The pleasure of watching

Alessandro 2022-01-14 08:01:26

Polanski’s new film, "Orphan Twist", was released at the end of 2005. I don’t know how many times it was put on the screen. I felt that the picture took a lot of thought. The gray filter creates a warm and soft feeling. Someone mentioned earlier that it is like an oil painting. I basically agree with this point of view. It complements the fog and rain of London in the film. The soundtrack is in harmony with the plot, and it feels a little bit intriguing and not oozing on one side, which is slightly depressing. I haven't read Dickens's book, so I have no idea whether it is faithful or deductive relative to the original. Just talking about Polanski’s thing, the plot is relaxed, and overall it is compact: there are no extra stories and scenes, two hours without feeling sleepy, and the play is so compact that it can only be used as a spectator. The writer follows the little Oliver and enjoys the pleasure of watching; and the time of the story is so strange and separated from us, and there is no hope of participating in it. These two points are the explanation of the title.

Starting from leaving the orphan farm and entering a government workshop, the camera follows the little Oliver, unfolding his experience and story. The tragic experience in the orphanage and the town prompted or forced Oliver to leave. I happened to see a sign on the road indicating that the following story would take place in London. A plot in the house of a kind mother-in-law made me think Oliver would choose to stay. Starting a peaceful life, Oliver said in the morning, "I'll go London" and went on the road without looking back.

Oliver, who was sleeping on the street corner, encountered a slippery head and naturally entered the pickpocket organization. When he first entered the thieves' den, he showed politeness and self-cultivation, whether it was out of panic or instinct. Kings, who was a miser, looked weird and cute and harmless, and Nancy was also a kind thief, and a bunch of little thieves were just messing around and harmless. It was discovered the first time he participated in the theft. Poor Oliver was chased by the crowd half a street until he was brought down by a child like a full old man. There was also the role of a judge full of drama. In coincidence, the God of Destiny once again favored the young man. Oliver, his performance at the old gentleman's house verified my guess: Oliver's blood is full of firm kindness and innocence. It was also a coincidence that Oliver took the old gentleman's 5 pounds into the thief's den again, and was then carried to the old gentleman's house to steal. Nancy’s whistleblowing led to the killing. On the one hand, it promoted the development of the plot in the direction of attracting the police. On the other hand, it deepened and exaggerated Bill’s viciousness. Bill’s plot was a simple evil with evil retribution. The strangulation took care of everyone in front of him by hanging to scare Oliver. Oliver finally returned to the old gentleman's umbrella to complete the adventure in the play.

A few interesting episodes: Oliver was chased by people half a street, caught by two thieves on the way out of the old gentleman’s house to the bookstore, and was reprimanded by many people on the street. I feel that the British think they have a sense of justice and have a passion for old ways. , Regardless of whether it is right or wrong, rush forward, there is a strong enthusiasm to join in the fun. This kind of enthusiasm also appeared in a large group of people running around to catch Bill, and there were not a few police officers among that large group of people. Towards the end, Oliver went to the prison to visit Kings, asking Kings to confess with him, revealing the consistent Christian consciousness of Western films, and passing through the execution ground from prison. Several people were preparing for the gallows, which seemed to imply that Kings was going to be hanged. I don’t know. Is it related to Bill being hanged himself? In addition, the hand-drawn pictures at the beginning and the end of the film are very sensational, especially in a film adapted from a famous book.

View more about Oliver Twist reviews

Extended Reading

Oliver Twist quotes

  • Fagin: Do you know what I consider the greatest sin in the world, my dear? Ingratitude. That's what you're guilty of. Ingratitude.

  • Fagin: You're like yourself tonight, Bill.

    [puts his hand on Bill's shoulder]

    Fagin: Quite like yourself.

    Bill Sykes: Well I don't feel like myself when you lay that wicked old claw on my shoulder, so take it away!