Oliver Twist (2005)

Directed by: Roman Polanski | 130 minutes | drama, family | Actors: Ben Kingsley, Barney Clark, Leanne Rowe, Mark Strong, Jamie Foreman, Harry Eden, Edward Hardwicke, Jeremy Swift, Ian McNeice, Frances Cuka, Michael Heath, Gillian Hanna, Alun Armstrong, Andy de la Tour, Peter Copley, Joseph Tremain, Filip Hess, Lewis Chase, Jake Curran, Chris Overton, Richard Durden, Timothy Bateson, Andy Linden, John Nettleton, Teresa Churcher, Gerard Horan, Morgane Polanski, Liz Smith, Levi Hayes, Ophelia Lovibond, Patrick Godfrey, Frank Mills, Turbo, David Meeking, Paul Brooke, Andrea Miltner, Kay Raven, Robert Orr, Paul Eden, Nick Stringer, James Babson, Richard Ridings

Everyone knows to a greater or lesser extent the pathetic story of the orphaned boy created by Charles Dickens. It is therefore not the first time that the 1837 story has been made into a film. It is the first time that this was done under the direction of Roman Polanski, who always manages to put his own stamp on the films he directs.

Especially the atmosphere in the film is captured in an impressive way. The colours, the light, the costumes Everything fits together and with the feeling that the scene should radiate. The music composed by Rachel Portman and performed entirely by the Prague Concertgebouw Orchestra also has an amplifying role. It is therefore a pity that not all actors have the exact atmosphere and their role. In fact, with the exception of Ben Kingsley, Leanne Rowe and Harry Eden, they all disappoint.

Barney Clark fails to convince as the desperate orphaned boy who faces more misery than kindness. He can look terribly pathetic, but the viewer does not feel his sadness and despair. It is only in the final scene, where he says goodbye to his former master of thievery, Fagin, that Clark becomes credible. Bill Sykes and Toby Crackit are just characters. But also Mr. Bumble, the entire board of the workhouse and the Sowerberry family remain characters from a book and do not come to life.

Leanne Rowe gets kudos for her version of the tough and independent Nancy, who dares to take on the cruel Sykes. Oliver evokes something in Nancy that will make her stronger than she ever thought possible. This struggle in Nancy, between her fears and her strength, is beautifully portrayed by Rowe. Harry Eden also carries his role with verve. As a Dodger, he is the most talented petty thief in Fagin’s retinue and the first to take care of Oliver.

Ben Kingsley, however, steals the show. He portrays a moving and funny Fagin, who nevertheless shows very mean features. His love for Oliver is genuine, yet in this character his survival instinct overcomes. Sometimes people have to be sacrificed so that Fagin can avoid the noose. This intolerable situation drives Fagin to the brink of madness and beyond. A compliment goes to the dialect experts and language trainers who contributed to this classic. The language is perfect down to the last detail and the accents are a feast for the ears. Especially the language of Fagin and his boys is fantastic.

This new version of Oliver Twist captivates thanks to the beautiful visuals and the acting talent of Kingsley, Rowe and Eden. It is a bit long though. Especially the first half hour feels twice as long. But if your expectations are not too high, Polanski’s latest film is a must-see for anyone who likes this kind of Dickensian costume drama.