Which is a long winded way of putting it, but ultimately … ?
Ultimately, it’s what the 2009 film version of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray — just called Dorian Gray — actually is, I think …
It’s … curious …
I think …
And yet, I’m not too sure it I could put my finger in exactly what makes it so curious.
Because it’s not like — for example — the blood-fest that the Francis Ford Coppola cut of Dracula was, I know that.
It’s more — in tone — like the Kenneth Branagh take on Frankenstein.
And, had Adrian not popped in with Dorian Gray, I’m not sure I’d’ve watched it: not off me own back …
Having said that, Adrian, bless ’im, did make the very valid point that watching the film of the book is sometimes an easier way to follow the plot …
Hmmm …
You can tell it’s late, can’t you, I’m a touch incoherent …
The 2009, Oliver Parker version of Dorian Gray sees the eponymous hero — played by Ben Barnes — come to London as a young man and seduced into the big city’s social whirl by Lord Henry Wotton, played competently by Colin Firth*.
And — whilst being painted by London based artist, Basil Hallward — pledges anything, even his soul, if he were to remain as youthful as his portrait …
•••••
Adrian, is it tempting to use the line, “ … with hilarious results”, here, or is that just me … ?
•••••
Because the results aren’t really that funny: the picture ages and decays, leaving Dorian looking as pristine as the day it was painted.
Despite Dorian’s heavy life style: wine, women, song, sex, drugs, rock and roll, piano recitals, and more of the above, whenever the chance presents itself.
Until, ultimately, he genuinely falls in love and — spurred on by Wotton, himself — decides to destroy the painting, in the midst of the fire triggered, in part, by Wotton’s daughter.
•••••
Now, there’s that word, ultimately, again …
Ultimately, I know this is a film that a couple of friends of mine — Kevin D and Cindy — didn’t take to.
Which left me with mixed feelings.
But, having seen it — and seen it in good company — I think I’m quietly going to disagree, there.
I think this is a film that, whilst slow paced, is worth checking out. There’s an emotional tone here, that I think we’d find hard put to see anywhere else.
Which is what, I think, makes it a rarity amongst horror films.
An adult film that aims to make you look at the bad side of things.
And whether to enjoy it or kill it …
∞∞∞∞∞
* Competently: but without the devilish glee of George Saunders’ version of the character, in the 1945 version.
We saw the trailer ages ago and thought it looked worth a look, will probably still try when it's on.
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