Great Expectations

About Great Expectations

Great Expectations is a British film directed by David Lean and released in the year 1946. The film is based on Charles Dickens' novel of the same name and follows the story of a young orphan named Pip who faces various unexpected turns as he moves from poverty to high society. His life changes when an anonymous benefactor enables him to become a gentleman.

Making / Production

Great Expectations was produced by Ronald Neame and directed by David Lean. It was a cinematic adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel and was shot in the U.K. The screenplay was a team effort from Lean, Ronald Neame, and Anthony Havelock-Allan.

Actors

• John Mills played the adult Pip. Mills embodied the complexity of his character, conveys Pip's growth from a lowly blacksmith's apprentice to a sophisticated gentleman.
• Alec Guinness played Herbert Pocket. This was Guinness’ first significant film role, and he won acclaim for his charming portrayal of Pip’s friend and confidant.
• Martita Hunt as Miss Havisham. She compellingly portrayed the eccentric recluse who orchestrates a cruel revenge plot using Pip and her adopted daughter Estella.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie marked the first time a British film had ever won the 'Best Picture' Oscar.
• Alec Guinness, who later became famous for his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars, made his noteworthy big-screen debut in this film.

Awards

The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay, winning two of the five for Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction.

Quotes

• "We are not free to follow our own devices, you and I." - Estella
• "You're part of my existence, part of myself." - Pip

Music, Soundtrack

• The movie's haunting score was composed by Walter Goehr, which greatly contributes to the film’s atmospheric and poignant tone.
• The film's main orchestral theme was utilized for the numerous pivotal scenes, reinforcing the narrative's emotional resonance.