VANITY FAIR is a well-mounted adaptation of the classic William Makepeace Thackeray novel, a story which follows the life and loves of Becky Sharp, a girl who rises from nothing to become the cream of society. Unfortunately it turns out to lack the wit and flair of an Austen novel or the drama of a Bronte book, although whether this is due to the author or not I can't tell as I haven't read the book.Still, VANITY FAIR is a lavish costume drama in any respect, and it's absolutely packed to the rafters with familiar faces beloved to those who watch British TV and film. My only complaint is, alas, a central one: Reese Witherspoon. Her British accent is acceptable, but her acting is hollow, and I wonder why a British actress wasn't cast in the role instead. Romola Garai is much better than Witherspoon and she's only in support; a shame she didn't take the lead role.The film has an episodic feel to it and it feels a little flabby in places, although the talented cast help bring the tale to life. Highlights include James Purefoy as a romantic interest and Bob Hoskins as an eccentric Baronet, with Elaine Atkins and Geraldine McEwan shining as a pair of sharp-tongued spinsters. Rhys Ifans gives the best performance I've seen from him yet, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers is fine too. The scenes dealing with war and conflict are fine, but Indian director Mira Nair is obsessed with shoehorning needless Indian content into the production, which spoils it somewhat.

The plot is far too condensed for a movie, and this might be the fatal flaw. The dramas of the book were lost in the movie, and the movie is difficult to follow and scenes just jump from one drama to the other. However, the cinematography, costumes, etc, make this a fun movie to watch. For some reason, we in this day and age like to forget about the smell of London in prior centuries, when men and women p'd in the street, or in the halls and/or emptied their p pots in the streets. This movie is no exception. Every scene deserves an award for costumes, and cinematography. The female characters are showing cleavage before the pm...How odd, but fun to watch.

Yes, ''Vanity Fair'' is a good movie, but sadly it's not very much faithful to the novel, which is one of my favorite novels.Just see the differences: are there any similarities between the Becky of the novel and the Becky of the movie? In the novel, we start to hate Becky Sharp. Again in the novel, Becky is presented with a selfish and wicked character, a character WITHOUT a soul. But in the movie--- she has emotions and she is a good person despite her wicked dreams.If you don't read the novel but only watch the movie, then you will like this movie. In fact, I also like this movie very much, but I'm sad because of it's lack of faithfulness towards the novel.And now, the songs are truly wonderful. Take an example of ''Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal'' and ''She Walks in Beauty''. Aren't these songs wonderful? The musical effects of the film is very good.And the casting: it's excellent!!! I like the performances of all of them: Reese Witherspoon, James Purefoy, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Romola Garai, Rhys Ifans, Bob Hoskins, Gabriel Byrne, Jim Broadbent and others.In short, the whole movie is good but is not much faithful to the novel. Yes, it's faithful, but some elements in the movie truly disappointed me.

First things off, the book is such a wonderful work, however it is also a mammoth and sprawling one. The film is a valiant attempt but doesn't work entirely. It does have some good points, especially the luscious cinematography, sets, costumes and location work, and the superb support playing of Bob Hoskins, Eileen Atkins, Rhys Ifans and Jim Broadbent, while most of the music was a delight to listen to and there are moments of well-written dialogue. However, there are other moments of dialogue that don't ring true, especially with that of the lead character. Reese Witherspoon does try very hard in the role, but, more the fault of the writers, she comes across as too charming and too likable. The story doesn't seem to have a structure either, if anything it is a series of scenes that succeed one another, while the film at various points feel both rushed and draggy. While I did like the music, there is a dance scene that feels so anachronistic in style(musically and choreographically) and how it was placed in the film it feels like a different movie altogether. All in all, lacks conviction and is disappointing, but at least the film looks good and has a cast that give their all. 4/10 Bethany Cox