The Personal History of David Copperfield is the next film in Armando Iannucci’s filmography and stars Dev Patel in the leading role, also starring the likes of Hugh Laurie and Tilda Swinton among others and is based on Charles Dickens novel of the same name.
It follows David Copperfield (Dev Patel) throughout his life from birth to adulthood and from rags to riches then to rags again and then again to riches as he becomes a famous writer writing a novel of the same name ‘The Personal History of David Copperfield’
I’m a big fan of Armando Iannucci’s and his work, such as writing great characters like Alan Partridge with Steve Coogan or Malcom Tucker in the Thick Of It starring Peter Capaldi (who is also in this movie). He has a great sense of humour but in a really strange way. If I were to explain the jokes to people who have not seen the piece I was discussing then it would seem unfunny and cringy but watching it play out on screen is hilarious. It’s the awkward comedy that I love in his work and this film is no exception as its really funny in places which surprised me a little as the film is rated PG compared to the R rated comedies he normally delivers.
The cast are excellently used here Hugh Laurie as Mr Dick is hilarious – all his one liners are perfectly timed with a blank and deadpan expression on his face. Tilda Swinton as the fierce but heartful Aunt Trotwood plays both attitudes superbly and Dev Patel as the lead as always delivers a great performance with emotions from either end of the spectrum and perfectly captures what it must have been like for someone where everything growing up isn’t so perfect. The supporting cast is wisely use too and everyone is giving it their best here and if I was to discuss how great everyone was in this film I would be here forever. However, everyone in this film is incredible and I felt they fit the characters they are playing great and up until this film I had no idea who these characters were but they seemed a part of that world regardless.
In my opinion the film isn’t quite as good as The Death of Stalin which was probably my favorite comedy film of 2017. A film which I still quote on many occasions but in Iannucci fashion he delivers a beautifully bright and superbly cast comedy that had me engaged enough to entertain me but not quite enough to draw me back in for a rewatch.
The Personal History of David Copperfield might not be for everyone but if you are an avid Armando Iannucci fan then this is one to see even if you are not familiar with the source material. But I’m sure for people who are Dickens fans this film will be more than a delight as the film thoroughly entertained me.
Final Score.
Title:Good
I’m not usually a fan of films adapted from books as you need to cut out a lot of the material but this film felt well paced and didn’t feel like it was missing anything in its 2 hour run time and just like after watching Armando Iannucci last work the Death Of Stalin I can’t wait to see what he brings next.
Head Over Reels 