Marty wrote on 08/26/2010:

This film departs from the original novel in some very interesting ways - e.g. moving it into the WWI time period. Colin Firth is a great actor - but the definitive Lord Harry (like Addison DeWitt) will forever belong to George Sanders. Ben Barnes (aka Prince Caspian) is pretty and does a very good job as Dorian. My only criticism is that Oscar Wilde's novel (and the original film version) did more to hint at DG's bisexuality than this film. I recall only 2 scenes in this movie where another man takes part in Dorian's sexcapades. Dance (overall quality) 10; looks (gay-appeal) 3.

Amos Lassen wrote on 05/20/2010:

“Dorian Gray”





One More Time





Amos Lassen



The popularity of “Dorian Gray” seems to last forever and there are always new versions of it being made into films. In this one Dorian (Ben Barnes) inherits a mansion and is seduced by the decadent lifestyle offered to him by Lord Henry Wotton (Colin Firth). He falls into complete moral corruption and decay, Basil Hallward (Ben Chaplin), Dorian’s friend, finishes a portrait of him that is unbelievably life-like and everyone is amazed. Dorian continues to keep his good looks but the painting gradually ages and eventually becomes ugly and evil looking as if to represent the debauched soul of Dorian himself. When he finally finds true love with one woman (Rebecca Hall), it is already too late.
Oscar Wilde originally wrote this story about the eternally youthful Dorian whose portrait reflects his inner turmoil and ugliness. In this version written by Toby Finlay there is psychological horror and this is director Oliver Parker’s third retelling of the story.
This is Faustian gothic horror that deals with homosexuality, hedonism and sexual abandon. It is a morality tale told through amorality and the pursuit of pleasures of the flesh. Parker abandons himself to the inherent pleasure in the world and uses Ben Barnes as Dorian. He is perfect physically. Firth is a delight in evil and he boils with wickedness. Chaplin as the painter is also excellent.
The film shocks from the moment it begins and it will charm any and every viewer. It is a period piece that is beautifully developed and the costumes and the sets fit perfectly. There is a wonderful undercurrent of realism and fantasy. The film itself is dark but the performances are solid. Beautifully shot and filmed, here is a “Dorian Gray” for today’s world.