Movie: Dorian Gray

At first glance Dorian Gray is just another adaptation of another classic book. If you look closer though, the mysteriously dark air surrounding this gothic horror remake gives the film an unexpected edge…

Dorian Gray is the classic story of the desperate desire for eternal youth. Based on Oscar Wilde’s 1890 novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oliver Parker’s adaptation tries carefully not to stray too far from the novel but can, refreshingly, stand alone as a film on its own as well.

Brilliantly cast with some of the finest British actors of our time – Ben Barnes, Colin Firth, Ben Chaplin and Rebecca Hall – Dorian Gray reveals the treachery and squalor of Victorian London in all of its glory.

Dorian Gray, played by Barnes, is the epitome of youth and beauty. He arrives in London as a somewhat (gorgeous) naïve and excited young gentleman. However, as all good classics go, it isn’t long before corruption comes out to play and he is led astray by the mystifying and dishonest Henry Wotton (Firth). Dorian is persuaded by artist Basil Howard (Chaplin) to let him paint his portrait. When it is unveiled, Dorian achieves celebrity status and he becomes obsessed by his own beauty. He makes a pledge to give anything – mind, body and soul included – to stay as he is in the masterpiece.

Filled with wild aspirations from Wotton and immense praise by Howard, Dorian becomes a deceitful, arrogant and ruthless former shadow of himself. His wild antics continue, as does the haunting of his painting, and he eventually moves from London to escape the mistakes of his vile vanity. Dorian returns 25 years later, but not even he could have predicted what was in store for him.

Adorned with the deadly sins of pride, lust, greed and anger, Dorian Gray makes for incredibly intense viewing at times. It is far more gruesome that one might expect from an Oscar Wilde adaptation, but the much-welcomed humour is intelligent comic relief.

The film is worth seeing simply for Firth’s exceptional performance – he completely lights up the screen. It wouldn’t be absurd to say he even holds the film together at points in his dark, yet comedic, role which is a million miles away from his usual casting as Mr. Romcom. Barnes portrays Dorian with utmost professionalism and believability as well – it is certain to open him up to many larger-than-life future character roles.

Parker has done a fantastic job in not letting this be a run-down version of the book, as so many remakes tend to be. Though there are scenes in the film that will make you cringe, all is forgiven when you remember it is an Oscar Wilde creation, after all.

A definite must-see for all film-lovers, but don’t go in expecting the period drama it has been labelled as – it is far from what you would ever expect.

Check out Dorian Gray screening times near you at odeon.co.uk and watch the official trailer below.