British Comedy Guide
The Personal History Of David Copperfield. David Copperfield (Dev Patel). Copyright: Film4
Dev Patel

Dev Patel

  • Actor

Press clippings

Armando Iannucci works comedic wonders with Dickens's endlessly re-interpretable Victorian narrative. Dev Patel leads an astonishing array of players, cast with a colour-blind inclusivity that broadens the scope and reach of this film beyond that of previous Dickens adaptations.

Mark Kermode, The Observer, 27th December 2020

The headline might be the tremendously successful colour-blind casting (including a delightful Dev Patel as David) but Armando Iannucci's take on his favourite Dickens novel is a triumph for so many reasons. It's terrifically cinematic in a way few Dickens adaptations ever are, positively springing from the screen. And by drawing out and seamlessly embellishing on Dickens's humorous touches, Iannucci and co-writer Simon Blackwell turn the whole thing into an extremely affectionate comedy, and help us see the author in a new light. Outrageously nominated for just one BAFTA, it's one of the best British period pieces in years.

Emma Simmonds, The List, 16th December 2020

Armando Iannucci among DDA Spotlight Award winners

The new honour has been established to recognise diversity in inclusion in cinema. UK writer-director Iannucci will be honoured for his latest feature, The Personal History Of David Copperfield, which has an inclusive cast led by Dev Patel.

Michael Rosser, Screen Daily, 13th November 2020

The Personal History of David Copperfield review

Armando Iannucci both respects and reinvents the novel in a wonderfully entertaining adaptation full to bursting with fantastic comic performances.

Mark Kermode, The Observer, 26th January 2020

Review: The Personal History of David Copperfield

This exuberant multi-ethnic version of David Copperfield sparkles with the spirit of Britain today... without abandoning its Victorian roots.

Brian Viner, Daily Mail, 24th January 2020

The Personal History of David Copperfield review

A gentle period comedy that lacks Armando Iannucci's signature bite.

Steve Dinneen, City AM, 24th January 2020

David Copperfield adaptation is brilliantly inclusive

Dickens's story is very funny in The Thick Of It mastermind's hands with a bonus of wonderful casting.

Cath Clarke, The Big Issue, 24th January 2020

The Personal History of David Copperfield review

A much needed update to a classic story, Armando Iannucci paves the way for the modern period piece.

Becky Kukla, The Digital Fix, 22nd January 2020

Review: The Personal History of David Copperfield

Dev Patel leads a vast ensemble cast that is the great strength of this adaptation.

Danny Leigh, The Financial Times, 22nd January 2020

Review - The Personal History of David Copperfield

It is a rollicking ride. A bit too rollicking, if I'm honest, careening through the 350,000 word novel at breakneck speed.

Susan Singfield, Bouquets & Brickbats, 22nd January 2020

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