Following the perfectly fine (but not overbearingly positive) reception accrued during its festival and overseas runs this past year, the latest adaptation of Charles Dickens‘ Great Expectations — this particular incarnation headed by director Mike Newell — is preparing for a U.S. opening in just a few weeks’ time. Going off the trailer, at least, this will happen to little fanfare on a domestic front: it promises a handsome, well-acted drama that, after all, may not have been 100% necessary — because if you’re going to adapt this story and not, for instance, take the update approach à la Alfonso Cuarón, what else can be brought?
It’s hard to tell, really, save for an impressive roster that might elevate the proceedings. Ralph Fiennes, by name alone, is the standout player, though those familiar with the original text are well aware that, really, the ensemble is headlined by Jeremy Irvine (War Horse), Holliday Grainger (Anna Karenina, Jane Eyre), and Helena Bonham Carter, while Jason Flemyng, Robbie Coltrane, Sally Hawkins, and Ewen Bremner will take supporting slots. It’s not merely a tip-top set of onscreen performers, but one good enough to provide at least a little incentive to check out Newell and scribe David Nicholls‘ spin.
Watch the trailer below:
Great Expectations will arrive, in limited release, on October 11.
Does this newest take on Dickens look to stand apart from past titles?