The Personal History of David Copperfield: Armando Iannucci sets aside savage cynicism, for warm mockery that amounts to homage
By Jim Slotek
Rating: B+
“Warm” or “whimsical” are not words generally associated with Armando Iannucci, whose scabrous political and historical satires (Veep, The Thick of It, and the Oscar-nominated feature In the Loop) have leaned toward the savagely cynical.
So, it’s a surprise when Iannucci and his co-writer of choice Simon Blackwell get their hands on Charles Dickens and are gentle, and even sweet, in their mockery.
Indeed, for all its playful tinkering The Personal History of David Copperfield, which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, is more of an homage to the beloved source novel. It posits itself as the narrated story of the title character, delivered by same (a charming Dev Patel, in one of many roles in the comedy that have been seamlessly given to non-white actors).
It remains a tale of social advancement, Iannucci’s usual arch sarcasm replaced here by an unexpected hand with physical comedy and even moments of slapstick. The physicality befits a life story that careens from low points to high and back again at top speed. It’s a Victorian novel glibly injected with the pacing of 21st century cinema.
Fairly faithful to the story, The Personal History of David Copperfield begins its tale with the death of David’s father and his mother’s marriage to the harsh Edward Murdstone (Darren Boyd). Murdstone soon arranges to ship the boy off to the seaside family “cottage” of his housekeeper, actually an overturned boat with a loving family subsisting as scavengers.
It’s only one of many places he will call home in a life’s journey marked by copious note-taking, including a private boarding school and the home of his eccentric aunt Betsey Trotwood (Tilda Swinton).
There are hilarious performances by Iannucci’s go-to scene-stealer (and sometime Doctor Who) Peter Capaldi as Micawber, and by Hugh Laurie as the lovably befuddled Mr. Dick.
As for the non-traditional casting, it is so random as to belie any notions of deliberate earnestness. David’s friend and confidante Agnes Wickfield is played by the half-Ghanaian actress Rosalind Eleazar. Benedict Wong plays her father, all of it with a blitheness that admits no need for explanation. It’s just another act of whimsy on the director’s part, poking fun at the stuffy homogeneity with which we associate Victorian tales.
The Personal History of David Copperfield is a comedy that washes over you with its warmth. Iannucci’s fans should be prepared to encounter the director in an unusual and infestious good mood.
The Personal History of David Copperfield. Directed by Armando Iannucci, written by Armando Iannucci and Simon Blackwell. Starring Dev Patel, Tilda Swinton and Peter Capaldi. In theatres, August 28.