Sneak peek: ‘Far From the Madding Crowd’

Brian Truitt, USA TODAY 5:30 a.m. EDT October 31, 2013

Carey Mulligan takes on the role of headstrong Bathsheba Everdene, a woman with three suitors.

“Hardy has a fantastic ability to put his characters in situations that mean life and death, so it’s a sweeping romance and a great drama at the same time.”

In the story, Bathsheba is courted by a trio of very different suitors: the well-to-do older bachelor William Boldwood (Michael Sheen), who makes her acquaintance after she inherits her uncle’s farm; the heedless young soldier Frank Troy (Tom Sturridge), who uses his swordplay to impress the girls; and Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts), the shepherd who keeps finding his way into Bathsheba’s life and is attracted to her attitude and passionate nature.

(via Sneak peek: ‘Far From the Madding Crowd’)