Cast
View All
Carey Mulligan
as Bathsheba Everdene
Matthias Schoenaerts
as Gabriel Oak
Michael Sheen
as William Boldwood
Tom Sturridge
as Sergeant Francis Troy
Juno Temple
as Fanny Robbin
Jessica Barden
as Liddy
Hilton McRae
as Jacob Smallbury
Harry Peacock
as Jan Coggan
Bradley Hall
as Joseph Poorgrass
Sam Phillips
as Sergeant Doggett
Tilly Vosburgh
as Mrs. Hurst
Victor McGuire
as Bailiff Pennyways
Jamie Lee-Hill
as Laban Tall (uncredited)
Richard Dixon
as Mr. Boldwood's Butler
Thomas Arnold
as Solicitor
Crew
Director
- Thomas Vinterberg
Producer
- Allon Reich
- Andrew Macdonald
- Anita Overland
Reviews
Reno
**Three men like the three different seasons in a woman's life!**
This is a wonderful drama, I have been waiting for such film to come and since its release, I have been looking forward to this day. The romance is the theme of the film, so not the entire film as what it looks like. Based on the one and half century old novel of the same name and the fourth film adaptation. I have seen only 'Tamara Drewe', but that was altered to the present era, other than that I've not seen any other version. Still, I believe this will be remembered as the best one so far.
I would say Carey Mulligan is the British version of Jake Gyllenhaal. Because they both make fine films, I admire their selection of the films. Mulligan was so brilliant here and in addition to that, Matthias Schoenaerts was equally good. They both made this film look so poetic, and so supporting cast including Michael Sheen and Tom Sturridge contributed well.
If you like periodic drama, then you probably would enjoy it. The story was excellently told. The three layered romance was narrated like three that happens in the different seasons. Like landscape change, how humans too transform was quite neatly briefed for over two hours. One of the best films in the recent time I've seen. The director of 'The Hunt' did a great job. If you like Jane Austen's kind of story narrations then you must try this, so I highly recommend it!
_8/10_
Oct 4, 2016
CinemaSerf
This is a very classy adaptation of the Thomas Hardy story and Carey Mulligan plays the role of "Bathsheba Everdene" will some skill. It is one of those stories, however, where I never quite understood why the heroine just didn't stick to her plan A and marry the right boy first. In this case, the hunky and decent farmer "Gabriel" (Matthias Schoenaerts). Instead, she has to mess around with the dashing but fickle "Capt. Troy" (Tom Sturridge) whose heart lies elsewhere until tragedy strikes, and then with the wealthy but rather too genteel "Boldwood" (Michael Sheen) upon whom tragedy also pays a visit. The attention to detail is wonderful; the outdoor settings look so very natural with some lovely photography that immerses us in their bucolic life complemented by some fine costumes and period imagery. There is chemistry a-plenty on screen between her and both Schoenaerts and Sturridge; Sheen is adequate but somewhat underused and as the story gathers pace I did find myself wondering if she was ever actually going to see sense. It is perhaps a touch too long, the character establishment is a bit on the plodding side, but it is a strong story of characterful personalities with flaws, lusts, and plenty of passion. Not as rugged, perhaps, as the 1967 version - but still a good watch.
Jun 1, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Far from the Madding Crowd examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Thomas Vinterberg brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Far from the Madding Crowd took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $14.5 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 119 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 153 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 997 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Far from the Madding Crowd shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Contact, which focuses more on action than character development, Far from the Madding Crowd subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Bridges of Madison County and Manhattan explore similar territory, Far from the Madding Crowd stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 23, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 59m
- Budget: $14,500,000
- Revenue: $30,300,000
Where to Watch
