Vanity Fair is often considered the pinnacle of British author William Makepeace Thackeray’s career, thanks largely to his creation of one of English literature’s most memorable anti-heroines, Becky Sharp. The novel’s title references a location in Pilgrim’s Progress where travelers are tempted by materialism, and it serves as a satire of English society during Thackeray’s era. Although there have been several film adaptations, it was ITV’s recent TV series that truly introduced me to the genius of Vanity Fair.
SYNOPSIS
Vanity Fair chronicles the lives of two young women, Becky Sharp and Amelia Sedley, from their school days over a decade of their lives. Becky, who is orphaned and poor, uses her wit, charm, and beauty to climb the social ladder. Her primary goal is to secure financial stability and social status. To achieve this, she manipulates various individuals, including the Crawley family, Amelia’s brother Jos, and the Marquis de Steyne. Although Becky achieves her goals, they come at an unexpected and high cost.
In contrast, Amelia is kind-hearted but naive, mainly aspiring to a peaceful life with her fiancé George Osborn. Captain William Dobbin, George’s friend, secretly aids her in fulfilling this dream. Like Becky, Amelia eventually achieves her goal, but it too comes at a significant price. Both women face love, ambition, war, and disappointment, forcing them to confront the consequences of their actions and decide if they are willing to change.
REVIEW
Previous viewings of Vanity Fair adaptations left me unimpressed, but ITV’s recent six-part series changed my mind completely. The series captivates with its stunning presentation, from the elaborate settings and costumes to the cinematography and musical score. The elegant use of natural light and the detailed costumes, especially Becky Sharp’s outfits, add to the visual appeal. The men’s attire also stands out, rather than being overshadowed.
The six-episode format allows for deeper exploration of the story and characters, providing insight into the historical context and the characters’ motivations. This is crucial for a story subtitled “A Story Without a Hero,” as prolonged exposure to flawed characters can be tedious without proper depth.
CAST AND CHARACTERS
The cast’s excellent performance significantly contributes to the success of this adaptation. Mixing new faces in the lead roles with established actors in supporting roles was a smart decision. It’s delightful to see seasoned British actors like Anthony Head, Frances de la Tour, and Martin Clunes in minor roles, providing a strong foundation for the younger cast members.
The younger actors bring their characters to life with depth and nuance. Tom Bateman portrays the dashing gambler Rawdon Crawley, who loves his wife despite her flaws. Charlie Rowe captures George Osborne’s spoiled yet charming persona, making him a credible object of Amelia’s affection.
Claudia Jessie’s portrayal of Amelia Sedley invokes a range of emotions. While her goodness is admirable, her willful ignorance and passive demeanor become frustrating, especially in her interactions with William Dobbin. Johnny Flynn’s portrayal of Dobbin is particularly compelling. As the quiet, self-sacrificing admirer of Amelia, he embodies the closest thing to a hero in this tale.
However, it’s Olivia Cooke as Becky Sharp who steals the show. She perfectly balances Becky’s ruthless ambition with enough charm to keep the character likable. This adaptation offers more background on Becky, eliciting some sympathy for her despite her relentless pursuit of wealth and status.
Becky and Amelia represent contrasting views of women’s roles in society at the time. Becky refuses to let her circumstances define her, while Amelia accepts her fate, which ultimately proves harmful to those around her just as much as Becky’s actions do. Thackeray’s portrayal of both women serves as a cautionary tale in different ways.
OVERALL RECOMMENDATION
If you’ve been let down by previous Vanity Fair adaptations or are new to the story, I highly recommend this version. It’s a visually stunning production that stays true to the novel. ITV did a remarkable job bringing Thackeray’s “Story Without a Hero” to life in a compelling and entertaining way.
Where to Watch: Vanity Fair is streaming on Amazon Prime
Content: The series is rated TV-14 with some mild war violence and a few profanities. Physical intimacy is implied rather than explicitly shown.
