Far from the Madding Crowd

Thomas Hardy's literary romance Far from the Madding Crowd took its title from a line in Thomas Gray's poem Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard. And now, a third Thomas, Thomas Vinterberg, is the latest to visualize Hardy's novel on-screen. I'd paraphrase Gray if my viewing experience was bleak. But it was not.

Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan) just inherited her late Uncle's farm.  A destitute farmer Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts) becomes her new farmhand. Oak is attracted to Bathsheba, but she doesn't want to settle down. Her neighbor, the older gentleman William Boldwood (Michael Sheen), also wants to marry her. She meets Sergeant Frank Troy (Tom Sturridge) and thinks he's the one. But really, Troy's not much of a Gentleman. How will Bathsheba find happiness?

That's the basic story.

The four main characters make it work. Bathsheba is an independent woman; when she does marry, it's not because she has to, but she wants to. Her main suitors, Oak and Boldwood, are willing to concede to another if Bathsheba wants another. Troy just seems perfect for Bathsheba. They're all portrayed as sympathetic people. Eventually, Boldwood gets desperate and Troy throws his audience empathy out the window.

Cinematographer Charlotte Bruus Christensen captures some excellent views of the English countryside. Her work combines wonderfully with editor Claire Simpson in the story's classic scene where Troy woos Bathsheba with swordplay. You'll remember it as much as the novel's readers did. 

Overall, Far from the Madding Crowd is an involving adaptation of the famous story. You'll be invested in the fates of its four leads and supporting characters throughout the 119 minute run-time. That's the most important thing for a cinematic re-incarnation.