Gone are the Murdstones (who did reappear several times later in the novel) and in is Uriah Heep (Nicholas Lyndhurstl, a creepy looking man who looks like a redheaded Nosferatu. He appeared briefly towards the end of part one with the introduction of the older David (Ciarán McMenamin) who finds Uriah to be a foe that only the law can deal with. The romantic elements of David's adult life aren't as interesting as his involvements with the older characters, visiting the Micawbers and the now married Peggoty, and being a comfort to the irrepressible Aunt Betsey who has financial issues but remains David's rock in spite of her problems.
Dickens always had the best supporting characters in his novels, but "David Copperfield" has the largest number, and when the casting director chooses the best actor for the role, it's like magic on the screen. I really felt like I had traveled in time back to the 1800's with how the characters are presented. The story flows from David's romantic and business ventures but is at its best when dealing with his associations with those he's known since childhood, those relationships drawn out with a mental beauty that the viewer (or reader) can feel, surrounded by a sensationally colorful production design. I would say that it isn't as engaging as the first half, but certainly still excellent.
Dickens always had the best supporting characters in his novels, but "David Copperfield" has the largest number, and when the casting director chooses the best actor for the role, it's like magic on the screen. I really felt like I had traveled in time back to the 1800's with how the characters are presented. The story flows from David's romantic and business ventures but is at its best when dealing with his associations with those he's known since childhood, those relationships drawn out with a mental beauty that the viewer (or reader) can feel, surrounded by a sensationally colorful production design. I would say that it isn't as engaging as the first half, but certainly still excellent.
