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Oliver Twist: A Timeless Tale of Poverty and Survival
There are some stories that seem to be timeless, and Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist” is definitely one of them. The story of a young orphan boy, his struggle for survival, and his encounters with some of the most iconic characters in English literature has captured the hearts of generations of readers, and it has also been adapted into numerous movies, TV shows, and stage productions.
The Storyline
The plot revolves around the eponymous Oliver Twist, a young boy who grows up in an orphanage before being sold into apprenticehood. When he rebels against his harsh master’s treatment, he is thrown out onto the streets where he encounters a group of pickpockets led by the charismatic Fagin. Oliver becomes part of their gang but soon realizes that their way of life is not only morally wrong but also dangerous.
Meanwhile, Oliver’s true identity is revealed to him as he discovers that his mother was not dead after all but rather died in childbirth. He also meets his long-lost grandfather who invites him to come live with him. However, Fagin and his associates have different plans for Oliver and kidnap him. In the end, justice prevails as Fagin is caught, Oliver’s true identity is confirmed to his grandfather who takes him in as his heir.
The Cast
The movie version of “Oliver Twist” directed by Roman Polanski boasts a talented cast that includes Barney Clark as Oliver, Ben Kingsley as Fagin, Jamie Foreman as Bill Sikes, and Harry Eden as the Artful Dodger. Each actor brings their own unique interpretation to their role, making the characters feel vivid and true to life.
The Soundtrack
The score for “Oliver Twist” was composed by Rachel Portman, who won an Academy Award for her work on another literary adaptation – “Emma”. Her music perfectly captures the mood of the movie, from the melancholy opening theme to the rousing melodies that accompany the action scenes. The soundtrack also includes some traditional English folk songs like “Green Grow the Rushes O” which only add to the film’s authentic atmosphere.
The Cinematography
Polanski’s “Oliver Twist” is a visual treat. The movie was shot in England and features stunning locations that evoke the period setting of Dickens’ novel. The cinematography by Pawel Edelman creates a dark and moody atmosphere that perfectly suits the story’s themes of poverty, crime, and redemption. The film also uses a lot of close-ups to capture the emotions of the characters, adding an intimate touch to the storytelling.
The Popularity
Despite being a classic tale, “Oliver Twist” has never lost its appeal. The movie was critically acclaimed upon its release in 2005, and it was also a commercial success, grossing over $65 million worldwide. More than that, though, the story has resonated with people for almost two centuries – it speaks to our common humanity and reminds us of the importance of compassion, kindness, and justice.
The Evaluation
My evaluation of “Oliver Twist” is mixed. On one hand, I appreciate the movie’s fidelity to Dickens’ novel – it captures both the plot and the spirit of the story remarkably well. The cast is also excellent – Kingsley’s Fagin is both repulsive and sympathetic, while Clark’s Oliver is truly relatable.
On the other hand, there are some aspects of the movie that didn’t work for me. For example, some scenes felt too rushed or too melodramatic. The film also glosses over some of the novel’s social criticism which feels like a missed opportunity in today’s context.
The Analysis
When you analyze “Oliver Twist” as a work of art, it becomes clear that it is more than just an entertaining movie. On a deeper level, the story is a commentary on the socio-economic conditions of Victorian England – the poverty, the crime, and the exploitation that were rampant at the time.
Moreover, the character of Oliver can be seen as a symbol of hope in a world that seems devoid of it. His innocence and purity are contrasted with the corruption and cynicism of his surroundings, making him stand out as a beacon of light amidst the darkness.
The History
“Oliver Twist” was first published in serial form between 1837 and 1839 – at a time when Dickens was already becoming famous for his earlier works like “The Pickwick Papers”. The novel was an instant success, thanks to its compelling plot and memorable characters. It also became notorious for its portrayal of poverty and crime, which some critics considered to be too realistic.
Interestingly enough, there have been many adaptations of “Oliver Twist” since then – including stage productions, operas, TV shows, and movies. Each version has added its own nuances to the story while staying true to its core themes. This only goes to show how enduring Dickens’ characters have become over time.
The Characters
One of the most fascinating things about “Oliver Twist” is its rich cast of characters, each with their own motivations and quirks. Fagin, for instance, is not just a villain but also a mentor to the young pickpockets under his wing. Bill Sikes is not just a brute but also a man driven by jealousy and fear.
And then there’s Oliver himself – one of the most iconic child protagonists in literature. His name has become synonymous with innocence and goodness, and his story has inspired countless adaptations and imitations.
The Dialogue
The dialogue in “Oliver Twist” is both sparse and powerful. Dickens was a master of dialogue writing, and he used it to convey not only the plot but also the personality of his characters.
In the movie version, too, the dialogue is often minimalistic, yet it manages to capture the essence of what’s being said. Some lines are classic – like Fagin’s “You’ve got the keys to Old Nick’s treasury” or Bill Sikes’ “What if I do? What if I do?” when asked if he’s done something wrong.
The Gossip
Of course, no movie is complete without some gossip and trivia surrounding it. For example, did you know that Roman Polanski almost turned down the opportunity to direct “Oliver Twist” because he thought it would be too much like his earlier film “The Pianist”? Or that Jamie Foxx was originally considered for the role of Bill Sikes?
Another interesting tidbit is that Barney Clark, who played Oliver, was discovered by casting agents while he was singing in his school choir. The young actor had never acted before but delivered a convincing performance as the titular character.
The Production Challenges
Like any movie production, “Oliver Twist” faced its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest ones was finding the right location to shoot the movie. Although most people associate Dickens’ novel with London, much of it takes place in the countryside. The filmmakers had to scout out various locations around England to find ones that could convincingly portray both settings.
Another challenge was creating sets and costumes that would be true to the time period but also look good on camera. The team used a combination of historic research and artistic license to achieve this balance.
The Special Effects
Although “Oliver Twist” is not a movie that relies heavily on special effects, there are some scenes that required them – notably the scenes involving Sykes’ dog Bullseye. The filmmakers used a combination of real dogs and computer-generated imagery to create the illusion of the dog performing complex actions like attacking people or jumping out of windows.
Overall, though, the movie’s focus is on storytelling rather than spectacle. The special effects are there to enhance the story, not distract from it.
The Criticism
As with any work of art, “Oliver Twist” has not been immune to criticism. Some critics have argued that the movie is too faithful to Dickens’ novel – that it feels old-fashioned and lacks innovation. Others have criticized certain aspects of the film – like its pacing or its portrayal of women – as being problematic.
However, it’s worth noting that most reviews of the movie have been positive. Critics have praised Polanski’s direction and the acting performances in particular. It seems that, despite any flaws “Oliver Twist” may have, its timeless story continues to resonate with audiences.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, “Oliver Twist” is a movie that manages to capture both the letter and spirit of Dickens’ classic novel. The talented cast, beautiful cinematography, and haunting score all contribute to making it an enjoyable cinematic experience.
However, my personal opinion is that while “Oliver Twist” is certainly a good movie in many respects, it lacks the spark of greatness. Perhaps this is because the story has been told so many times before, or perhaps it’s because some aspects of the movie didn’t click with me. Regardless, I would still recommend it to anyone who loves classic stories and wants to see them brought to life on screen.