Do we really need more Oliver? With both David Lean’s flawless 1948 B&W version and the 1968 musical spin already out there, Roman Polanski’s adap feels a bit, well... unnecessary. That said, it’s sumptuously executed – with the likes of Ben Kingsley (Fagin) and Jamie Foreman (Bill Sykes) taking an entertaining swagger through an appropriately dingy London set.
DVD Extras:
The DVD docs touch all the right production bases, fawning only a little as they work through from initial concept to shooting, editing and scoring. What really makes them worthwhile, though, is the footage of Polanski in full-on director mode. The man oozes the confident charisma of a filmmaker at the top of his game. To him, Oliver Twist may be just a lighthearted post-The Pianist flick for his own kids to enjoy. But, even if it’s not remembered as a great film, on recent form the Oscar-winner’s incapable of making one that’s any less than good.
