Thomas Vinterburg’s reimagining of the Thomas Hardy classic Far From The Madding Crowd is the latest in a recent rash of literary classics being brought to the screen. As with all such adaptations, there is an unavoidable tension between either remaining faithful to the original novel, or updating it for a contemporary audience, with Vinterburg walking a fine line between the two in telling the story of Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan) and her three suitors.
While Vinterburg retains the setting and circumstances of Bathsheba’s story, the character herself is transformed from the conceited young girl of Hardy’s novel into an independent young woman with a feminist edge. In fact, Bathsheba’s quest for independence in a patriarchal society becomes the heart of the film, with her romantic dalliances acting to reinforce this idea.
The main strength of Vinterburg’s adaptation is in the casting of Bathsheba’s three suitors. Matthias Schoenaerts and Tom Sturridge are both outstanding as Farmer Oak and Sergeant Troy respectively, and Michael Sheen’s turn as the socially awkward but incredibly passionate Farmer Boldwood is particularly moving.
The film is very aesthetically beautiful, however some of its methods of exposition are a little awkward, as Vinterburg attempts to stick closely to Hardy’s narrative. Bathsheba’s sporadic narration is a clear example of this, its only purpose being to set up the story, before being removed completely for the remainder of the film. Similarly, Fanny Robin’s explanation of her own character to Farmer Oak, and the song used to demonstrate Bathsheba’s relationship to Boldwood, are equally jarring and do more to break the narrative flow of the film than provide meaningful exposition of the plot.
Far From The Madding Crowd is a puzzling adaptation, and while very beautiful to watch, has a hard time telling either Hardy’s narrative or its own.
3.5/5 stars
Far From The Madding Crowd is showing at Event Cinemas George Street on Saturday June 13 as part of Sydney Film Festival 2015.
