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The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby [2001]


RRP: £19.99
Our Price: £6.98 (subject to change)

Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

This 2000 television adaptation confirms Nicholas Nickleby's place among television dramatists' favourite Dickens novels. It has all the vital ingredients: a sensitive, intelligent young hero cast by circumstances in the role of everyman whose fortitude is tested at every turn; romance; danger; one of Dickens' richest braces of characters; and a sense of humanity that is, at times, overwhelming.

Condensing all this into three hours is no mean achievement. Martyn Edward Hesford's screenplay maintains an impressive balance between dramatic tension and allowing the characters the space they need to reveal their essential qualities. Only in the last 30 minutes does it become something of a gallop to the finishing post. True, the horrors of the boarding school could be more horrific; the grime of Victorian London and its toothless inhabitants could be grimier and less cosmetic. But as always with a superior production of a Dickens novel, the richness and depth of the drama outweigh such minor quibbles.

As for the cast, James D'Arcy's Nicholas is pitch-perfect: part cipher for the injustices and despair he encounters, part emblem for the triumph of goodness, an innocent whose eyes are quickly forced open to the darker realities of life. These darker realities are congealed in Charles Dance's relentlessly chilling, heartless Ralph Nickleby. This is a deceptively complex performance; even as we cheer the gathering forces which finally extinguish his increasingly desperate power, the awful tragedy of his end still elicits a discomforting ounce of sympathy. Gregor Fisher as the one-eyed Squeers and Pam Ferris as his fearsomely lascivious wife are outstanding in an ensemble of fine character actors. And Lee Ingleby's Smike gives our tear ducts a good workout while steering just the right side of sentimentality.

On the DVD: Nicholas Nickleby is presented in widescreen format with Dolby Digital soundtrack, and has all the technical qualities you might expect from the DVD release of a modern television production. Extras include cast filmographies, a Dickens biography and a list of his work, all of which add to the disc's merits as a literary educational tool. --Piers Ford


This is really quite good!
Review date: 2008-05-30 Rating: 8 out of 10

Ok, it's not going to cover all of the book and some scenes have been dramatized but it's still a very good production, the key elements of the novel are represented, the casting is good, (unlike the BBC's recent Bleak House), it is far, far better than the film version which looked to me like it had been dumbed down for an American audience. I'm sure that the characters in the novel would have behaved like the production ones had Dickens been writing the script today, the alledged rape scene is implied and not carried through and Squeers is a nasty piece of work, I can't really imagine him in any other way. I rate this highly but do bear in mind it is more for a modern audience and not a 1970's slow mo effort (which are still good but for different reasons), the best adapation is still 'Our Mutual Friend' (BBC) though.

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Reviews


Douglas McGrath Nicholas Nickleby is much Better
Review date: 2007-05-30 Rating: 4 out of 10

I was very disappointed with this production. I dont like it when someone takes a great classic novel and adds things in the production that is not there. It actually cheapens the novel.
Do yourself a favour and buy Douglas McGrath - Nicholas Nickleby. It is far Better. You will not be disappointed with it.
As for this DVD I will not be keeping it. It would have been an excellent Production if it was not for the added sences.

Overplayed and unimaginative
Review date: 2007-01-07 Rating: 2 out of 10

There have been a number of different versions of Nicholas Nickelby that I've seen now - the epic RSC version (which is over 7 hours long and thus the most comprehensive), the 1970s BBC version (which features Nigel Havers and does a good job of mixing the unpleasant aspects), the competent 1947 version and the lively, imaginatively-cast 2002 film. This is by far the least enjoyable one I've seen.

It focuses far too much on trying to portray the Squeers as unpleasantly as possible (something that is already evident enough through how they talk and the way they treat the boys - Mr and Mrs Squeers groping each other in as repulsive a fashion as possible in front of Nicholas strikes me as unnecessary and over the top). The 2002 film does this so much better by using Nicholas' reactions and through wonderful set design.

Everything is heavy-handed here. Not only do we have a scene where an "admirer" of Kate Nickleby threatens her honour but we have a fully-fledged rape attempt on a billiards table. Not only is a repulsive old man disgusting in his attitudes and how he dresses, he wiggles his tongue in a snake-like fashion.

Sophia Myles and James D'Arcy are both excellent in key roles but given the overwhelmingly oppressive tone of the production I cannot recommend this. The other adaptations listed at the start of this review are just better balanced and more enjoyable.

A faithful, entertaining adaptation...
Review date: 2007-01-07 Rating: 10 out of 10

This adaptation is exceptional. The acting is excellent, particularly Charles Dance as the sinister Mr Nickleby, and Gregor Fisher as the despicable Squeers. Also, the portrayal of Smike can't help but make you sympathise with him at every moment... The original book is full of action and fantastic characters which jump off the page and this adaptation does it great justice. Thoroughly enjoyable and would recommend it highly!

a disapointment
Review date: 2006-02-06 Rating: 4 out of 10

I suppose after the 70s RSC Nicholas N nothing quite matches.The performaces are all workmanlike but none really ignite.The best is probably Gregor Fishers grotesque Squeers
The novel features some great eccentrics but this version doesnt really unfold Dickens imaginative vision.Having just seen Charles Dance as Tulkinghorn in Bleak House he seemed to be playing the same role in this?
Watchable but nothing special.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Sophia Myles
Charles Dance
Diana Kent
John Dallimore
James D'Arcy

Creators:
John Dallimore (Primary Contributor)
James D'Arcy (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Acorn Media
Manufacturer: Acorn Media
EAN: 5036193092367
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2002-05-13
Number of discs: 2
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 200 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2002-01-29
Language: English (Original Language)

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