Video: Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Sheen from 'Far From the Madding Crowd'

Though published in 1874, Far From the Madding Crowd feels contemporary. The latest film adaptation of the classic breathes new life into the harrowing love story.

The collaboration between director Thomas Vinterberg and screenwriter David Nicholls is rich with bold imagery and poetic dialogue.

A strong-willed woman with her own fortune, Bathsheba (Carey Mulligan), refuses to be defined by a man. This means keeping devoted suitors at bay. But as she forms relationships with three very different men, her desire to be tamed threatens her independence.

A gentle sheep farmer, Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts), makes his intentions known to Bathsheba early on only to be rejected. Yet after he becomes her employee, the two develop an intense friendship and Bathsheba begins to see him in a new light.

We sat down with Schoenaerts to discuss why the role is a departure for him and why his character proves to be a suitable companion for the story's heroine.

(If you can't see the video here, you can watch it on YouTube.)

The enigmatic Mr. Boldwood (Michael Sheen) struggles to express his passion for Bathsheba but does reveal his wish to marry her. A man of wealth, he offers her a comfortable life — unable to comprehend her refusal to become a wife and lose her identity.

We spoke with Sheen about the tragic character's unwavering pursuit of Bathsheba and the unlikely friendship he forms with Gabriel despite him being a romantic rival.

(If you can't see the video here, you can watch it on YouTube.)

Far From the Madding Crowd is in theaters starting today.

As a book, film and pop culture journalist, Justine Browning, an on-camera reporter and red-carpet host, has interviewed celebrities such as Steve Carell and Meryl Streep. She's also an avid reader of romance novels. You can connect with her on Facebook and Twitter (@JusBrowning).