Based on the novel by Thomas Hardy, “Far from the Madding Crowd” is a simple and conventional story from the Victorian era, lacking of originality.
The first thing I thought when watching Far from the Madding Crowd was that I had just left with two hours of English literature lesson about romanticism, Victorian era and femininism. I had two choices: either running away, or staying because I like this period of Time . Well, I stayed.
Taking place in the second part of the 19th century, during the Victorian era, you follow the Bathsheba Everdene’s torments (Carey Mulligan), a young independent free spirited woman (but who is actually simple minded & naive). She recently inherited a farm from her uncle and she has to run. The story would obviously be too simple if you didn’t add to this a love triangle that gradually transforms into a love “square” formed by Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Sheen and Thomas Sturridge.
The film focuses on that : the love story that you have already seen and that is finally nothing new. That is a shame. You only notice the elegance of the costumes, a beautiful photography that looks like still life paintings and a soundtrack – composed by Craig Amrstrong – that perfectly fits into the movie setting.
Carey Mulligan who plays the female lead character doesn’t make a brilliant interpretation. The only two questions that she asks herself from the beginning to the end of the movie is finding a solution to keep her farm and with whom she will end up marrying? Her rich but old neighbour (Michael Sheen), the honest but poor shepherd (Matthias Schoenaerts) or the prestigious but manipulator soldier (Thomas Sturridge)? The story actually makes sense thanks to Matthias Schoenaerts and Michael Sheen great interpretations.
Actors Performance
Directing
Screenplay
Soundtrack
Final Note
Is it #Dudechick certified?
The directing is good but the screenplay is very conventional and too predictable.
#Dudechick, what’s that ?
Watch the trailer
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1 Comment
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I really enjoyed the 1967 original starring Julie Christie and Terrence Stamp so going into this I already had somewhat of a knowledge what I was getting into. I’m not usually a big fan of these sweeping period pieces but this one is worth your time. The cinematography is gorgeous as are the costumes and the beautiful score and a beautiful cover of “Let No Man Steal Your Thyme” sung by Carey Mulligan. Speaking of Carey, she is great here giving one of her finer on screen performances to date. Michael Sheen, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Tom Sturridge are all charming in their suitor roles. It’s more condensed and shorter than the 1967 original which I was ok with but some stories felt episodic and weren’t given much time to explain everything or explained too much as it is a little too wordy in the typical period piece way. Overall, this is a greater addition to the slew of period piece surge leaning more towards Pride and Prejudice territory than Anna Karenina boring territory.
