David Copperfield (2000 film)
| David Copperfield | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Peter Medak |
| Produced by |
John Davis Greg Smith |
| Written by | John Goldsmith |
| Based on |
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens |
| Starring |
Hugh Dancy Sally Field Michael Richards Eileen Atkins Anthony Andrews |
| Music by | Shaun Davey |
| Cinematography | Elemér Ragályi |
| Edited by | Ron Davis |
| Distributed by | Hallmark Entertainment |
Release dates | December 10, 2000 |
Running time | 180 minutes (3 60 min episodes) |
| Country |
United States Ireland |
| Language | English |
David Copperfield is a 2000 film that was a joint US/Irish TV film adaptation of Charles Dickens's novel David Copperfield. It was filmed in Ireland, and broadcast on the TV Channel TNT as a Hallmark Entertainment production on December 10–11, 2000.
The plot follows relatively closely to that of the book, although the film highly condenses Steerforth's liaison with Emily and the Peggotty family to primarily off-screen action, as in the 1935 version, and omitting the famous "tempest" scene. An extra plotline placing emphasis on the Murdstone siblings is also included, so that David is tormented by their appearance throughout his life, and eventually violently confronts them near the ending, a scene not present in the book. Some scenes are simplified as well; for instance, Uriah Heep's cunning and complex embezzlement scheme from the book is changed to a very simple plotline involving stolen diamonds. However, this film stresses the relationship between David, Agnes, and Uriah much more than in previous adaptations.
The film is generally well received by viewers and critics alike, earning a 7/10 stars from IMDB, although some viewers dislike the straying from the book's plot material, and some critics feel Hugh Dancy gave a weak performance in the title role. Most criticism stems from the choice of American actors Sally Field and Michael Richards, portraying the classic roles of Betsey Trotwood and Wilkins Micawber, though Field was a last-minute replacement for Angela Lansbury.
Main cast
- Hugh Dancy as David Copperfield
- Max Dolbey as young David Copperfield
- Sally Field as Aunt Betsey
- Michael Richards as Wilkins Micawber
- Paul Bettany as James Steerforth
- Eileen Atkins as Jane Murdstone
- Anthony Andrews as Edward Murdstone
- Frank McCusker as Uriah Heep
- Emily Hamilton as Agnes Wickfield
- Edward Hardwicke as Mr. Wickfield
- Julie Cox as Dora Spenlow
- Oliver Ford Davies as Mr. Jorkins
- Nigel Davenport as Dan Peggotty
- Judy Cornwell as Peggotty
- Freddie Jones as Barkis
- Sarah Farooqui as Emily
- Anna Maguire as Little Em'ly
- Dudley Sutton as Mr. Dick
- Sarah Smart as Clara Copperfield
- Simon Delaney as Thomas Traddles
- Peter Woodthorpe as Mr. Creakle
- Terrence Orr as Tungay