Review of Oliver! (1968) by David B — 11 Jan 2010
Oliver!, the musical version of the Dickens classic, Oliver Twist, is a very good film by any measure, brimming with equal parts verve and danger; yet for all its qualities, it may forever be (less-than-fondly) remembered as the shock 1969 Best Picture winner over the seminal 2001: A Space Odyssey.
The music is beyond reproach -- well-worth the heaps of recognition conferred -- and the multitudes dancing through the streets of Dickensian London put on a worthy show.
But it's Fagan, played by the supremely talented Ron Moody, and the menacing Oliver Reed as Bill Sykes who command the eye and bring this centuries-old tale to exhilarating life.
It's a shame Oliver! stands between 2001 and history for few today would argue the accolade appropriate considering the competition on offer. But the film is an achievement to be celebrated in its own right and will remain a favourite for years to come.
This review of Oliver! (1968) was written by David B on 11 Jan 2010.
Oliver! has generally received positive reviews.
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