HARD TIMES
A film review by Thomas E. Billings
Copyright 1989 Thomas E. Billings
Screened at the San Francisco International Film Festival (March 16, 1989).
Synopsis: A modern-dress adaptation of the classic story by Charles Dickens, HARD TIMES FOR THESE TIMES. Extremely well done, with (surprise!) occasional doses of humor.
Portugal (Portuguese with English subtitles), 1988, black & white, 90 minutes.
Director/Producer/Screenplay: Joao Botelho Principal cast: Henrique Viana, Julia Britton, Ruy Furtado, Isabel de Castro Print Source: Portuguese Film Institute
The plot should be familiar to anyone who has read the work by Dickens. The story centers on a number of characters, the principal one being one Josiah Bounderby, the wealthy owner of a factory. Mr. Bounderby marries Louisa Gradgrind, the daughter of a retired merchant. Louisa's father works as a schoolteacher in his retirement. Their story is interwoven with the story of Stephen Blackpool, an honest laborer in Mr. Bounderby's factory, who is wrongly accused of a theft. Numerous other colorful characters make appearances, including a Mrs. Sparsit, an incredibly nosy lady who works as a housekeeper for Mr. Bounderby.
This is an intriguing, stunning film in many ways. First, the acting style seems detached at times, giving the film an unusual style and mood. It is shot in black and white, which helps give the film its unique "harsh" tone. The imagery is very poetic at times. Perhaps the best description of the film style is "minimalist." Every word, every image counts here -- there is no superfluous material.
One difference with the original work -- this film is set in modern times (Mr. Bounderby owns a luxury car, for example). However, it is true to the spirit of the original Dickens story.
Additionally, there is a surprising amount of humor in this film. For example, the character of Mr. Gradgrind (the merchant/teacher) comes across as a real eccentric (translation: he's loony). His wife comes across as totally loony also; together these two provide lots of humor in what might otherwise be a dreary story.
This is perhaps the best film adaptation of a Dickens story that I have ever seen. Strange, beautiful, and superbly well-done. Why endure 6 hours of LITTLE DORRITT (film adaptation of another Dickens work) when you can see this, and it's only 1/4 the length?
Overall evaluation: very good. Strongly recommended to Dickens fans, others should consider it also.
Reviewer: Thomas E. Billings; Department of Statistics University of California, Berkeley Reviewer contact: teb@stat.Berkeley.EDU
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