Believe it or not, I am under the age of 20 and have read this novel purely out of interest and found it to be an amazing piece of work. Thackeray's unique writing style in "Vanity Fair" is captivating. I saw the movie only a week after finishing the book, with the details fresh in my mind, to be immensely displeased. I have read a number of excellent comments that go into detail of the faults of the movie, so I plan to keep this brief for those wanting a shorter critique.

At least half of the characters were misrepresented. I believe the only two relatively-accurate main characters were Jos Sedley and Rawdon Crawley. Becky was completely dismantled into something with scarcely a semblance of what she is portrayed as in the book. The character Dobbin was undefined; George Osborne was snobbish instead of cocky; his rigid father suddenly became sympathetic (way too early and much too far); not to mention troves of other discrepancies. I understand the goal may have been to come up with a more abridged version, but there were changes made that had nothing to do with shortening the screenplay. Besides, there were a number of musical pieces that could have been cut in order to use the time more beneficially by preserving some of the integrity of the film.

Thackeray would have been appalled at this hack job.

Were it not for my love for time period films, and the possibility of enjoying this movie as something very separate from the book, I would not care to see it again. At least the filming was impressive, though that hardly makes up for the rest. The theatrical trailer is the best part of the movie.

VANITY FAIR is a well-mounted adaptation of the classic William Makepeace Thackeray novel, a story which follows the life and loves of Becky Sharp, a girl who rises from nothing to become the cream of society. Unfortunately it turns out to lack the wit and flair of an Austen novel or the drama of a Bronte book, although whether this is due to the author or not I can't tell as I haven't read the book.

Still, VANITY FAIR is a lavish costume drama in any respect, and it's absolutely packed to the rafters with familiar faces beloved to those who watch British TV and film. My only complaint is, alas, a central one: Reese Witherspoon. Her British accent is acceptable, but her acting is hollow, and I wonder why a British actress wasn't cast in the role instead. Romola Garai is much better than Witherspoon and she's only in support; a shame she didn't take the lead role.

The film has an episodic feel to it and it feels a little flabby in places, although the talented cast help bring the tale to life. Highlights include James Purefoy as a romantic interest and Bob Hoskins as an eccentric Baronet, with Elaine Atkins and Geraldine McEwan shining as a pair of sharp-tongued spinsters. Rhys Ifans gives the best performance I've seen from him yet, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers is fine too. The scenes dealing with war and conflict are fine, but Indian director Mira Nair is obsessed with shoehorning needless Indian content into the production, which spoils it somewhat.

First things off, the book is such a wonderful work, however it is also a mammoth and sprawling one. The film is a valiant attempt but doesn't work entirely. It does have some good points, especially the luscious cinematography, sets, costumes and location work, and the superb support playing of Bob Hoskins, Eileen Atkins, Rhys Ifans and Jim Broadbent, while most of the music was a delight to listen to and there are moments of well-written dialogue. However, there are other moments of dialogue that don't ring true, especially with that of the lead character. Reese Witherspoon does try very hard in the role, but, more the fault of the writers, she comes across as too charming and too likable. The story doesn't seem to have a structure either, if anything it is a series of scenes that succeed one another, while the film at various points feel both rushed and draggy. While I did like the music, there is a dance scene that feels so anachronistic in style(musically and choreographically) and how it was placed in the film it feels like a different movie altogether. All in all, lacks conviction and is disappointing, but at least the film looks good and has a cast that give their all. 4/10 Bethany Cox