By Abby Rugg
The film adaptation of the much-loved bestseller, One Day, starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess sparkled across cinema screens this summer.
The film is an adaption from Nicholls’ novel and follows two University graduates – Emma, an incredibly intelligent and politically alert Yorkshire lass and Dexter, a socially confident and shallow man – from the night of their graduation, 15th July 1988.
The storyline follows Emma and Dexter over the period of 20 years, with every scene falling on the same day they met. However, when the couple’s lives spin in different directions, Emma (Hathaway) and Dexter (Sturgess) soon realise that they belong with each other.
It is a clever idea for the storyline: we see the chapters of Emma’s and Dexter’s lives through every scene and this creates a strong backbone for the film. Seeing the struggles that they face within each stage of their lives is relatable as well as emotional for the audience.
I couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed with the pace of the film. Their relationship does have some exciting touches but without the pop-up titles that appear on the screen telling us what year they’re in, I would have been lost with the storyline. I felt that the film needed some space to breathe; more laugh lines were required to pick up the pace of the plot.
American actress Anne Hathaway’s accent has been widely criticised. Or perhaps, it is her accents plural that have been mocked: she shifts from a soft-headed Northern to an extremely well-spoken lady; an accent that Renee Zellweger does so well in Bridget Jones’ Diary. Even though it may be deemed as too harsh a criticism, it does mar the film.
Jim Sturgess’ performance as Dexter was superb. He was charismatic and represented a relatable public schoolboy-smoothie who cannot resist a pretty face. His leading performance was fantastic throughout.
One Day is romantic and charming to watch. The book is seen as more cinematic than the film, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the screenplay. I urge you to see Lone Scherfig’s adaptation of David Nicholls’ outstanding novel – just don’t forget your tissues!
Production year: 2011
Countries: UK, USA
Cert (UK): 12A
Runtime: 108 minutes
Director: Lone Scherfig
Writer: David Nicholls (screenplay and book)
Cast: Anne Hathaway, Jim Sturgess, Jodie Whittaker, Ken Stott, Patricia Clarkson, Rafe Spall, Romola Garai
Photo used under Creative Commons by Wolf Gang.
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