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Great Expectations (1998)
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Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Binding: DVD
Brand: PALTROW,GWYNETH
DVD Layers: 1
DVD Sides: 1
EAN: 0024543000051
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Letterboxed, Widescreen, NTSC
Label: 20th Century Fox
Languages: English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 SurroundFrench (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 SurroundEnglish (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled),
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
MPN: 024543000051
Number Of Items: 1
Picture Format: Letterbox
Publisher: 20th Century Fox
Region Code: 1
Release Date: May 21, 2002
Running Time: 112 minutes
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Theatrical Release Date: January 30, 1998
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Editorial Review:
The key ingredient in this modern-day version of Charles Dickens's classic is director Alfonso Cuarón, who made the glowing, estimable A Little Princess. If you saw that (and you should), understand that Expectations has those ingredients (great sense of time, place, and timing) but adds modern music and sex appeal; the latter personified by the long-legged Gwyneth Paltrow.
Finnegan Bell (Ethan Hawke as an adult, Jeremy James Kissner at age 10) is the new version of Dickens's Pip. He's a child wise beyond his years, befriending an escaped convict (Robert De Niro) in the warm waters of Florida's Gulf Coast. Finn is also the plaything for Estella (Paltrow as an adult, Raquel Beaudene at age 10), the niece of the coast's richest and most eccentric lady, Ms. Dinsmoor (a fun and flamboyant Anne Bancroft). The prudish Estella likes Finn (catch the best first kiss scene in many a moon) but has been brought up to disdain men; she'll break hearts. As the object of Finn's desires, Estella unfortunately is a one-dimensional character, yet what a dimension! Clad in Donna Karan dresses and her long, sun-kissed hair, Paltrow is luminous. She and Hawke make a very sexy couple.
Mitch Glazer's script does better by Finn. He's a blue-collar worker with a gift for drawing (artwork by Francesco Clemente). Following his Uncle Joe's (Chris Cooper) honest ways, Finn grows up as a fisherman, thoughts of Estella and art drifting away in the hard work. When a mysterious benefactor allows him to follow his dream, Finn finds himself in New York, preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime art exhibit--and in the arms of the engaged Estella.
Filled with cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki's golden-drenched light, the film has an irresistible, wildly romantic look. Dinsmoor's place is certainly gothic, Estella and Finn's longing encounters glamorous. Cuarón uses an MTV-friendly soundtrack with a confident touch. Songs by Tori Amos and the band Pulp--along with Patrick Doyle's silky score--create passionate scenes. It all ends far too swiftly with a seemingly tacked-on ending (reflecting the book, as it happens) but the film is splendid storytelling. It's a stylish, sweet valentine. --Doug Thomas
A modern day version of the Dickens' classic finds an aspiring artist (Hawke) reunited with his love (Paltrow). When she agrees to model for him, his dearest hopes may be realized, along with his darkest fears.
Genre: Feature Film-Drama
Rating: R
Release Date: 7-JUN-2005
Media Type: DVD
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Aan Unexpectedly Great Makover of the 1946 Movie
This is a great makeover (not a remake) of the English 1946 black and white film which was much closer to the Dickens original both in time and setting when it begins: South East England just after the end of the Napoleonic Wars and the Thames Estuary where one can discern the floating hulks of pensioned off warships stripped of masts and rigging and turned into holding prisons for felons awaiting transportation to Australia. In this 1998 version the time is the late twentieth century and ... Read More
Rating:  - Pretty but dull
I remember enjoying this film as a teenager, before I had read the book. I found Miss Havisham glamorous and eerie and Estella and Pip's watery kiss's enticing. Now that I have not only read the book, but teach it at GCSE I decided to re watch it. I'm afraid I have to agree with some of the comments here - the film completely failed to engage my emotions. There was none of Dickens's characterisation and humour, which was why the romance was no more real than a kiss in a glitzy music video. I admit ... Read More
Rating:  - Sensual but confusing.
Great Expectations starring Ethan Hawke and Gwyneth Paltrow is a sexy film but the fault doesn't lie with the actors but rather with story. The two stars have never been better, their chemistry is intoxicating and that scene at the drinking fountain, can you say hot, hot, hot! Some of the dialogue seems forced and the direction is somewhat awkward. Robert De Niro and Anne Bancroft have the strangest roles in this film and don't expect an exact interpretation of the Charles Dicken's classic. The ending ... Read More
Rating: - A work of art
What a great adaptation of the brilliant Dickens novel. Alfonso Cuaron has directed a gorgeous and utterly romantic movie. There's beauty and poetry in every shot, and the scene where Finn declares his love to Estella under the rain is more moving than anything I've seen in movies in a long time. The score is simply ravishing and the paintings by Francesco Clemente are amazing.
Anne Bancroft, Chris Cooper, Robert DeNiro make a fantastic supporting cast, and Ethan Hawke is moving and utterly ... Read More
Rating: - Has its moments
Every time I think of this movie, for some reason, the beautiful score comes to mind. I can't get it out of my head, it really is addictive. As for the movie, it is certainly watchable, but lacking. The performances are all good but it felt off at times. I have never read the book, but I was told its not really anything like it. However, as a movie, its pretty decent, even good at times. I think its a tad too long though, and it seemed dragging at times. I didn't really feel anything emotionally for any ... Read More
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