Far From the Madding Crowd Review

RYAN: Based on the 1874 novel by, Thomas Hardy, this is the third adaptation of Far from the Madding Crowd.  I’d never seen a previous one and enjoyed it.  It’s like a British Gone With the Wind.

CAROLINE: How so?

RYAN: It’s sweeping, epic, romantic and the main character, played by Carey Mulligan, is a very strong, independent woman, reminiscent of Scarlett O’Hara.  And she runs her own farm.  That has the be the English equivalent of a plantation.

CAROLINE: Fair enough.  How was Carey?  I usually like her?

RYAN: I never find her very likable but this has been the most I’ve enjoyed her.  I like her with long hair and she really has the strength and tenacity at the character demands.  I could have also seen Mia Wasikowska in the role but Carey was great.

CAROLINE: Who are the costars?

RYAN: There are three men vying for her affections in this film – Michael Sheen, whom I love, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Tom Sturridge.

CAROLINE: I’m not really familiar with any of them but Sheen.

RYAN: Juno Temple also has a bit part.  I would have liked more of her.

CAROLINE: She’s a peculiar one but I like her too.

RYAN: It’s a great period film.  The hair, costumes, set design – all very Jane Austen.  It’s an epic story that has really stood the test of time.  There was a 1967 film version with Julie Christie which I didn’t see but hear was good.  And there was also a made of TV version in 1998.

CAROLINE: I may have read the book.

RYAN: I didn’t.  It’s a pretty sad story with some bits disturbing.   But I really enjoyed the toil of these characters. It’s really such a great story about a woman at a time when women were not as respected.  Carey was bold and strong but then vulnerable in love so it was a very real, relatable experience.  There are themes of passion, lust, restraint… all of those from a novel written in the Victorian era.

CAROLINE: How did you like the design?

RYAN: It’s wonderful.  Nothing is too overstated or dazzling but it’s very detailed and good.  It’s a great period piece.

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