Oliver Twist (2005)

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Written by Charles Dickens, Ronald Harwood

Directed by Roman Polanski

Running Time: 150 minutes (approx)

Production Year: 2005

Rating: PG Certificate

Production Country: UK/Czech Republic

Filmed in Colour

Released in 2005, Roman Polanski's film of Charles Dickens's classic novel is strong, if a little over-reverent. It stars Barney Clark as Oliver, Ben Kingsley as Fagin, Jamie Foreman as Bill Sykes and Leanne Rowe as Nancy. Ronald Harwood's screenplay cleverly strips away some of the minor characters to allow the main characters to take centre stage, and there's a superb performance by Kingsley in one of film's most demanding roles.

Polanski's version stands up well to David Lean's 1948 classic, with the streets of London brought to life with vibrant gusto. But more interesting is Polanski's concentration on a young orphan alone in a city where many wish him harm. He and Harwood also make Fagin more central than Lean did, and offer a glimpse of a character who, although a rogue, is one created by society. In doing so, he makes the film resonant of our times.

Cast

Image for Barney ClarkBarney ClarkOliver Twist
Image for Ben KingsleyBen KingsleyFagin
Image for Jamie ForemanJamie ForemanBill Sykes
Leanne RoweNancy
Lewis ChaseCharley Bates
Harry EdenArtful Dodger
Jeremy SwiftMr. Bumble
Ian McNeiceMr. Limbkins
Image for Mark StrongMark StrongToby Crackit
Teresa ChurcherCharlotte
Michael HeathMr. Sowerberry
Gillian HannaMrs. Sowerberry
Peter CopleyDining Hall Master
Andy LindenMr. Gamfield
Jake CurranBarney

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