Watch The Mystery of Charles Dickens

The Mystery of Charles Dickens is a 2000 British television film directed by Timothy Combe and starring Simon Callow in the lead role. The film explores the life and work of the famous Victorian author whose literary legacy has touched millions of readers across the world. The film opens with Charles Dickens (Simon Callow) at the height of his fame, giving a public reading of his novel "A Christmas Carol". However, despite his success, Dickens is haunted by inner demons, struggling to come to terms with his past and present.

The film then takes us on a journey through Dickens' life, from his humble beginnings as an impoverished child to his rise to fame as a celebrated author. We see how his experiences as a child, working in a factory, and his encounters with poverty and injustice, influenced his writing and led him to become a fierce campaigner for social justice.

As the film progresses, we also get a glimpse into the personal life of the notoriously private writer. We see how his relationship with his wife Catherine (Linda Bassett) deteriorated over time, and how he became involved with a much younger actress, Ellen Ternan (Shaunagh O'Connor). This scandalous affair would later become the subject of much speculation and intrigue.

Throughout the film, The Mystery of Charles Dickens deals with themes of love, loss, redemption, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. It portrays Dickens as a complex and flawed character, struggling to reconcile his own shortcomings with his desire to improve the world around him.

Simon Callow's performance as Dickens is outstanding, capturing the writer's charisma, wit, and vulnerability. He seamlessly transitions from the exuberance of Dickens' public readings to the anxiety and turmoil of his private life, bringing a depth and authenticity to the role.

The cinematography of The Mystery of Charles Dickens is also impressive, with sweeping shots of Victorian London and close-ups of actors that effectively convey the emotions of the characters. The film's production design is spot-on, accurately recreating the look and feel of the mid-19th century period.

Overall, The Mystery of Charles Dickens is a fascinating and engaging biopic that offers insight into the life and work of one of the greatest writers in the English language. It portrays Dickens as a man who was inspired by the world around him, and who sought to bring light to the dark corners of society through his writing. Whether you're a fan of Dickens' novels or simply interested in learning more about this literary legend, this film is a must-see.

The Mystery of Charles Dickens is a 2000 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.