The adaptation from the creator of Peaky Blinders feels like it’s only filling up the gaps, as the Oscar-winning performance overshadows the rest. However, one might question the necessity of yet another rendition of Dickens’ novel.
Wow, is it that time already? The Great Expectations adaptation seems to come back around faster with each passing decade, doesn’t it? There have been numerous versions of the story, ranging from 12 to 17 film and TV adaptations (depending on whether they’re considered “adaptations of” or “inspired by”) since the very first silent film by Robert G Vignola in 1917, as well as around a dozen stage productions. It’s not unreasonable to suggest that Charles Dickens’ beloved 1861 novel has been entertaining us for long enough and that it might be time for a different author to be given a chance. Alternatively, perhaps another Dickens classic such as Hard Times could be adapted – it’s been a decade since Nicholas Nickleby was last brought to life.
This year’s Great Expectations adaptation is brought to us by Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, and features Olivia Colman in the role of Miss Havisham. In the opening episode, which was the only one available for review, Colman only appears briefly towards the end, but her performance is predictably excellent, leaving the risk that everything else could be overshadowed as viewers eagerly anticipate her next captivating appearance.
The portrayal of Havisham by Olivia Colman in this adaptation seems to exude a more unsettling and predatory aura than what we typically see. It begs the question whether this was a deliberate decision to reflect the prevalence of predators in our society today, which seems to be far more than what a civilized society should allow. Is it possible that living in such times makes it impossible not to perceive her character as a proto-groomer? I am unsure, but it certainly provides food for thought while awaiting her return on screen.
Thus far, the rest of the adaptation appears to be a conventional yet competent production. The character of Joe Gargery, played by Owen McDonnell, is a kind-hearted blacksmith who finds fulfillment in his work, and is puzzled by Pip’s (played by Tom Sweet, to be replaced by Fionn Whitehead as Pip grows older) lack of contentment. Pip’s combination of ambition and naivety is depicted nicely, with a hint of modern teenage angst but still retaining the timeless adolescent struggles.
Hayley Squires gives an outstanding performance as Sara, Pip’s sister and Joe’s wife, effectively portraying the pressures and frustrations that have caused her warmth to fade away. Knight’s version of Sara’s character is much more nuanced than the typical depiction of her as a shrewish figure.
In the opening scene, we see Magwitch (played by Johnny Harris) escaping from a prison ship on the marshes, alongside his treacherous accomplice Compeyson (played by Trystan Gravelle), during a fire that Compeyson started. I am uncertain if there was a clause in Dickens’ will that requires Magwitch to speak with a mouthful of spit, even after the copyright expiration, but it would be great to see it portrayed without the frothing for once, allowing for better comprehension of his dialogue. Unfortunately, this is not one of those instances.
Moving on, the plot progresses as Pip is intimidated into providing a tool and a pork pie for Magwitch during the Gargerys’ Christmas dinner. Mr Pumblechook, a disagreeable character played by Matt Berry with his distinctive voice, persuades the Gargerys to allow Pip to become a hired companion to Estella, the niece of an old lady living in a crumbling mansion nearby.
So, is there really a need for another Great Expectations adaptation? Absolutely not. Perhaps it’s time to shift our attention to other authors like Anthony Trollope, George Gissing, Wilkie Collins, or even female writers like Fanny Burney, Maria Edgeworth, and Winifred Holtby. Maybe it’s time to break away from the norm and explore other literary classics, like Sarah Phelps taking on The Tale of Genji!
Despite this, we can still enjoy Colman’s outstanding performance and the rest of the cast. However, let’s not limit ourselves to just Great Expectations, and look forward to greater things in the future.
Source: The Guardian
