I have to admit, sorting through the Toronto Film Festival line-up, I can’t say Mike Newell‘s adaptation of Great Expectations stands out as a necessity. Sure, he’s got Holliday Grainger, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Jeremy Irvine (War Horse) in the starring roles and sure, this is classic material, but it doesn’t feel in the least bit necessary. Just go watch David Lean‘s 1947 adaptation, which I personally think is quite great, and you’re pretty much taken care of. It’s not as if screenwriter David Nicholls‘ adaptation of the dreadful One Day is going to change my mind.
The story, as always, is based on Charles Dickens’ novel and centers on the orphan Pip (Irvine) who rises from humble beginnings thanks to a mysterious benefactor. Moving through London’s class-ridden world as a gentleman, Pip uses his new status to pursue Estella (Grainger), a beautiful, heartless heiress he’s always loved. The shocking truth behind his fortune will have devastating consequences for everything he holds dear.
The first clip from the film has arrived and can be seen below featuring Irvine along with Fiennes as Magwitch. Give it a peek and let me know if this looks like a film you think I should even bother with. Oh, and the fact it has this cast and has yet to secure a distributor is also a bit foreboding.
