Dickens has seen three works: "Great Expectations", "Oliver Twist" and "A Tale of Two Cities", which are his best works. His works have been put on the screen countless times, and each one has many versions. Let's just say "Oliver Twist". The black-and-white film shot by David Lean in 1948 is the earliest big-screen work I know of. In the 1960s and 1980s, British directors put it on the screen several times; Tony Bill made a version, in which Oliver's casting has the taste of American soap operas. In addition, in 1974, American Hal Sutherland made an animated film of the same name. In the 21st century, the famous director Roman M. Polanski also has a song and dance version...that's all I know of. And the only thing I've seen and liked is David Lean's black and white film in 1948. The first time I saw the poster, I felt that Oliver's eyes and corners of his lips showed an extravagance that could not be concealed by poverty and filth.
Dickens is the best at criticizing the real society. His works have a very delicate depiction of the commoners living at the bottom, with a happy ending, fueling the flame of hope for those who are desperate and suffering. David Lean's shots are both gloomy and stern, but also calmly forgiving. Even in the den of thieves, there can be a compassionate and kind-hearted person like Nancy, who forgets his own situation and helps Oliver with all his strength. This flame is not weak enough to make us feel warm.
In the film, the narrow streets of England, the arched overpass between two tall buildings in the mountains, and the towering spires restore the environment and artistic conception of a real novel.
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Oliver Twist reviews
