...25 (I bought quite a few classics) and came across "Great Expectations". Having read this for GCSE English Lit I thought I'd buy a copy for my friend as a joke present. When I checked Ciao afterwards for reviews I came across one saying what an excellent film it is….so off I plodded to the ... Read review
The key ingredient in this modern-day version of Charles Dickens's classic is director ... more
Alfonso Cuarón, who made the glowing, estimableA Little Princess. If you saw that (and you should), understand thatExpectationshas those ingredients (great sense of ...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
David Lean's handsome adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel captures the warm ... more
humour and richness of character that so many film-makers miss in their reverent recreations of Victorian England. From the nightmarish opening sequence on the windswe...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
The key ingredient in this modern-day version of Charles Dickens's classic is director ... more
Alfonso Cuarón, who made the glowing, estimableA Little Princess. If you saw that (and you should), understand thatExpectationshas those ingredients (great sense of ...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
The moment young Finn sets eyes on Estella, she becomes his inspiration... and his ... more
obsession. Despite being warned, she'll only break your heart, he vows to win her love. Years later, thanks to a mysterious benefactor, aspiring artist Finn is off to Ne...
The moment young Finn sets eyes on Estella she becomes his inspiration--and his ... more
obsession. Despite being warned "she'll only break your heart " he vows to win her love. Years later thanks to a mysterious benefactor aspiring artist Finn is off to New...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
This lavish adaptation of Charles Dickens immortal tale follows Pip, an orphan given the ... more
chance to break free from poverty and live life as a gentleman.The stunning performances by an all-star cast are unforgettable. James Mason is Magwitch, the escape...
Set within a wonderful historic building in the centre of Reading, this hotel provides a ... more
harmonious fusion of Old World charm and modern expectations. Part of the Relaxinnz group, Great Expectations provides en suite bedrooms and a themed bar and restaurant in the form of a Dickensian London street. It serves traditional pub food and delicious light bar snacks. Amenities include a pool table and wireless internet access via prepay vouchers. Unfortunately the hotel has no lift. Great Expectations is located directly opposite The Oracle shopping centre. It is also conveniently positioned for easy access to the M3, M4 and M25 motorways. The train station and university are both within a 10-minute walk.
Postage & Packaging:refer to website Availability:Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
RelaxInnz The Great Expectations Hotel in Reading Berkshire offers 29 en suite bedrooms ... more
a themed bar and restaurant in the form of a Dickensian London street serving traditional pub food and light bar snacks Amenities include Sky Sports a pool table and wireless internet access throughout This is a great stop for those visiting the major companies in Reading and the surrounding area Located directly opposite The Oracle shopping centre it is also conveniently positioned for easy access to the M3 and M25 motorways and local attractions include Newbury Racecourse Henley Windsor Castle and Winchester Cathedral Please note that your card will be debited for the full amount of your stay 48 hours prior to arrival
Postage & Packaging:refer to website Availability:Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
Davis Lean's spellbinding screen translation effectively captures the spirit of Charles ... more
Dickens' literary masterpiece. It tells the story of young Pip (John Mills) who experiences two distinctly different encounters with the escaped convict Abel Magwitch (Finlay Currie) and the eccentric Miss Havisham (Martita Hunt). With a life of hard grind in a blacksmith's looking the most likely prospect, Pip's fortunes change dramatically when the generosity of a mysterious benefactor propels him to London to begin his journey towards becoming a gentleman with 'great expectations'.
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Drama - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Ian McShane, Dudley Sutton, Phyllis Logan, Chris Jury, Malcolm Tierney
Advantages: Compelling, visual effects, acting and soundtrack Disadvantages: None
...
=== Great Expectations - The Book ===
My recollection of the book 'Great Expectations' (by Charles Dickens if there is anyone who doesn't know!) is somewhat hazy, what with GCSEs being 11 years ago and not really paying attention to the book at the time - to be honest I'm not really a fan of Dickens, at least I wasn't at 15. I remember Phillip Pirrip (Pip), Joe Gargery and Mrs Joe. I remember Pip meeting a convict in ... ...'play' with her snobbish but beautiful niece Estella. I remember Miss Havisham had been wearing her wedding dress since being jilted at the alter decades before. And, last but not least I remember Magwitch - I mainly remember him because our English teacher who once exclaimed that everything was 'peachy babe' (she was only about 22 and was trying to be 'cool' I think) pronounced his name MagWITCH. There was one incident where the whole class was ... more
I'm a regular visitor to the Post Office, especially since I joined BookMooch. So I was pretty annoyed when I found out that the branch nearest to where I work (which is the main Carlisle Post Office) is closing and relocating to WHSmiths in town. I don't really understand this move since the Post Office is ALWAYS jam packed, as is WHSmiths. The same has happened where my parents live in Brentwood, and I hear that it has been a disaster as elderly people and those with buggies can't access it as it is upstairs and the lift is permanently broken.
Buying the DVD
Anyway, Post Office rant aside, I was browsing the DVDs which they are selling off for £1.25 (I bought quite a few classics) and came across "Great Expectations". Having read this for GCSE English Lit I thought I'd buy a copy for my friend as a joke present. When I checked Ciao afterwards for reviews I came across one saying what an excellent film it is….so off I plodded to the Post Office to buy myself a copy - my friend will still get his copy on his birthday (God, I'm a cheapskate - hope he doesn't read this review!)
Having got rid of the in-laws and having sent hubby off to jump into a lake (diving he calls it) I sat myself down to watch the film, intrigued as to what it would be like.
Great Expectations - The Book
My recollection of the book 'Great Expectations' (by Charles Dickens if there is anyone who doesn't know!) is somewhat hazy, what with GCSEs being 11 years ago and not really paying attention to the book at the time - to be honest I'm not really a fan of Dickens, at least I wasn't at 15. I remember Phillip Pirrip (Pip), Joe Gargery and Mrs Joe. I remember Pip meeting a convict in a graveyard, and being summoned to Miss Havisham's house to 'play' with her snobbish but beautiful niece Estella. I remember Miss Havisham had been wearing her wedding dress since being jilted at the alter decades before. And, last but not least I remember Magwitch - I mainly remember him because our English teacher who once exclaimed that everything was 'peachy babe' (she was only about 22 and was trying to be 'cool' I think) pronounced his name MagWITCH. There was one incident where the whole class was in absolute fits of laughter because of this, and she was getting angrier and angrier, and sent someone out of the room - it was hell trying to restrain our hysterics! But that was school, and this is now!
And onto the Film
This is a modern day interpretation of the book, starting off in Florida in the 1980s.
The film begins with a young boy called Finn (the Pip character) who lives on the Gulf Coast in Florida. He has been out in his boat drawing (he has a passion and talent for art) and comes across a man called Lustig (played by Robert DeNiro) who threatens him and tells him to come back with food and other items. We find out that Finn is an orphan and is living in poverty with his older sister Maggie, and her husband Joe (Maggie soon walks out leaving Finn to be brought up by his 'uncle'.
Finn does as asked and returns with provisions for the man - we realise that the man is shackled and needed metal cutters to remove them. Then he greedily wolfs down a sandwich and a bottle of something (whisky or rum), and demands Finn to take him on his boat. However, a police boat is spotted and Finn covers for the man as he jumps from the boat - this act of kindness from Finn does not go unrewarded.
Whilst watching the TV, Finn learns that the man is a dangerous criminal (a murderer) and that he has been caught and is now on death row.
Meanwhile, Finn gets a 'job' (due to his brother-in-law's gardening job) visiting an eccentric and wealthy aging woman called Ms Dinsmoor (played by the late Anne Bancroft), in order to 'entertain' her and play with her niece Estella. Ms Dinsmoor was jilted at the alter 30 years previously, and lives in a huge house, which has not been changed since that fateful day. However, unlike in the book and Miss Havisham, Ms Dinsmoor was not still wearing her wedding dress, instead some eccentric green outfits.
Finn falls hopelessly in love with Estella, and a strange relationship develops between the trio, with Finn visiting every Saturday for 10 years, drawing and painting, and dancing for Ms Dinsmoor. Estella develops from a beautiful child (I hope I can say that without it sounding perverse - you never know these days ) into a stunning young woman played by Gwyneth Paltrow. Meanwhile Finn turns into a handsome young man played by Ethan Hawke.
However, as Ms Dinsmoor predicted, Finn has his heart broken by Estella, and he moves away from his love of art. However, years later a mysterious benefactor has arranged for Finn to go to New York and become a successful artist. I intitially wasn't particularly convinced by the artwork which was done by Francesco Clemente, but it grew on me. In New York Finn and Estella are reunited, and their unorthodox relationship develops. I don't want to say anymore as I would spoil the film, but it is not a straightforward romance.
This is not a simple love story. It is a story about mind games and heartbreak. It is a story about passion. It is a story about class divisions and unobtainable love. It is a story that is so compelling I couldn't leave the room. The visual effects, and imagery (particularly the use of the colour green - I imagine to symbolise jealousy) are stunning and this is helped by the amazing soundtrack. All of the performances are excellent, and I was particularly moved by a scene with Finn and Lustig on the subway - just breathtaking.
Special Features
Unfortunately the special features aren't very special (although I'm not really bothered about that sort of thing) - there is:
Language selection
Theatrical Trailer - a trailer from the film, giving the gist of what it's about - I like the quote from the start of the film - "I'm not going to tell the story the way it happened, I'm going to tell it the way I remember it."
Chapter Selection
Other
The film is available new from Amazon for just £3.98 (go on, add it to your Wishlist!). The film lasts for 107 minutes and is a 15 certificate (probably due to a little bit of bad language and some tastefully done love scenes - that's the only way I can describe it).
Conclusion
This film really is something that you should watch. I'd have been perfectly happy to have paid the full price of £5 for it. I have read that it got some bad reviews, and to be honest I wasn't aware of it when it was released - I can't really fathom why, but I suppose we all like different things.
Watch it if you've read and enjoyed the original book, and I'm sure you won't be disappointed with this modern day adaptation (and I don't think Dickens will be turning in his grave). Watch it if you've read and not enjoyed the original book. Watch it if you've never read the book. I hope you won't be disappointed.
While I had waited for hubby to go out before watching it, I am sure I'll convince him to watch it with me next time!
Advantages: Shockingly good portrayal of a Dickins classic Disadvantages: Why moan about perfection
...My crash course with 1998's Great Expectations however (A movie I had purchased upon the strength of bearing the name Robert De Niro) left me a little more open minded.
If you cannot get your head around the literary classics and their transition to celluloid form then Great Expectations is the ultimate place to start. This movie has been adapted from the best selling novel in the cleverest of ways, focusing on not only the romance but the sexually ... ...search of inspiration for his great passion, Art. It's these quests that put him in the unenviable position of meeting convict Stanley Lustig (Robert De Niro). Lustig puts the fear of god in Finn explaining that if he does not help Lustig on his quest for freedom the side effects will be devastating. Like many children Lustig has prayed on those worrying emotions and reluctantly Finn tries to help escaped prisoner Lustig on his search for freedom.
...
sghawken 15.10.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Great Expectations (DVD)
Advantages: It's very close to the book and features charming performances Disadvantages: Feels a bit rushed, some parts are a bit twee
...but David Lean's adaptation of Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens. Guess what book I'd just finished reading the day before. So, if you don't mind, this review is going to be a bit of a compare and contrast with the novel.
This is the only real movie version of Great Expectations (there's a 1997 film by Alfonso Cuaron, but that's only based loosely on the novel), so it's fair to say that this is the definitive adaptation. It's directed by David ... ...It stars the late great Sir John Mills, and it won two Oscars in 1945 for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Cinematography.
Great Expectations is the story of Phillip Pirrip (or Pip, as he's known), growing up with his nasty older sister and her kind, simple husband Joe. One day on a walk through the cemetery, he bumps into an escaped convict, Abel Magwitch, who threatens Pip with the uncomfortable removal of his heart and liver if he doesn't bring ...
l-m-n-o-p 11.11.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Great Expectations (DVD)
Advantages: Superbly acted, classic storyline Disadvantages: Updating the Dickens story will not appeal to everyone
...story.
The remake of Great Expectations attempts to do both of these things by setting the Charles Dickens original in modern day America. In my mind the attempt has been worthwhile as the finished product was beautiful to watch.
I guess if you are a big Charles Dickens fan then this film may not appeal as I can almost hear the cries of ‘How dare they meddle with a classic’. I take the view that any true classic, be it of the written ... ...as it is the message within the story that holds the key to greatness.
This version starts off in the Gulf cost of Florida, where Fin (originally Pip) is a young lad of 8. He lives a simple life in one of the poorer neighbourhoods around. His big love is drawing and he goes off on his own along the many beautiful beaches, sketching things as he finds them.
One day his world is changed forever when an escaped convict (Wonderfully played by Robert ...
murky5 15.08.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Great Expectations (DVD)
Advantages: Great cast and a fairly good film Disadvantages: Not a good modern-day adaptation of a classic
...and Ms. Dinsmoor (though a great character),isn't quite crazy enough. De Niro is fantastic though as always as is Hank Azaria who plays Estella fiance in it. The performances of the actors are very good though.
Mitch Glazer who wrote this screenplay has also tried to mix in some direct quotes from the book and it really hasn't worked. There is, though, a brilliant soundtrack which is slightly alternative/indie featuring Tori Amos, Pulp, and Ozzy ... ...to see this is; if you've read the book and have a memory of it, dont make any comparisons between them as you will be diassapointed. If you haven't seen it; then watch it with no worries as dont get me wrong it is a good film but it just cant be compared to the novel. ...
CandiceB666 17.04.2001 (24.04.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Great Expectations (DVD)
Advantages: Great film Disadvantages: Few DVD Extras
David Lean's version of Dickens' 'Great Expectations' is well worth an evening in - the story of a young boy befriending a criminal, falling in love with a girl brought up by an eccentric old lady, and being given a start in life by an unknown benefactor is quite vividly rendered in this film. It's b&w, and won 3 Oscars at the time, and in my opinion is far superior to other versions of the book. It stars John Mills and Valerie Hobson.
It varies ... ...you look, but the Bensonsworld website os one of the cheaper ones I've found.
The action is lively, the sense of doom palpable, and the acting superb - look out for an extremely young Alec Guinness; this is the film which made his name.
If you liked the book you'll like this film, apart from the ending - which has none of the ambiguity Dickens intended for his characters. If you haven't read the book, you'll want to after seeing this!
The disappointing ...
amuir1019 18.05.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Great Expectations (DVD)
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Advantages: A haunting black and white classic Disadvantages: None
INTRODUCTION
In 1964 I was taken with school to one of our local cinemas (now ALL the cinemas in the town have gone) to watch David Lean's classic film 'GreatExpectation'.
It was old, it was black and white - it was WONDERFUL!!
I have seen many adaptions of the book since that day 45 years ago, but I have never seen one that compares to Lean's film or that was so true to Dickens' book.
What a pairing - Dickens and Lean!!
Dickens's rich characters and gothic Victorian atmosphere combined with the unique and masterful direction of David Lean led to a true cinema masterpiece that has weathered the years well.
Last year I found a new DVD of the 1946 film and it is that DVD that I am about to review.
BACKGROUND
CHARLES DICKENS (1812-70)
Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth in 1812 and grew up ...
Advantages: Always cheers you up when your bored! Disadvantages: There should be more episodes!!
If others arnt familiar with Garth Marenghi's darkplace, if they are fans of comedies "The IT crowd" and "The mighty boosh" they will definitly like this, not only because it stars some of the actors of those comedy series but because it is a mix up of each, only with Garth Marenghi's special touch and lets be honest, amazing accent! If you are a fan of 70's/80's horrors such as evil dead, you will like this, only its much better and comes in 6 different episodes such as "Hell hath fury" and "Skipper the eye child". The series is set in a hospital in which strange things happen day to day, expect funny careless acting and great one liners. It is my best DVD buy of the year and is definitly worth watching! 10 out of 10! ...
Advantages: Great set list Disadvantages: None really
really do put on a great live show and this just goes to prove it.
Extras
I didn't get a chance to watch the extras (I watched this at the same friend's who i watched the other DVD) but i've listed them below.
Sifting Through Filth--a schlockumentary
Scorched Earth Erotica--nasty version
Scorched Earth Erotica--very nasty version
Born in a Burial Gown--sub version
The Blair Twit Project--absinthe flend footage
Cradle of Fear--horror movie trailer
Circus of Horrors--creature feature
Gallery of the Grotesque--downloads and web links
Conclusion
This DVD shows a great performance which is no less than you come to expect from Cradle of filth. The set list is great and the songs are performed well. This is a DVD that i would definitely reccomend to any fan. It's a good addition to anyone's collection.
Thanks ...
Interactive Menus, Scene Access, Original Theatrical Trailer, Scene Access, Interactive Menus, Interactive Menus, Biographies, Scene Access, Restored version
Aspect Ratio
4:3 Full Frame, 2.35 Wide Screen, 16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital Mono, Dolby Digital 5.1, Mono, Dolby Digital, Dolby Stereo
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital Mono English, Dolby Digital 5.1 English, Mono English
Professional reviews
Review
"...Mr. Cuaron is such a voluptuous visual stylist, this GREAT EXPECTATIONS is capable of wonder..." (New York Times, p.E10, 30/01/1998)
"...Spellbinding camerawork and sexy leads keep this romance lushly entertaining..." (Premiere, p.21, 01/01/1998)
"...Paltrow and Hawke are dazzling....Cuaron imbues their journey with something rare in movies: a genuine romantic spirit..." (Rolling Stone, p.64, 19/02/1998)
"...Exciting....It's the films very lightness which confirms Cuaron as probably the most graceful director to emerge in Hollywood this decade..." (Sight and Sound, p.44-5, 01/05/1998)
![Great Expectations [DVD] [1974]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78529598.jpg)
![Great Expectations [DVD] [1998]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78541247.jpg)
![Great Expectations [DVD] [1946]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78538723.jpg)
