Vanity Fair (2004)

I didn't read the book before watching this film. Still after going through the 2 hours I can say that this film looks beautiful with exquisite period costumes and settings but the main characters don't come to life. The film concentrates on the exploits of Becky, a girl coming from a poor family climbs her way through the social ladder. As interpreted by Reese Witherspoon or as written on script, Becky's character feels flat and unnatural and so much is hinged on this character in the film. Either Reese was out of her depths in this or the director/script writers didn't get the feel of how a conniving, calculating but bewitching person could be. or feel. Rosella O Hara in Gone with the Wind springs to mind and VIvian Leigh nailed down the part. That made the whole film spring to life despite the many goings and comings of different characters. Unfortunately Vanity Fair fails in this and most of the characters have a disposable feel to them with a few exceptions The film still stuns in the visual department with the rich costumes, interiors, colours and delightful gardens being shown. That I enjoyed

In the past year I read the novel, which is excellent, a true classic. Not long after I watched the very excellent mini-series with Natasha Little (who shows up here as Lady Jane Pitt). The Natasha Little adaptation was fairly true the book and her Becky was wonderful.But what's with this mess? I must first start with Becky. Witherspoon is a very good actress so I do not fault her...it's the material she was given. Why was all the bite and clawing taken out of Becky? In this film she's almost a misunderstood saint and not the lying, scheming social climber she is supposed to be. Next, what's with Amelia? When did this simpering, sort-of-dim nitwit get so ballsy?And WHAT was with that dance all the ladies did at Lord Styne's place?! I don't think so. Not in a million years. Could we have a little reality here, people? In the novel it was merely a charades tableau. Ladies did not go around with bare midriffs at this time. They would not do lavicious dances for royalty.Let's talk about some of the fellas. Isn't Lord Styne supposed to be a bit repulsive? I thought he was supposed to be repulsive? So why was the role cast with that Irish fox Gabriel Byrne? Please. Also, Dobbin is supposed to be a complete dork. Rhys Ifans is not nearly dorky enough. Although he often plays dorks he really isn't that bad to look at (just ask Sienna Miller) and in that scene where he is in the tent with the long hair and the tan and the whole thing...well, he's downright hot! Dobbin is not supposed to be hot.And wasn't Amelia's turn-around after Becky tells her to wise up and shows her George's letter....wasn't that just a bit too quick? In the novel she did not go "oh well, in that case..." and run off immediately to Dobbin. She wails and moans and soul searches for days.Finally...the ending. What? What was that? First off, Joseph Sedley DIES in the novel. He does not take Becky off to India to live happily ever after and ride elephants. The only thing I liked about this film is it was nice to look at. But if you are looking for a good, faithful adaptation...well, actually you should read the damn book!...but aside from that, go with the Natasha Little mini- series and stay away from this junk.

The plot is far too condensed for a movie, and this might be the fatal flaw. The dramas of the book were lost in the movie, and the movie is difficult to follow and scenes just jump from one drama to the other. However, the cinematography, costumes, etc, make this a fun movie to watch. For some reason, we in this day and age like to forget about the smell of London in prior centuries, when men and women p'd in the street, or in the halls and/or emptied their p pots in the streets. This movie is no exception. Every scene deserves an award for costumes, and cinematography. The female characters are showing cleavage before the pm...How odd, but fun to watch.

The biggest most ruthless female orphan social climber, Reese Witherspoon again plays a rising socialite in the ruthless world of elite society that not only honors standing but also nobility.The movie is pretty typical in its plot of rags to riches… and to behonest it ran really, really long.But what got me was the beautiful costume design and how beautiful them movie is. They have a great cast, and a decent watch, free of stress but it does run on the boring side.Plus Becky Sharp is her name… and it doesn't seem like a name of that period… you know?