Does the Great Expectations trailer meet its own great expectation?

Adapting classic literature onto the big screen is a delicate process that, more often than not, never quite turns out to be as admirably classic as the source book. Like mothers of newborns, we film and book enthusiasts are highly protective of our classic novels, and turning the preserved genius over to major film studios always brings on major skepticism.

With news that the latest rendition of The Great Gatsby (starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan) has changed its winter release to a summer 2013 theatrical debut, Great Expectations may be the next literature-based film adaptation to hit theaters.

The international trailer for director Mike Newell's (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) translation of the Charles Dickens classic has been released. From the looks of it, the film will take a rather morose and dark stab at the story that, over time, has not translated so well to screen. Helena Bonham Carter provides some promising moments as the looney Miss Havisham, but we'll have to wait for the film's release, or at least an American trailer, to get a true idea as to if Newell's gritty looking version, complete with a seasoned cast, will help right the wrongs of the film's long past.