This 1994 adaptation of Hard Times does nobly with adapting Dickens in a relatively short length and to make it accessible to younger audiences. It doesn't quite come off, it does feel 20-30 minutes too short, too many scenes did feel rushed through and skimmed over and Beatie Edney even for someone deliberately cold acts too samey throughout and the constant frowning is overkill. However the costumes and sets are very evocative, not opulent by all means in fact it is a somewhat sparse approach, it succeeds in matching the emphasis on the darker aspects of the book and Dickens without feeling too much. The music has a good deal of atmosphere, while the script is funny, heartfelt and foreboding with some of the Dickenesian spirit present- though some scenes could have had more- and the story while truncated is still compelling and easy to understand. The adaptation is well-directed and also very well-acted. Bob Peck, gruff yet repentant towards the end) was the standout with the (I feel) most interesting and most developed character. Alan Bates acts with realism and professionalism, while Richard E. Grant is dashing and Dilys Laye is a real scene-stealer. In fact all the acting is good, with the only real source of reservation being Edney. Overall, not ideal for "purists" but while far from perfect on its own this adaptation is quite good. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Review of Hard Times
