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Vanity Fair [2004]


RRP: £19.99
Our Price: £2.28 (subject to change)

Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

The corsets and high waists of the 19th century meet the lush colors and visual splendor of India in Vanity Fair, a classic novel translated into modern celluloid by Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding). The very contemporary Reese Witherspoon (Legally Blonde, Election) at first seems to hit the wrong note as Becky Sharp, an orphaned girl who rises to the heights of society using her quick wits and feminine wiles. But as Vanity Fair unfolds, the movie's tone embraces both period decor and modern attitudes, searching for a bridge that will carry us more deeply into a different time. It isn't wholly successful--the movie's end wraps things up awkwardly--but some scenes achieve a surprising and vivid immediacy, in particular one in which Becky's gambler husband (elegant James Purefoy) catalogues his worth for her before going off to the Napoleonic battlefields; love and pragmatism fuse with heartbreaking results. --Bret Fetzer, Amazon.com


Pick the actor, not the accent ...
Review date: 2008-01-08 Rating: 8 out of 10

It's easy to be cynical of a film whose main protagonist is an American playing a character in English literature, and it is also very easy to criticise their performance. Before watching this film I did wonder whether Reese Witherspoon was merely cast in the role of Becky Sharpe in order to bolster the film's budget. And then I thought imagine if a Keira Knightly (god forbid) had been cast, and suddenly old Witherspoon didn't seem so bad after all. No one bats an eyelid anymore that Renee Zellweger was cast as Bridget Jones, although I concede her accent is a damn sight more convincing. That being said I think Witherspoon does a rather good job in a role that is at times rather disagreeable. In the film's favour `Vanity Fair' boasts an excellent supporting cast, tribute to the fine acting talent Britain possesses. The sets and the costumes are also extremely lavish and Mira Nair injects some refreshing nods to Bollywood's use of colour, dance and music. I wholly enjoyed this film despite it being disjointed in places, and I care not a whim for whether it is faithful to the book or not as I haven't read it, and this is a film adaptation after all. However I do intend to read the book now, so if the movie encourages more to read the classics then its alright by me!

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Reviews


Some of the Parts....
Review date: 2007-10-13 Rating: 10 out of 10

This is a highly enjoyable costume drama. Solely as a film it is better than average. As a vehicle for a large number of very skilled actors it is outstanding. Witherspoon is more than competent, delivering the leading role with skill. The rest of the cast also turn in highly entertaining performances. James Purefoy is more than a foil for the Hollywood leading lady, he has merely to twitch his face for us to realise his moral frailty. Bob Hoskins is the the happy curmudgeon, Eileen Atkins thrills as the rich and terrifying aunt, Geraldine McEwan plays the other aunt as court jester (this aunt is much more intelligent than her family assume), Jonathan Rhys Meyers could not be self-absorbed as George Osborne, and Douglas Hodge slums as the apparently dull dutiful son, delivering amusement with looks of mild surprise. Jim Broadbent, as ever, adds great value to proceedings. Gabriel Byrne exudes intent from afar in the first half of the film and is suitably disconcerting as he moves into the foreground in the latter part of the film. And finally Tony Maudsley tops and tails the film as the completely amiable Jos Sedley. Aside from the strong performances the references to India add vitality though there is, as with the Passage to India, a sense of mutual imcomprension in the encounter. The film as a whole makes for fine entertainment. The individual parts are even more interesting.

Disappointing
Review date: 2007-09-17 Rating: 2 out of 10

I was hoping to enjoy this film, as I like Reese Witherspoon, and wanted her to do well. I agree her accent is a bit iffy, but she does her best.

The disappointing part, however, is that I often wondered where this film was going. And the answer came at the end - nowhere. I was a bit annoyed that I wasted over 2 hours on a flim that is, essentially, drivel. The main character is supposed to be a wit, and Witherspoon is beautiful in this, but it does not make up for the character being very predictable and slightly annoying, with one-liners that end up being cheesy and cringe-worthy.

Maybe if I had never seen such period triumphs as the classic Pride and Prejudice, or Sense and Sensibility, I would not have been disappointed. Therefore, if you've never seen these two films, then you will probably enjoy Vanity Fair. If you have, don't bother.

At best, I was only half interested. At worst, I wish I'd never bothered.

Badly cast and all over the place
Review date: 2007-02-01 Rating: 2 out of 10

I think this was a terrible film. I can't believe i wasted 2hrs+ watching it. I usually like Reese Witherspoon but she was wrongly cast in this film. Also, i felt that the film kept jumping between different story lines. There was too much going on. They needed to keep it simpliar and get a better cast!

Fabulous costume drama
Review date: 2006-11-16 Rating: 8 out of 10

I haven't read the book, so came at the movie with no preconceived ideas. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Reese Witherspoon is excellent in the lead and the directors vivid use of colour is remarkable.
The film is overlong at 2hrs 15mins and loses it's way in the middle, but the start and finish are of a quality that I can forgive this.
Overall, if this genre of movie is your thing, I would recommend you hire it, with a note caution from reading other reviews, that if you are looking for an accurate re-telling of the book, look elsewhere.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Eileen Atkins
Gabriel Byrne
Jim Broadbent
Reese Witherspoon
Romola Garai

Creators:
Reese Witherspoon (Primary Contributor)
Eileen Atkins (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Universal Pictures UK
Manufacturer: Universal Pictures UK
EAN: 5050582321760
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Anamorphic, PAL,
Release date: 2005-05-16
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 141 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2004
Language: English (Original Language)

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