Far from the Madding Crowd (2015 film)

Far from the Madding Crowd (2015 film) is a British romance film and drama film directed by Thomas Vinterberg and starring Carey Mulligan as Bathsheba Everdene, Matthias Schoenaerts as Gabriel Oak, Michael Sheen as William Boldwood, and Tom Sturridge as Sergeant Francis "Frank" Troy. The film is an adaptation of the 1874 novel of the same name by Thomas Hardy, which was previously adapted into films in 1967 and 2010. The story revolves around the life of Bathsheba Everdene, a young and independent heiress, and her relationships with three different men: Gabriel Oak, a shepherd who falls in love with her; William Boldwood, a wealthy farmer who proposes to her; and Sergeant Francis "Frank" Troy, a soldier who is also in love with her.

Plot

The plot of the film follows the story of Bathsheba Everdene, a strong-willed and independent young woman who inherits a farm in Wessex, a region in southern England. She meets Gabriel Oak, a poor shepherd who falls in love with her, but she rejects his proposal. Bathsheba Everdene then meets William Boldwood, a wealthy farmer who proposes to her, but she also rejects him. Meanwhile, Sergeant Francis "Frank" Troy, a soldier who is also in love with Bathsheba Everdene, returns to Wessex and begins a romantic relationship with her. The story explores the complexities of Bathsheba Everdene's relationships with these three men, as well as her struggles to maintain her independence and feminism in a patriarchal society. The film features stunning cinematography of the English countryside, including the Dorset hills and the Devon coast, and explores themes of love, class, and social status in Victorian England, as depicted in the works of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen.

Cast

The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Carey Mulligan as Bathsheba Everdene, Matthias Schoenaerts as Gabriel Oak, Michael Sheen as William Boldwood, and Tom Sturridge as Sergeant Francis "Frank" Troy. The cast also includes Juno Temple as Fanny Robin, a young woman who is in love with Sergeant Francis "Frank" Troy, and Jessica Barden as Liddy, Bathsheba Everdene's maid. The film's cast has been praised for their performances, particularly Carey Mulligan, who has been nominated for several awards for her portrayal of Bathsheba Everdene, including the BAFTA Award for Best Actress and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. The film's cast has also been compared to other notable actors and actresses who have appeared in period dramas, such as Keira Knightley in Pride and Prejudice and Emma Thompson in Sense and Sensibility.

Production

The film was produced by Andrew Macdonald and Allon Reich, and was directed by Thomas Vinterberg, who is known for his work on The Hunt and The Celebration. The film's screenplay was written by David Nicholls, who is also known for his work on Starter for 10 and One Day. The film was shot on location in Dorset and Devon, and features stunning cinematography of the English countryside. The film's production design was handled by Kave Quinn, who is known for his work on The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Great Gatsby. The film's costume design was handled by Janet Patterson, who is known for her work on The Piano and The Portrait of a Lady.

Release

The film was released in the United Kingdom on May 1, 2015, and in the United States on May 22, 2015. The film was distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures and DNA Films, and was released to positive reviews from critics, who praised the film's cinematography, performances, and faithfulness to the original novel. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $30 million at the box office worldwide. The film has been compared to other notable period dramas, such as Pride and Prejudice and Downton Abbey, and has been praised for its historical accuracy and attention to detail. The film's release was also accompanied by a soundtrack featuring music by Craig Armstrong, who is known for his work on Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby.

Reception

The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised the film's cinematography, performances, and faithfulness to the original novel. The film holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 85%, based on 222 reviews, with an average rating of 7.4/10. The film also holds a Metacritic score of 74, based on 40 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews". The film was also praised by historians and literary critics, who noted the film's historical accuracy and attention to detail. The film has been compared to other notable adaptations of Thomas Hardy's works, such as Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Jude, and has been praised for its sensitivity and nuance in portraying the complexities of Victorian England. The film's reception has also been influenced by the work of other notable directors, such as Jane Campion and Ang Lee, who have also adapted classics of English literature into film. Category:2015 films