Like most victorian classics, Vanity Fair (by William Makepeace Thackeray) is not exactly an easy read. I, myself, have only managed to cover the first few chapters of this lengthy, and almost long-winded, novel, which on paperback, already stretches to about 700 pages~!! How fortunate for me then, that Mira Nair's film adaptation is a much more palatable affair and aesthetically pleasing to boot.
Reese Witherspoon plays the story's much-loved (or despised) protagonist Becky Sharp; born into the lower class, Becky has to rely solely on her wit, guile, charm and sexuality to make her way up through the finicky London society circa the 1820s. But of course, such an arduous climb is not without its perils as Becky learns soon enough but for every instance that she trips & falls, Becky always seems to manage somehow eventually...
Mira Nair, who helmed the critically-acclaimed Monsoon Wedding, made an inspired choice by casting Witherspoon as Becky; no one else could probably have been more convincing although here and there, her portrayal is reminiscent of Elle Woods, her character from Legally Blonde. Equally arresting in supporting roles are Romola Garai, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Gabriel Bryne and the incredibly hilarious Eileen Atkins. On the whole, Mira's deft hand at directing is also a marvel to perceive as she manages to interweave elements of Bollywood-ism into what could have been an otherwise dull & colorless period drama. There is a wonderful richness of color and detail in the cinematography which only an Indian director could have envisioned. However, a certain Bollywood-style dance number somewhere in the second half of the film could have been considered carrying things a little too far. LOL
Vanity Fair is altogether a fascinating film about the politics that rule high society be it in victorian London or anywhere (and anytime) else. Not too heavy on the drama and not too light on the comedy... Certainly one of my favorites this year.. ;)
my ratings -- 3.8/5 stars~!!!
