Oliver! (1968) Review

Title: Oliver!
Year: 1968
Director: Carol Reed
Country: UK
Language: English

In the 60's Academy Award voters fell in love with movie musicals as Best Picture went to a musical 4 times (West Side Story, My Fair Lady, Sound of Music & Oliver!) in a 6 year period (1962-1968). Oliver! would be the last musical to win the prestigious award until 2002's Chicago.

After being sold to a mortician, young orphan Oliver Twist (Mark Lester) runs away and meets a group of boys trained to be pickpockets by an elderly mentor in 1830s London.

Directed by Carol Reed, who is known for The Third Man, Oliver! is an adaptation of a stageplay, which is an adaptation of Charles Dicken's novel. Oliver Twist was meant to be an indictment regarding the poor treatment of the working class, whereas Oliver! takes dark subject matter and removes its social critique; making material escapist entertainment. 

As escapist entertainment it is quite joyful. I loved the musical numbers like Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two & Who Will Buy?  The latter is absolutely astonishing when it comes to choreography, cinematography and set design. I can't imagine how difficult it was to film that number. This is a musical that will leave you in awe. 

Oliver! has some great acting; I was especially amused by Ron Moody as Fagin. He deservedly won his Oscar for Best Actor as he is one of cinema's best anti-hero's. I was very impressed by this picture and would recommend repeated viewings. 

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