The Picture of Dorian Gray

The vast array of Wilde's subject matter just doesn't quite fit into a 2-hour movie length feature. Most of the time it feels like we're trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. But there are some great scenes, with excellent noirish lightning, some excellent script choices & social critique and the feeling of tragedy. It falls far short of being an out and out classic though.

I wish we could see a bit more of Dorian Gray's corruption, but otherwise this a magnificent atmospheric tale with some wonderful reveals.

Good Movie, Angela Lansbury singing that yellow bird song got stuck in my head

Lewin's stately original remains the best of several adaptations of Wilde's darkly witty fable.

Wilde's novel receives as perceptive a treatment as could be expected from Lewin. Impeccably epigrammatic deliveries from Hatfield as Dorian and Sanders as an evil cad, plus the irresistible pathos of Lansbury's innocent songstress.

The picture succeeds greatly as a visual adaptation of the story which is reinforced through the acting performances. The camerawork, the use of shadows and reflections mirror the twisted existence of the main character that unravels at a decent pace without seeming rushed. Would have hoped for more exquisite dialogue and presence of Sanders, who has the ability to liven up films like this.

Masterful, brilliant Wilde adaptation shares something in common with THE EXORCIST – both commit so completely to the idea of an amoral, venal Devil that, even if you are non-believer, the utter conviction in the telling can still strike and unsettle (especially during the still horrifying images of the portrait). Outstanding performances, highlighted by Hatfield’s ghoulish, other-worldy portrait of Dorian; Sanders and Lansbury equally memorable. A gripping and quite wonderful masterpiece.

This is a very classy and surprisingly faithful adaptation of Wilde's novel. There are changes, but most are pretty superficial. George Sanders is the real standout here as Lord Wotton, Wilde's stand-in, but Angela Lansbury really shines in a very early role too. I had doubts at first about Hurd Hatfield's extremely restrained version of Gray, but as the film goes on, he's immensely creepy.

This one had to be pretty tough to adapt during the times of the Code. A lot of Dorian's sort of "descent into sin" can't really be shown, so basically all we see is that he tells two women he won't marry them, then everyone is talking about what a horrible lascivious reputation he's gained. It does a lot more telling than showing.

The brief peak moments scattered around are so effective in this bleak and grotesque story, shot in the most beautiful manner possible. The vanity of it all is so incredible! Totally adored it!

Bland. Only thing worth mentioning are the scenes with the painting. This film is just dialogue and narration.

watched: 2016, 2023

82.500

Odd but definitely worth a watch.

Fantastik soslu bir dönem trajedisi olarak değerlendirildiğinde temiz ve başarılı bir film olduğu söylenebilir, lakin mevzu uyarlama kısmına gelince işler biraz karışıyor. Gerçi bu durum filmin sorunu değil, Wilde'ın romanının fiziksel olarak ortaya koyulması çok zor bir metin olmasından kaynaklanıyor büyük ölçüde.

terrible casting for Dorian Gray.

Lewin's Dorian Gray is still quite vital and contemporary, and Sanders steals the show with his wonderful supporting performance as Lord Wotton.

Classic story that has more recently been remade to hell, but this version is a great film adaptation that is intriguing and frightening.

I think there are significant episodes missing, but it already runs a bit long. Notable are the brief flashes of Technicolor. It's a nifty trick, and is wisely held back for special occasions. Less effective are the repeated ominous shots of the cat god statue. Hatfield gives a not particularly memorable performance, but one with a few nice subtleties. Sanders is the perfect choice for delivering Wilde's misanthropic quips. Very watchable and sometimes riveting, made me want to re-read the book.

81.250

Always find that Oscar Wilde translates well to screen. This is a mediocre retelling that still contains a few decent performances.

"The Picture of Dorian Gray isn't awful, though it's certainly an instance in which an outright debacle would have made a much more interesting film." - Fernando F. Croce

Though I must admit I prefer "the Photocopy of dorian gray's arse". Extra points if you know where that comes from

Decent adaptation of a book that deserves better. The Egyptian cat thing was stupid.

An excellent adaptation of Oscar Wilde's novel. Notice a few references to the author himself. Also, this is a nice decade piece for filmography, as you can see some shots, such as focus pieces such as a letter in front, as well as action in the background. Amazing story.

Excellent film.