The Personal History of David Copperfield – 5

I have no idea what someone not familiar with the titular book would think of this scrapbook of moments culled from its pages, but maybe there isn’t such a one who would be watching. As it is, we are left to compare the movie’s impersonations of the memorable characters, from Uriah Heep to Mr. Micawber to Mr. Dick, with our own mental impressions, whether formed from reading, from Phiz illustrations or, most likely, from the 1935 film with W.C. Fields, Basil Rathbone and Edna May Oliver. Interestingly, the least memorable figure is David himself, which helps make Dev Patel’s surprise casting the most satisfying role in this production. The story itself is presented with little narrative thrust or integrity, producing no emotional response in the viewer. And the casting is disconcerting–not because it includes Blacks, Indians and Asians, but because, for instance, the muddle-headed Mr. Dick is played by Hugh Laurie, who always comes off as the most intelligent person on screen.