Almost a year ago, word arrived that The Hunt**’s Thomas Vinterberg was considering a new adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s 1874 novel Far From The Madding Crowd. Well, not only has he scored a top-notch cast that includes Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts, Tom Sturridge, Michael Sheen and Juno Temple, but he’s also kicked off filming in the UK.
Adapted by One Day’s David Nicholls, Crowd is the story of independent, beautiful and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene (Mulligan), who attracts three very different suitors: Gabriel Oak (Schoenaerts), a sheep farmer, captivated by her fetching wilfulness; Frank Troy (Sturridge), a handsome and reckless Sergeant; and William Boldwood (Sheen), a prosperous and mature bachelor.
The tale 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. Well that's what it says in our Eejit's Guide To Literature anyway.
“Far From The Madding Crowd is one of the most enduring and captivating stories in English literature. David Nicholls' script beautifully captures the heart of Hardy's original and we are thrilled to be bringing it to the big screen with Thomas Vinterberg. It is very exciting to be working with Carey Mulligan again, as well as an exceptional cast and crew all round,” says DNA Films producer Andrew Macdonald.
Vinterberg is cranking the cameras now and shooting will encompass Dorset, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and London, so be on the look out for an travelling circus of period costumes and stiff upper lips.