The Movie of Dorian Gray
March 21, 2010 10:36 am from book to filmIf you didn’t catch Dorian Gray at the cinema, but are going to pick it up from Tesco now it’s out on DVD, here’s my advice:
Don’t.
As many Oscar Wilde lovers will know, one of the best things about his only novel is the subtlety and insinuation; the things that you don’t see, but hear tales of and hints of. The relationship between Basil and Dorian that is artistic, bizarre and ultimately fatal. Basil’s awe and wonderment of Dorian, that he looks to him as a being of perfection, almost as a deity or shrine, but without the obsession.
There is none of that. None.
No subtlety, no suggestions, and Basil and Dorian’s relationship actually made myself and three friends burst out laughing (completely unintentionally) at one point in the cinema. Whoops.
Colin Firth and Ben Barnes were, as always, brilliant – but the characters were not as Mr Wilde intended (or so I believe).
Oh yes, and the painting. Now, unless you pictured the painting to be crawling with maggots, and actually reach out of the canvas to touch Dorian, you probably won’t like it.
And if you have read the novel, and liked the film – shame on you.