For actor Matthias Schoenaerts, playing the steadfast shepherd Gabriel Oak in the big-screen adaptation of “Far from the Madding Crowd” by Thomas Hardy was a profound experience. The 37-year-old Belgian says that the character helped him shape his personal life.
The literary classic adapted to film, “Far From the Madding Crowd” starring Carrey Mulligan launched with a very impressive numbers at the US box-office following warm and rave reception from critics and audience alike when it opened on a limited release.
Based on the novel of the same title by Thomas Hardy, “Far From the Madding Crowd” is the story of Bathsheeba Everdene, an independent, beautiful and headstrong woman who attracts three very different but very determined suitors: Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts), a sheep farmer, captivated by her willfulness; Frank Troy (Tom Sturridge), a handsome and reckless Sergeant; and William Boldwood (Michael Sheen), a prosperous and mature bachelor.
Based on the literary classic by Thomas Hardy, “Far From The Madding Crowd” is the story of Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan), a fiercely independent and spirited young woman who inherits her uncle’s farm. Financially autonomous (a rarity in Victorian times), beautiful and headstrong - she attracts three very different but determined suitors: Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts), a sheep farmer, captivated by her willfulness; Frank Troy (Tom Sturridge), a handsome and reckless Sergeant; and William Boldwood (Michael Sheen), a prosperous and mature bachelor.
Leaving pages unturned, 20th Century Fox opens 2015 with its line-up of book-to-film adaptations from the of the bestselling and acclaimed tomes that came up in recent years – “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed, “The Secret Service” by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons, “The Longest Ride” from Nicholas Sparks, “Far From the Madding Crowd” by Thomas Hardy , “The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials” by James Dashner, “The Fantastic Four” from Marvel Comic legends Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, “Paper Towns” by John Green, “Victor Frankenstein” based on Mary Shelley’s 19th century classic novel, Snoopy and friends debut on screen too in “Peanuts Movie” (2016) and Andy Weir’s “The Martian” are the studio’s book-to-movie offerings this year.
