Far from the Madding Crowd

Based on the classic novel by Thomas Hardy (which was also previously adapted into a film back in 1967), Far from the Madding Crowd is a beautiful and welcome alternative from the kind of films usually hitting the multiplexes during the summer months.  Simple, beautifully filmed, and with a first-rate cast, this should appeal to those looking for a little old fashioned romantic melodrama, and for those who seek out smaller art films.

This is an understated film that stays close to the ideas of the original novel.  It focuses on Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan, a wonderful stand out here), a woman who inherits a family farm, and becomes determined to run it her way.  Her first order of business is to fire the man in charge of the workers, who has run the property into the ground.  The film briefly follows her as she sets about making it in what is largely a man's world at the time.  This was fascinating to me, and I wish the film had spent a little more time on it.  Regardless, the central focus of the film is on three suitors who are hoping to win her heart.  Bathsheba is not completely closed to the idea of love, but also wants to succeed on her own, and do things her own way.

Her first suitor is the handsome Shepherd, Gabriel Oaks (Matthias Schoenaerts), who proposes marriage to her back when she is living a simple life before she inherits the farm.  He hits hard times early in the film, wanders for a while looking for work, and eventually ends up working for her, so he is a constant presence in her life.  Next is Bathsheba's wealthy neighbor, William Boldwood (Michael Sheen), who can promise her financial security for the rest of her life.  Finally, there is Frank Troy (Tom Sturridge), a British soldier, and the man who ultimately earns her affections and marries her.  However, as time passes, Frank turns possessive and frequently gambles away his fortunes, putting the farm in jeopardy, and their love in doubt. 

Far from the Madding Crowd is a literate movie that doesn't really stand out in any way, but still entertains, thanks to the strong performances, and beautifully shot British scenery.  This is the kind of movie that the production team of Merchant-Ivory used to make, with a 19th Century British setting, lush sets and backdrops, a sense of old fashioned romance, and fine performances.  This kind of filmmaking has gone out of style over time, but it may make somewhat of a comeback after this.  The movie more or less stays on target as an adaptation of the original novel, albeit abridged.  Many of the class issue themes that were present in Hardy's work are absent here, opting instead to focus on the romantic aspects.  The movie is stately and proper, but never dry and dull.  In fact, it's roughly two hour running time seemed to run by faster than most recent fast-paced blockbusters I have seen lately.

When it comes to the performances, Carey Mulligan is the main attraction here, giving a strong and confident turn here which immediately draws us to her Bathsheba, and makes us want to see her succeed.  It helps that she has wonderful chemistry with two of her male co-stars.  Both Schoenaerts and Sheen come across as capable and sympathetic, especially Sheen, whose portrayal of William is a bit softer and sympathetic than both the novel and the earlier film adaptation.  Where the movie stumbles just a little bit is with Tom Sturridge.  His performance comes across as a bit weird and off-putting, and we have no idea why she would choose him over the much more likable Schoenaerts, who initially tries to warn her about getting involved with the soldier.  There is so little passion between Mulligan and Sturridge during their early scenes together that we don't buy their relationship.  They are, however, able to sell the drama of their broken marriage just fine.

From the simple yet beautiful photography, to the sets and costumes, Far from the Madding Crowd is that kind of period drama that truly transports you to another time.  Even more so, the performances draw you into the characters and the simple romantic melodrama of the plot, which may have come across as hammy or overwrought in the wrong hands.  This is a beautifully constructed film that does not necessarily surprise in anyway, but is still tremendously enjoyable, and is well worth seeking out if you need a break from the typical summer movie experience.

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