❝What a luxury to have a choice. "Kiss my foot, sir, my face is for mouths of consequence."❞
──────⊹⊱✫⊰⊹──────
I haven't read Far from the Madding Crowd, but I knew the general jist of the story before watching this film, and I ended up liking it a lot.
My opinions of the characters changed throughout the film. Initially, I liked Bathsheba, but after she inherited the farm and hired Gabriel she put on airs and graces, and kept trying to antagonise him. She didn't listen to his advice about Troy (although I guess it's easy to understand why she married the scumbag), and kept leading on Boldwood. I didn't feel that the happy ending was entirely deserved, especially because in film time it was all very sudden.
Carey Mulligan was very good as Bathsheba, as was Michael Sheen as Boldwood, but I wasn't as huge on Mattias Schoenaerts' performance as Gabriel; at times he just seemed emotionless. I understand that Gabriel is trying to suppress his feelings but he was just this stocky, uninspiring figure. I don't think Tom Sturridge was perhaps the best person to play Troy. There was definitely a case of overacting going on, and his accent kept on slipping between cockney and upper-class; it was kind of a relief when his character was done, but of course I didn't get much respite.
The cinematography, though, was absolutely gorgeous, and there were some stunning God's eye shots of the natural landscape. I really liked the exterior and interior designs of Bathsheba and Boldwood's homes, and the colour grading was dark but not bleak. Bathsheba's outfits were beautiful, but the costume design overall was excellent. Of course, I always pay very close attention to music, and the soundtrack was so subtle and elegant; it matched the atmosphere perfectly.
I don't think I'd watch this again, but as far as historical fiction goes Far from the Madding Crowd is pretty good, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a slow-burn romance.
❝What a luxury to have a choice. "Kiss my foot, sir, my face is for mouths of consequence."❞
──────⊹⊱✫⊰⊹──────
I haven't read Far from the Madding Crowd, but I knew the general jist of the story before watching this film, and I ended up liking it a lot.
My opinions of the characters changed throughout the film. Initially, I liked Bathsheba, but after she inherited the farm and hired Gabriel she put on airs and graces, and kept trying to antagonise him. She didn't listen to his advice about Troy (although I guess it's easy to understand why she married the scumbag), and kept leading on Boldwood. I didn't feel that the happy ending was entirely deserved, especially because in film time it was all very sudden.
Carey Mulligan was very good as Bathsheba, as was Michael Sheen as Boldwood, but I wasn't as huge on Mattias Schoenaerts' performance as Gabriel; at times he just seemed emotionless. I understand that Gabriel is trying to suppress his feelings but he was just this stocky, uninspiring figure. I don't think Tom Sturridge was perhaps the best person to play Troy. There was definitely a case of overacting going on, and his accent kept on slipping between cockney and upper-class; it was kind of a relief when his character was done, but of course I didn't get much respite.
The cinematography, though, was absolutely gorgeous, and there were some stunning God's eye shots of the natural landscape. I really liked the exterior and interior designs of Bathsheba and Boldwood's homes, and the colour grading was dark but not bleak. Bathsheba's outfits were beautiful, but the costume design overall was excellent. Of course, I always pay very close attention to music, and the soundtrack was so subtle and elegant; it matched the atmosphere perfectly.
I don't think I'd watch this again, but as far as historical fiction goes Far from the Madding Crowd is pretty good, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a slow-burn romance.
