The Personal History of David Copperfield

The Personal History of David Copperfield

By Armando Iannuci

  • Genre: Comedy
  • Release Date: 2020-08-28
  • Advisory Rating: PG
  • Runtime: 1h 59min
  • Director: Armando Iannuci
  • Production Company: FilmNation Entertainment
  • Production Country: United Kingdom, United States of America
  • iTunes Price: USD 4.99
  • iTunes Rent Price: USD 3.99
6.5/10
6.5
From 465 Ratings
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Description

Dev Patel leads an ensemble cast of talented stage and screen actors from across the world in this lavish, tongue-in-cheek reimagining from Searchlight Pictures of Charles Dickens’ classic story. After suffering through his earlier life as an impoverished orphan, things take an intriguing turn for David Copperfield (Patel) when he meets up with his outrageous, well-to-do aunt Betsey Trotwood (Tilda Swinton). Following a new trajectory, Copperfield embraces danger, treachery, romance, and ultimately the chance to shine as a writer in Victorian England. Directed by Armando Iannucci with a screenplay by Iannucci and Simon Blackwell based on Dickens’ novel, The Personal History of David Copperfield also stars Aneurin Barnard, Peter Capaldi, Morfydd Clark, Daisy May Cooper, Rosalind Eleazar, Hugh Laurie, Ben Whishaw and Paul Whitehouse.

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Reviews

  • Disappointing

    2
    By XyXyXyXyXy
    Two stars for clever interpretation and fantastic cast. Otherwise a missed opporunity to introduce Dickens to younger generations by making a mish-mash chaotic mess of the story. David Copperfield--the book--was semi-autobiographical of Dickens's life. He wrote many of his own life events into the narrative. This movie treated the material in a tongue-in-cheek, almost satirical way, which doesn't do the story justice at all. The book was an epic tale of a man's life, harsh at times, brutal at times, heartbreaking at times, joyful at times. The movie missed all of this. What a shame.

  • Wanted to like it more

    2
    By Shashibiya
    The actors are first-rate, and the depiction of the time and place meticulous. Having adult David present as a witness to the major events of his past life is a clever idea. But so much of the story has been condensed or omitted that it’s more like cinematic Cliff Notes than anything else. That the film allows Steerforth’s rival in love to live instead of showing their intertwined bodies washed up together on the shore is a terrible lapse of judgment.

  • Unique and very good

    5
    By Ephesians 4:22-24
    An unusual film with artistic flare. If you're looking for something just to zone out with, this isn't for you. But if you like arthouse films, you'll love it.

  • Witty and charismatic film set in the 1800's Dickens' world.

    4
    By deeps_n10
    While I enjoyed the film, I thought going in it would be /or should be a bit more drama or seriousness to it. A light watch but funny and family-friendly. It was overall well written, and the story comes full circle into the makings of a man. Dev Patel's acting is brilliant, and the surrounding cast as well. Tilda Swinton, and Hugh...are awesome as well. Love old British slang, and depictions of vicotorian London.

  • Lovely

    5
    By Colieolio
    Well acted and heartfelt.

  • The Most Delightful Dickens Brought to Life

    5
    By New to Apple renting
    The most delightful of Dickens' novels is brought to life with a skillfully adapted screenplay, beautiful cinematography, vibrant costumes, and a superb cast (and cast of characters!). It's a satisfying coming of age memoir thanks to a happy Dickens ending. I only wish I'd purchased it.

  • Odd film

    4
    By S.B.'s Ipod
    This is such an odd film. The story line is very loosely based off of David Copperfield, the script is fair, and the costumes and cinematography are beautifully done. I appreciate the multicultural casting. I will need to rewatch a few times for the layers of depth the actors give. If you are looking for an interesting film give it a try.

  • David Copperfield

    1
    By DVR415
    Save your money horrible

  • A messy, fun, twisting romp.

    4
    By CNthinks
    The first 20 minutes are a bit grim and confusing, but once you acclimatise to the messy, rapid, twisting direction and verbal pitter-patter, it settles into a really decent, interesting, fun movie. The acting is superb by a whole swarm of people. It’s visually fun, busy, gorgeous, vivid, and that’s possibly where the movie is falling short with reviewers...There’s alot happening. It’s a bit busy visually, which combined with a busy script can make it all feel a bit harried and, well, busy. However, if you just let yourself get pulled into the mad-cap world of David Copperfield, it’s a darn good romp of a story of the industrial era, with love, friendship, ridiculous situations and alot of fun imagery. (Some real-world situations do exist however, so follow the childrens’ rating recommendations IMO).

  • Bad, even by 2020 standards.

    1
    By Booboochkn
    It’s a magnificent display of trying too hard yet not trying at all. Cast was great. Movie was a mumbled, mangled mess.

Movies by Armando Iannuci

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