Post by Janette on Sept 13, 2009 17:33:03 GMT
SYNOPSIS
Oliver Parker paints a vivid picture of Dorian Gray in this rich, sweeping adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic novel.
Originally brought to the big screen in 1970, Dorian Gray follows the pursuits of a breathtakingly beautiful young man (Ben Barnes) whose portrait is painted by artist Basil Hallward (Ben Chaplin). Soon after, Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton (Colin Firth), a charismatic socialite who believes in nothing more than the pursuit of beauty and sensual pleasures. On hearing this, Dorian proclaims that he will remain exactly as he appears in the painting, pledging to sacrifice anything - even his soul - if the portrait will grow old instead of himself. So Dorian begins a life of debauchery and, as he wished, each sin is meted out on the picture as ghastly physical disfigurements. But while Dorian's appearance remains youthful and flawless, his soul cannot escape the consequences of his depraved actions...
Director: Oliver Parker
Starring: Ben Barnes, Colin Firth, Rebecca Hall, Ben Chaplin, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Emilia Fox
Running Time: 123 mins
Certificate: 15
I saw this Thursday evening and really enjoyed it. I love the 1945 original film (and have seen it loads of times) and also the actual book so as soon as I saw there was another version, I knew I had to see it. Colin Firth was brilliant as Lord Henry! However, if you're not totally au fait with the story, I guess this version could be a bit confusing. Just about the right length, but the ending was a bit of a let down IMHO. They could've done without the final 3 or 4 mins, it was a bit of an anti-climax. That said, I'll prob get it on DVD just cos I love the story Would be interested to know what anyone else thinks if they're going to see it - altho there were only about 12 people in the screening I attended! ;D When I mentioned to the youngsters at work that I was going, they said "never heard of it"
8/10
Oliver Parker paints a vivid picture of Dorian Gray in this rich, sweeping adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic novel.
Originally brought to the big screen in 1970, Dorian Gray follows the pursuits of a breathtakingly beautiful young man (Ben Barnes) whose portrait is painted by artist Basil Hallward (Ben Chaplin). Soon after, Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton (Colin Firth), a charismatic socialite who believes in nothing more than the pursuit of beauty and sensual pleasures. On hearing this, Dorian proclaims that he will remain exactly as he appears in the painting, pledging to sacrifice anything - even his soul - if the portrait will grow old instead of himself. So Dorian begins a life of debauchery and, as he wished, each sin is meted out on the picture as ghastly physical disfigurements. But while Dorian's appearance remains youthful and flawless, his soul cannot escape the consequences of his depraved actions...
Director: Oliver Parker
Starring: Ben Barnes, Colin Firth, Rebecca Hall, Ben Chaplin, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Emilia Fox
Running Time: 123 mins
Certificate: 15
I saw this Thursday evening and really enjoyed it. I love the 1945 original film (and have seen it loads of times) and also the actual book so as soon as I saw there was another version, I knew I had to see it. Colin Firth was brilliant as Lord Henry! However, if you're not totally au fait with the story, I guess this version could be a bit confusing. Just about the right length, but the ending was a bit of a let down IMHO. They could've done without the final 3 or 4 mins, it was a bit of an anti-climax. That said, I'll prob get it on DVD just cos I love the story Would be interested to know what anyone else thinks if they're going to see it - altho there were only about 12 people in the screening I attended! ;D When I mentioned to the youngsters at work that I was going, they said "never heard of it"
8/10