Top cast help churn out fine Fair

Vanity Fair, the William Makepeace Thackeray classic of social ambition, comes to the screen in lavish splendour…though not without its flaws.

Vanity Fair

Director: Mira Nair

Cast: Reece Witherspoon, Eileen Atkins, Jim Broadbernt, Gabriel Byrne, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Bob Hoskins, Geraldine McEwan, Rhys Ifans, James Purefoy

Cert: 12.

The William Makepeace Thackeray classic of social ambition comes to the screen in lavish splendour…though not without its flaws.

Becky Sharp, played with endearing skill by Witherspoon, is one of literature’s best-loved characters, a lady with a strong determination to better herself, with no holds barred.

Those whose paths she crosses certainly know they have been at the centre of a storm. And all of this, with the help of a wonderful cast, is delightful to see.

The problem is that director Nair seems unable to allow the complex plot to develop at its own pace, with the result that the film almost scurries along.

Nevertheless it is a treat for the eye and in Witherspoon we have a young lady we wouldn’t mind being storm-tossed with.

Star Rating: 4/5.