Dorian Gray (Ben Barnes) is an innocent young man in his early twenties who just recently moved to London, his grandfather’s death has left him quite a wealthy man, with a significant estate and a privileged place in London’s Victorian society. Such a pure and naive character he immediately falls prey to Lord Henry Wotton’s (Colin Firth) influence, a corrupted and lecherous man who introduces him to a life of depravity, promiscuity and decadence.
Slowly, Dorian’s character starts to change, his vanity comes to a head when Basil Hallward (Ben Chaplin) wants to paint his picture, seeing himself in such a perfect portrait, Dorian decides he never wants to grow old. In a short and insignificant moment, he seals his fate forever!
Little remains of the innocent young man we met in the beginning of the story, selfish, perverted, violent, evil, Dorian doesn’t care who he has to hurt in his search for pleasure and adventure, he even manages to surpass his teacher, Lord Henry Wotton. But everything comes with a price and when Dorian meets the woman of his dreams it’s probably too late to erase the past, even if he tries to keep it locked in the attic!
I have to confess I was a little unsure about Ben Barnes as Dorian Gray, his character in Prince Caspian didn’t really convince me, I thought he was bland and unemotional, but that just goes to show how wrong we can be. This role fits him like a glove, his perfect face lends an ethereal air to the character, his beautiful smile is at the same time sweet, mocking and sarcastic, his blank stare never really shows us what he’s feeling, I never managed to warm up to him but then again we’re not supposed to, Dorian isn’t really a likeable character. If you remember Colin Firth‘s Mr. Darcy with fondness, or if you crave seeing his dark side again, you won’t be disappointed with Lord Henry Wotton, he’s a deliciously depraved man who, in contrast with Dorian Gray, can almost touch our hearts, especially at the very end.
I fell there was an enormous attention to detail in this movie, from the gorgeous sets, to the magnificent costumes, to the beautiful decorations, even the dirty and dark streets of London had their appeal. Everything was thought out to create a gothic world of horror and beauty so intertwined we can’t separate one from another, the colors, the music, I could almost smell the perfume and blood in the air during Dorian’s private parties.
There are a couple of raw and graphic scenes, just so you know, if you think you can handle it, I do recommend you pre-order this movie as soon as possible. From what I’ve gathered you either love or hate it, and if like me you’re entranced from the start, you’re sure in for a fantastic ride. I suggest you enjoy it! :-)
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Finally, this film appears here. In a nutshell, I dislike it, and actually stopped watching after 30 mins. Considering it is adapted from one of my favioure writers’ novel, I was thinking to turn to Oscar Wilde’s original script. Nevertheless, I’d love to see how those who love this film comment it :)
I haven’t read the book, Michelle, so I couldn’t really compare them in the review, as a movie I really enjoyed it. It did spike my curiosity enough to pick up the book, maybe I won’t like it as much when I’m finished with it. Who knows? ;-)
I want to see this!!! :o)
Ok, so I just discovered your blog and am in complete awe.
I have have had an obsessed infatuation for period dramas since as long as I can remember …
I will definitely come back here !
Your blog is lovely done, with good taste (they can usually be so tacky)
Congratulations and Happy New Year !
I loved this book as a teenager, but I don’t think it is as good when you read it as an adult … Very “dandy”. Lots of pretty description, but a tad short to make the story deep enough.
I must confess I quite enjoyed Ben Barnes in “Easy Virtue” (even tho the film was a complete disapointment …) and even in “Prince Caspian”, but just as a cute eye candy, since the film was sooo boring …
Now I’m looking forward to seeing this version of “Dorian Gray” !
Besos de Paris,
x x x
___mathyld___
This weekend I Saw Dorian Gray. And I really, really appreciate it.
Strong cast, great adaptation. Really enjoy it.
;)