Watch Helena Bonham Carter Play Miss Havisham in 'Great Expectations'
by Shannon Keirnan
Um, yes. Yes, yes, yes.
I don’t know how many of you out there love classic British literature remade into movies starring classic British actors as much as I do, but with the huge burst of interest PBS’s “Downton Abbey” experienced, I’m thinking I can’t be alone.
So here’s another chance to be excited, because yet another “Great Expectations” is hitting the screens. And, thankfully, this one promises to be Gwenyth Paltrow free!
The cast suggests a great flick, with Helena Bonham Carter as Miss Havisham in a brilliant mindbaby of casting, and, bonus, she probably supplied her own wardrobe and make-up too; now that’s just smart budgeting.
My only minor issue with Carter in the role is that the lady's not all that old, but with her tried-and-true ability to be creepy, I’ll just keep my mouth shut and let her move me with her crazy eyed acting.
Besides, the picture of Carter looking sad and white looks amazing and mysterious, so I'm convinced.
We’ve also got Ralph Fiennes popping in as Magwitch—another actor who has proven his salt in classic adaptations, so no arguments on my end.
The film has no set release date yet for the States, and the teaser below is the international trailer, so brace yourself for subtitles. And while giving us the lush cinematography and great acting we’d expect from a carefully adapted Dickens piece, it also, in the habit of so many trailers nowadays, gives us the entire story. Pretty much from beginning to end. With spoilers.
If you aren’t familiar with the novel and want to be surprised, I’d recommend skipping the trailer and going right to the theater. However if you’re a British movie geek like myself and want to squee over some beautifully done Dickens, go wild. Go wild, my sophisticated friend.