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

External links