GREAT EXPECTATIONS
UK, 1975, 124 Minutes, Colour.
Michael York, Sarah Miles, James Mason, Margaret Leighton, Robert Morley, Anthony Quayle, Rachel Roberts, Heather Sears, Andrew Ray.
Directed by Joseph Hardy.
Films of classics invite comparisons with originals. This one is closer to the novel than to David Lean's 40s version, but it does not match the earlier film. It has a TV special air: sets, colour and staging are not so good. However, the ensemble of actors contributes to its value. Michael York is a sturdy Pip, Sarah Miles, especially in her younger sequences, a nicely tantalising Estella. Anthony Quayle stands out as Jaggers, but James Mason is a very subdued Magwitch. Margaret Leighton is good as Miss Havisham, but she lacks mysterious venom, her house lacks atmosphere. But it is enjoyable - or one gets used to it!
1. Audience expectation because of the interest in Dickens, his reputation: his type of characters, strong plots, events and coincidences, his presentation 19th century London? Dicken's literary reputation?
2. Comment on this film in the light of the previous versions, a version of the 30s, the classic status of the film of the 40s? How well did this version stand? For what purpose was it made? A more popular audience and hence popular treatment?
3. This version was prepared as a musical with the songs eliminated. Is this evident, to what effect?
4. The importance of so many stars playing so many roles? Their effectiveness, and a distraction or a-contribution? The importance of Sarah Miles playing Estella all the way through? How convincing was she, especially when young? Use of colour, sets and locations, musical background?
5. This screenplay remained close to the plot. Did it echo and capture the essence of the novel? Plot and characters, issues, atmosphere? Did it have the sinister atmosphere? Did it highlight the significance of the title with its themes?
6. How well did the film focus on Pip? What kind of boy, his character, experience and environment? His life on the moors, at home with Joe and Mrs. Joe? The surprise at the encounter with Magwitch? The way that he gave him the food? His helplessness at Magwitch's arrest? His reassurance? How did this incident affect and influence his whole life?
7. The contrast of the invitation to play with Estella? The effect of her teasing of him, his infatuation, the future, the final growth in to love?
8. The atmosphere of the early part of the film and the contribution of characters like Mr. Pumblechook, Joe and his sympathy, Mrs. Joe and her severity, Bridget and her sympathy? A gallery of Dicken's characters?
9. The impact of Mr. Jaggers, this 19th century lawyer, his attitude towards justice and administration, his attitude toward Pip and service of him? The ambiguity he offered about the great expectations? Pip and his misunderstanding?
10. How convincing was Pip as a blacksmith? The possibilities for his future life? The transition to a man-about-town the influence and tuition of Herbert Pocket, the encounter with Drummle? Pip becoming a snob because of his great expectations? How was this highlighted in the embarrassment of ice's visit contrasting with the social occasions in which Pip was involved?
11. The revelation of the origin of the great expectations and the irony? The effect on Pip? His awareness of Estella in this light? The irony that she was Magwitchs' daughter?
12. How convincing a character with Magwitch? His devotion to Pip over the years, his return to England to see him, his dependence? Pip's mellowing and responding to him?
13. How suspenseful was the organisation of the escape? The sequence in the river? The importance of Magwitch dying in prison, the locket and Pip's explanation that his daughter was alive before his death?
14. The reasons for Pip's disillusionment, his going to India, the motivation for his return? The final encounter with Estella? The possibilities for the future? Estella becoming Miss Havisham?
15. How much attention did the film give to plot details, sketching the character gallery, showing the people and issues as very much part of the 19th century? What were Dickens' main issues in the film? Comment on the use of coincidences and fate. How interesting a film, how enjoyable?
