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Dorian Gray - a date for your diary!
13th October 2009
This latest Oliver Parker film is based on the novel, ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’, by Oscar Wilde. The film tells the story of a young man, played by Ben Barnes (Narnia’s Prince Caspian), who moves to London. He is shown the city by Henry Wotton, an older man who reveals to him a side of the city he never imagined, telling him how to enjoy himself and to take advantage of his stunning good looks and youth. Henry is played by Colin Firth who has starred in St Trinian’s and Bridget Jones’ Diary, and almost surprisingly never emerges soaked to the skin in a white shirt in this film.
Despite being heavily corrupted and immersed in this party lifestyle, Dorian manages to maintain his strong morals and naivety, but not for long. He is given, as a gift, a portrait of himself from his friend, Basil, and realising that it will stay young while he will continue to age, he inadvertently says that he would give his soul to stay young forever (be careful what you wish for!). One day he meets a beautiful young actress called Sibyl Vane, and the pair quickly fall in love, but his insatiable appetite for pleasure threatens to push them apart, and his portrait begins to mirror the ugliness of his soul.
Just under two hours long, this film is the perfect length, allowing the story to move at a good pace. Despite there being a very dark atmosphere to the film, there is a good balance of horror and humour, and some colourful party scenes. Ben Barnes plays his character perfectly, showing the slow transition from a shy young boy to a mischievous seducer. We see this in one particularly funny scene, but even if he was not as good an actor it would be forgivable. However, there are a few gory moments and some bits that might make you jump.
Even if you’re not a fan of Victorian literature, there are several themes in the film that are still very relevant today, such as the pursuit of everlasting youth and beauty, and the constant desire of for enjoyment, no matter the consequences. If nothing else appeals to you, girls, then it is definitely worth it to see Ben Barnes alone. As for the boys, there are the two main actresses, Rachel Hurd-Wood who plays Sybil and Rebecca Hall.
All in all, Dorian Gray is a very entertaining film that appeals to all audiences, over fifteen. It will make you laugh, cry, scream and sigh at all the right moments, and can be watched for any occasion. The director, Oliver Parker directed Easy Virtue as well as St Trinian’s and it’s sequel which will be coming out around Christmas. Dorian Gray will be showing at the Courtyard from Saturday November 7 until Thursday 12, so put the date in your diary now!