Vanity Fair is often considered the pinnacle of British author William Makepeace Thackeray’s career. In this novel, he crafted one of literature’s most memorable anti-heroines, Becky Sharp. The title alludes to a place in Pilgrim’s Progress that entices travelers with material temptations and serves as a satire on English society of Thackeray’s era. Vanity Fair has been adapted multiple times for both film and television. Although I had seen two other film versions, it was ITV’s recent adaptation that truly showcased the brilliance of Thackeray’s work for me.
SYNOPSIS
Vanity Fair chronicles the lives of two young women, from their school days through a decade of their lives. Becky Sharp, an orphan without any fortune, relies on her education, charm, and beauty to navigate society. Her main goals are financial security and social influence, and she’s unreserved in her methods to achieve them. Becky manipulates many, including members of the Crawley family, Amelia Sedley’s brother Jos, and the Marquis de Steyne. Although she eventually reaches her goals, the cost is higher than she anticipated.
In contrast, Amelia Sedley is sweet but naive, with a simple desire to marry her fiancé, George Osborn, and live a happy domestic life. With the secret help of Captain William Dobbin, a friend of George’s, she pursues her goal, which also comes at a significant emotional cost. Both women navigate ambition, romance, war, and disappointment, and they must eventually face the consequences of their choices and decide if they are willing to change.
REVIEW
Until recently, previous adaptations of Vanity Fair had left me unimpressed. But ITV’s latest version won me over completely. The series excels in its stunning presentation, from the exquisite settings and costumes to the beautiful cinematography and music. The use of natural light in the camerawork is particularly striking, and the detailed dresses, especially Becky Sharp’s, are a visual treat. Even the men’s suits and uniforms are finely done, enhancing the period feel.
One major strength of this adaptation is its format; being a six-part series rather than a two-hour film allows for richer storytelling and character development. This format offers a deeper understanding of the historical context as well as the personalities and motivations of the characters, which is crucial for a story without a traditional hero.
CAST AND CHARACTERS
The success of this adaptation is largely due to its excellent casting. The mix of newer talents in the main roles and familiar faces in supporting roles works brilliantly. Veteran actors like Anthony Head, Peter Wight, Frances de la Tour, and Felicity Montagu bring depth to their minor parts, providing a solid base for the younger actors to shine.
The main cast, including Tom Bateman as the dashing yet loving gambler Rawdon Crawley and Charlie Rowe as the charming but spoiled George Osborne, perfectly embody their characters. Claudia Jessie’s portrayal of Amelia Sedley evokes a range of emotions, from respect for her kindness to frustration at her naivety and passiveness. Johnny Flynn’s depiction of William Dobbin, secretly in love with Amelia and always working for her well-being, stands out as the most self-sacrificing character in the series.
However, Olivia Cooke steals the show as Becky Sharp. She flawlessly captures Becky’s mix of ambition and charm, making her both compelling and somewhat sympathetic despite her ruthless behavior. This adaptation provides more background on Becky, which adds layers to her character and helps the audience understand her motivations, even if they don’t agree with her actions.
OVERALL RECOMMENDATION
Whether you’ve been let down by past adaptations or are new to Vanity Fair, this version is highly recommended. It’s a visually stunning production that closely follows Thackeray’s novel. ITV has done an excellent job bringing the story to life, making this “Story Without a Hero” both compelling and entertaining.
Content Note: This series is rated TV-14 for mild war violence and a few profanities. Physical intimacy is implied rather than shown.
Available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
