Far from the Madding Crowd is a 2015 film directed by Thomas Vinterberg. The film's plot is an adaptation of Thomas Hardy's classic novel and follows the life of Bathsheba Everdene, an independent woman, and her romantic relationships with three different men.
Plot
The story is set in the 19th-century English countryside and revolves around Bathsheba Everdene (played by Carey Mulligan), a young and charming heiress. After inheriting a large farm, Bathsheba becomes an independent landowner, but also the object of desire for three different men.
Gabriel Oak (played by Matthias Schoenaerts) is a shepherd who becomes the steward of Bathsheba's farm after an accident. William Boldwood (played by Michael Sheen) is a wealthy bachelor who falls in love with her after Bathsheba accidentally sends him a Valentine's card. Finally, there is Sergeant Francis Troy (played by Tom Sturridge), a charming but unstable soldier.
The film explores Bathsheba's romantic choices and the consequences of those choices in her life as she navigates between love, independence, and the societal expectations of the time. Bathsheba must decide which man, if any, will win her heart.
Director: Thomas Vinterberg
Writer: David Nicholls (based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Hardy)
Producers: Andrew Macdonald, Allon Reich
Music: Craig Armstrong
Main Cast:
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 Robin
Major Awards:
The film received positive reviews but did not win major Oscars or Golden Globe awards.
Box Office Gross: The film grossed approximately $35 million worldwide.
Critical Reception: Far from the Madding Crowd received generally positive reviews from critics. Carey Mulligan's performance as Bathsheba Everdene was particularly praised, as were the cinematography and the musical score. The film was appreciated for its faithfulness to Thomas Hardy's novel and its well-executed portrayal of rural 19th-century England. However, some critics noted that the film might have been a bit slow in its storytelling. Overall, it was considered a respectful and well-made adaptation of the classic novel.