggles to pack everything in. Characters come and go and then come again, but a supporting cast of (deep breath) Daisy Cooper, Aneurin Barnard (who is excellent as Copperfield’s companion James Steerforth), Ben Whishaw, Anna Maxwell Martin, Benedict Wong and Morfydd Clark ensure that Iannucci’s love letter to both Dickens and writing never becomes too complicated.
The real ace in the pack here though is Dev Patel. Copperfield goes on such a transformative journey throughout the film that it almost feels like Patel is playing numerous characters at once, and he does so with aplomb. Whether it be bitter disappointment, righteous anger or affable warmth, Patel brings a sparkle and a charisma to each facet of Copperfield’s personality and shows once again why he is such a prominent star of British cinema.
The Personal History of David Copperfield reminds us that Dickens is not only a master storyteller, he is also funny (sometimes). Armando Iannucci and his talented cast have done a wonderful job in bringing Dickens’ longest novel to life in a way that is accessible to everyone.