Review of Oliver Twist (2005) by Alekhya H — 13 Sep 2010
Roman Polanski's film version of Oliver Twist is one of the more accurate presentations of the novel on film and is certainly one of the most atmospheric.
Barney Clark is superb as the young Oliver, making his character innocent and vulnerable without ever being too sickly sweet.
It is Ben Kingsley's turn as Fagin though that steals the film and gives it much of its energy and poignancy. His characterization is complex, at times powerful and at other times quite pathetic. Compared to the vicious Bill Sykes, played with growly relish by Jamie Foreman, Fagin even becomes sympathetic at points - quite an achievement considering some of the things the character does in the novel.
Overall, this well-cast and beautifully shot film is one of the better adaptations of the novel and definitely worth a look.
This review of Oliver Twist (2005) was written by Alekhya H on 13 Sep 2010.
Oliver Twist has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
