Thomas Vinterberg’s adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s enchanting novel – Far from the Madding Crowd exceeds our expectations of what a period drama can say and do.
We are brought into the world of Bathsheba Everdene (played by the exquisite Carey Mulligan); an independent, headstrong young woman, with unmatched beauty. Mulligan allows us to see the
struggles Miss Everdene faces, as she confronts her sexuality and her responsibilities on her farm.
She is torn between the desire to be loved and her wish to be remain independent and self-reliant.
Mulligan expertly delivers ever-lasting important messages for women throughout the film; “It is
difficult for a woman to define her feelings in a language which is chiefly made by men to express
theirs.” We see that for Miss Everdene, expressing and understanding the way she feels is virtually
impossible in a world where women are undermined in relationships and in work.
When Miss Everdene is presented with three possible love interests; rugged farmer boy Gabriel
(Matthias Schoenaerts), unpredictable soldier Troy (Tom Sturridge) and wealthy bachelor Mr Boldwood (Michael Sheen), we see a love story unfold that tangles up in a web of confusion, jealousy and yearning.
Shoenaert portrays a man who is completely and wholly in love with Miss Everdene from the moment he first sees her. His loyal, selfless character (this has nothing to do with his obvious good looks) is what saves Miss Everdene. He is the hero that picks her up every time she is knocked down.
It was rumoured that Mulligan wanted no one but Shoenaert to play Gabriel and now we see why. Your heart will break for Mr. Boldwood (Sheen) and you will laugh at Miss Everdene’s charming right hand girl played by Coronation Street’s Jessica Barden.
We hate to brag, but you’ll probably agree that British film makers do something that no one else does. That no one else can do. We have the ability to tell a classic British story, with vast beautiful landscapes and fabulous costume – without putting a foot wrong.
In 1874, Thomas Hardy created a masterpiece that has remained a literary classic for more than a hundred years.
Now, in 2015, BBC Films have made a film that immortalises Hardy’s words in a world where the classic love story only sells in the form of Fifty Shades of Grey.
Far From The Madding Crowd proves that in the world of romantic drama, we still have the ability to appreciate and relate to stories that have come way before us and will continue way beyond our time.