The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby (2001) (TV) is a BBC TV miniseries directed by Stephen Whittaker. It's adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens. It stars James D'Arcy as Nicholas, Charles Dance as Ralph Nickleby, Sophia Myles as Kate Nickleby, and Lee Ingleby as Smike.
Nicholas Nickleby is not considered one of Dickens' greatest novels, but it's perfect for an adaptation for film. Beside the four Nickleby's, there are over a dozen great supporting roles. That's because almost no character in a novel by Dickens is truly a minor character. Everyone who appears in print—and on the screen—has a character of her or his own. Everyone has a story, and Dickens gives us that story. When someone adapts a Dickens novel, a skillful screenwriter, director, and cast can make each of those characters come alive.
The only lapse I found in this production was the way Fanny Squeers was presented. This is a fairly grim novel, and the scenes with the unattractive Miss Squeers presumably provide comic relief. However, the scenes are more cruel than comic. When Fanny Squeers is on the screen, the result is more painful than it is funny. Debbie Chazen--who portrays Fanny Squeers-- deserves better.
However, other than that, the movie is outstanding. All of the actors in leading and supporting roles do an impressive job. Charles Dance, as the uncle of Nicholas and Kate, plays the same type of role he played in Bleak House. He's wealthy, intelligent, and very, very cruel. Dance is made for that role.
Lee Ingleby's portrayal of the abused, forlorn young man called Smike is absolutely brilliant. His work stands out, even though the film has many fine performances.
This movie has an excellent IMDb rating of 7.7. It was made for BBC television, so it works well on the small screen. Find it and watch it!
Nicholas Nickleby is not considered one of Dickens' greatest novels, but it's perfect for an adaptation for film. Beside the four Nickleby's, there are over a dozen great supporting roles. That's because almost no character in a novel by Dickens is truly a minor character. Everyone who appears in print—and on the screen—has a character of her or his own. Everyone has a story, and Dickens gives us that story. When someone adapts a Dickens novel, a skillful screenwriter, director, and cast can make each of those characters come alive.
The only lapse I found in this production was the way Fanny Squeers was presented. This is a fairly grim novel, and the scenes with the unattractive Miss Squeers presumably provide comic relief. However, the scenes are more cruel than comic. When Fanny Squeers is on the screen, the result is more painful than it is funny. Debbie Chazen--who portrays Fanny Squeers-- deserves better.
However, other than that, the movie is outstanding. All of the actors in leading and supporting roles do an impressive job. Charles Dance, as the uncle of Nicholas and Kate, plays the same type of role he played in Bleak House. He's wealthy, intelligent, and very, very cruel. Dance is made for that role.
Lee Ingleby's portrayal of the abused, forlorn young man called Smike is absolutely brilliant. His work stands out, even though the film has many fine performances.
This movie has an excellent IMDb rating of 7.7. It was made for BBC television, so it works well on the small screen. Find it and watch it!