Oliver Twist
by Charles Dickens
Marboro Books (1992 edition)

Reviewed by: Kevin Quinn

It may seem odd to review Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist, which was originally published in 1897. However, the richness of the tale and the strength of the message are not out of date in the 21st Century. Upon learning that this classic is coming to the big screen at the end of September, I decided to re-read Dickens' second novel in advance of seeing the movie.

Oliver Twist tells the story of an orphaned boy in 19th century England who is taken in by a motley crew of pickpockets. As such, it offers a stark fictional setting to portray the considered strength that good has over evil intentions.

The 19th century backdrop, the well-known tale and anticipated modern touches are sure to excite audiences when the film is released by SONY Pictures September 30th. As they did in their academy award winning film "The Pianist," director Roman Polanski and screenwriter Ronald Harwood will surely do justice to this popular Dickens' classic.

The character of Fagin, the lead villain with a passionate criminal philosophy, is played by Ben Kinglsy while Oliver is played by the newly introduced Barney Clark.

Dickens' portrayal of Oliver's unassuming good nature in spite of his troubles and the evil that surrounds him throughout the novel makes this a timeless tale, and provides a ray of hope to those who believe that good intentions, in the end, merit their just reward.

Saved by his benefactor, Mr. Brownlow, Oliver's "wrongs" are righted when Brownlow discovers the truth through Nancy, the girlfriend of master robber Bill Sykes. Placing her life in jeopardy, Nancy discloses all to Brownlow who nevertheless is unable to prevent Nancy's death at the villains' hands.

As he did with characters like Pip and Joe in Great Expectations and Madam Dafarge and Jerry Cruncher in the Tale of Two Cities, Dickens provides no less a colorful cadre of characters in Oliver Twist.

Dickens' introduction of Fagin as a "very old shriveled Jew, whose villainous-looking and repulsive face was obscured by a quantity of matted hair" - may reopen old wounds. Ben Kingsly, who has never shied away from difficult roles, seems the right choice to portray this controversial character.

Controversy of a similar sort awaits the May 2006 film version of the Da Vinci Code.

At the other end of the spectrum audiences will no doubt enjoy characters like Artful Dodger, the quick and cunning lead thief in Fagin's pickpocket gang who artfully picks an unsuspecting passerby's pocket and then dodges capture. And who can forget Bumble, the spineless miser beadle, who is in charge of Oliver during his tenure at the orphanage. Other rich characters stand out as well, like Mr. Sowerberry, the undertaker who takes Oliver from the orphanage and first puts him to work.

A novel of this detail and length certainly cannot be reproduced in its entirety on film. SONY Pictures has provided a helpful guide (www.sonypictures.com/movies/olivertwist/index.html) which Dickens' fans may want to consult so as not to be disappointed when they see the film.

One of the interesting revelations not reproduced in the film is Mr. Brownlow's discovery that Monks is Oliver's half brother. In the novel, Monks seeks to keep secret from Oliver the inheritance and history of their family. Instead of the ultimate discovery by Oliver of a box that contains his family's history he so longed to understand, Fagin leaves him a box of stolen items. Ah, Hollywood!

Despite this exclusion, the film, like the novel, will likely be an enjoyable one for all ages, including high schoolers who are enjoying the novel for the first time and adults who need a reminder of the fact that good people can overcome their circumstances.