DVD Review of Little Dorrit (2008)
BBC Teams With Andrew Davies to Present Dickens Miniseries
May 4, 2009
Little Dorrit, penned by Charles Dickens in the mid 1800s, follows the fluctuations of fortune and society in Victorian England. It is a novel, as screenwriter Andrew Davies noted to BBC, “…about reversals of fortune and how characters cope with poverty and wealth.” Most of all it is a tale about a compassionate young woman, Amy Dorrit, who remains constant in the midst of change.
Andrew Davies' Adaptation
Davies, turning his hand to Dickens again after his success with Bleak House, offers a timely commentary on the power of money. He captures both the complexity and immediacy of Dickens’ sprawling tale of debt and corrupt bureaucracy. In the faithful seven hour series, one has a chance to slip into the mire of corrupt money-lenders and heartless socialites. The dark London that Davies captures so well is brightened by the goodness of its lead characters, Amy Dorrit (Claire Foy), and Arthur Clennam (Matthew MacFadyen).
Ms. Foy infuses her title role with spirit and sparkle. While departure from the book’s timid heroine renders Little Dorrit more personable, her decided voice becomes problematic over the course of the film. Moments of self assurance conflict with moments of meek submission. When censured for her friendship with Pet Gowan (Georgia King) or confronting her sister about accepting bribes, Davies’ Amy has no trouble speaking her mind. Yet she consistently submits to the caprices of her family. She never comments on the outrageous behavior of her employer, Mrs. Clennam (Judy Parfitt). Dickens’ Amy remains silent while Davies’ should have spoken. This inconsistency weakened an otherwise pleasing performance by Foy.
Comparisons between Guinness and Courtenay
Davies' sweet, determined heroine strikes a chord with modern audiences. Yet the decision to redefine her role limits the significance of other characters, most notably, her father, William Dorrit. Amy's impoverished father (Tom Courtenay) garners viewer sympathy. However, Courtenay never reaches the dramatic heights of colleague Alec Guinness, who won Academy Award nominations for his portrayal of Mr. Dorrit in the 1988 film.
Guinness conveyed the shattered nobility of this complex Dickens’ character in subtle, masterful ways. His 'Father of the Marshalsea' dominated the screen. One understood his foibles, his pretenses, and his fragile hold on reality. While Courtenay played an admirable William Dorrit, Guinness was William Dorrit.
Lost in the Legacy
While addressing the subject of the Dorrits, viewers might object to the mystery’s solution linking Clennam to the Dorrit household. Davies maintains suspense up to the climactic revelation. Then he relates the secret in a bewildering, breathless four minutes. The explanation raises more questions than it answers.
Davies cannot bear all the blame for the confusion. His source material, Dickens, solves the mystery in an equally muddled manner. However if Davies had spent more time untangling the tenuous connection between the House of Clennam and the House of Dorrit, it would have provided a more satisfactory finale.
Conclusion
Financial reverses and miry family relationships form the crux of Davies’ compelling adaptation. Little Dorrit could almost run as a reality show instead of a period drama. However fairy-tale characters and plot twists make this British miniseries a welcome escape into a different era. Who can forget puffing Mr. Pancks (Eddie Marsan) or the villain Rigaud (Andy Serkis) with his Gollum like penchant for lurking in dark corners? If viewers find themselves wishing that financial troubles could lift with phoenix-like swiftness, Little Dorrit offers a seven and a half hour chance to pretend they do.
Fans can watch interviews with Davies and cast at Masterpiece Classic. The DVD is available in wide release from 04-28-09.
