Great Expectations

Having read the book in the 4th form I was somewhat reluctant at first to indulge in a classic of this sort. But I was soon enticed and entrenched by the beauty of Dickens's writing and the reminder of an age that is very m much our heritage, however loath we are to admit it.

Misery, sadness and irony constantly feature in the things Dickens saw when he wrote of English society in the mid-19th century. A time of rapid change from a feudal eopch to an urban capitalist society.

Instead of praising and worshiping this new development as did many of his liberal contemporaries - Dicken's chose to highlight the misfortune, suffering and contradiction in the new society His observations will be relevant to us as long as capitalism survives.

For all this, "Great Expectations" comically illustrates the feature which is the lynch-pin of our society - the fetish of self advancement and success. Dickens skillfully shows the irony and futility in this idea. Go to his film and laugh at yourself - for we all have Great Expectations.

The film contains many famous actors and is well done, never dragging -always appealing. It's about the first 'G' certificate film I've been to since I turned 16 (tee hee - before that actually), and I found it rewarding to anyone game enough to risk walking without being spotted by "sophisticated" friends. You may also wish to cry - if you still can.

- David Murray