Rent The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019)

Condensed and tweaked - The Personal History of David Copperfield review by Pete W

An almost impossible task to cover David Copperfield in 2 hours, so I can see that shortcuts are needed. Parts of the film work, others clunk a bit. Dev Patel is good in the title role but Copperfield is not the main character in the book, he's the central point around which the other more eccentric characters revolve - seen in different ways (and called different names) by the other characters. Hugh Laurie is very touching as Mr Dick, Tilda Swinton a fearsome donkey bashing Betsy Trotwood. I couldn't decide whether I liked Ben Wishaw's creepy Uriah Heap but I really did not like Peter Capaldi as an accordion playing Mr Micawber. The denouement of the main plot and the unveiling of Heap's villainy is rushed. Why bother with the Yarmouth end of the story if you're going to completely change the outcome? A bit hit and miss.

What a load of twoddle - The Personal History of David Copperfield review by PT

Couldn't manage to waste my time watching it all. Think it was supposed to be funny but it didn't work for me.

David Copperfield Personal History - The Personal History of David Copperfield review by DH

Cringe worthy. To see so many talented actors over-egging the parts was awful. At times it was so saccharine, the film made one's teeth hurt. There have been great versions of the Dickens masterpiece and this was definitely not one of them. Why add the racial dimensions to Dicken's very personal semi-autobiographical novel? For the sake of political correctness and inclusiveness? In fact, it subtracts and only makes for confusion. Why not put all the characters in wheel chairs or make Clara Peggotty, trans-gender. Truly awful. Watch the excellent earlier versions instead!

Dickens would turn in his grave ! - The Personal History of David Copperfield review by JD

If you want to watch a “woke” version of this much loved Charles Dickens classic, this is the movie for you.

If not , you will be shouting at the tv at this unfunny, confusing, strange version. The well known cast are wasted.

An Entertaining Romp through a much loved classic - The Personal History of David Copperfield review by Old Devonian

I agree with the final paragraphs by the reviewer ‘DS’. A TV Series in 6 one hour episodes would have allowed a more faithful rendition of the novel, but as Armando  wanted to do a film he had to decide on style I guess. What you get is two hours of , mainly manic, fast moving storyline with modern editing against a background of pseudo CGI enhanced Dickensian Britain played by some great household names who put in very good performances. Particularly enjoyed Peter Capaldi as Mr Micawber. Some have commented on the diversity of the acting ensemble. Yes it was weird to square it away to begin with but that didn’t last long. I read that Armando wasn’t making any point, as others have mentioned, but he just thought ‘why not’ and select from 100 pc of the available acting talent.

It is an interesting casting issue and I, for one, salute Armando for going for it big time in this production.

David Copperfield in 2Hours - The Personal History of David Copperfield review by CP Customer

Interesting concept of the life DAVID COPPERFIELD from his infancy to success as a writer condensed into a 2 hour film.  The characters are there but they are characterisations as there is not the time to develop them.  The film is exceptionally cast and they give an amazing set of performances within their role confides.   

Didn't work for me - The Personal History of David Copperfield review by CP Customer

Personally, I loved the 'colour-blind' casting and would like to see more in films. Having said that, I gave up on the film after only watching half; I know the story well but this version was - dare I say it - just boring. Emotionless and flat despite its stellar cast.