In case you missed it, filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg made an adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s literary classic "Far From The Madding Crowd," starring Carey Mulligan as Bathsheba Everdene, a woman who attracts many suitors who complicate her life: Matthias Schoenaerts, Tom Sturridge and Michael Sheen (Juno Temple also co-stars). It’s a weird one in that it was shot ages ago, pegged for Cannes last year, and then delayed an entire year, which isn’t a great sign. But it’s finally coming out, and a new trailer has arrived. Here’s the official synopsis:
Based on the literary classic by Thomas Hardy, FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD is the story of independent, beautiful and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan), who attracts three very different suitors: Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts), a sheep farmer, captivated by her fetching willfulness; Frank Troy (Tom Sturridge), a handsome and reckless Sergeant; and William Boldwood (Michael Sheen), a prosperous and mature bachelor. This timeless story of Bathsheba’s choices and passions explores the nature of relationships and love – as well as the human ability to overcome hardships through resilience and perseverance.
"Far From The Madding Crowd" opens in limited release on May 1st, which means it’s too early for Cannes 2015 in mid-may, but maybe Fox Searchlight can pull off a sleeper period-romance drama like “Belle” that was a modest hit last year (and surprisingly great).