The Picture of Dorian Gray

Is it possible to combine The Picture of Dorian Gray, Great Expectations, and Macbeth? Clearly yes, and the result is a film of impressive emotional depth and creativity. Wilde's story may seem timeless, but Dorian's depravity, rather sketchy in the novel, can be difficult to convey to modern audiences. Through the device of making the main characters female, and with the benefit of at once lush and moody cinematography, the illicit romance of Dorian for a younger woman works well here, all the better for being almost entirely implied (there's a single kiss). The film transcends its low budget limitations; though filmed in Italy, there are few exterior shots, but one hardly notices. Leone Kessel and Lizzie Willis give convincing performances with real chemistry, and Kessel nails Dorian Gray's combination of bitter cynicism and seductive romanticism with a performance that never entirely loses the viewer's sympathy. The horror aspect of the infamous picture representing Dorian's corrupted and corrupting soul is suggested but not overdone. The narrator turns out to be Rula Lenska, though I feel her narration sometimes makes explicit what would be better left implicit. A few Wildean touches such as blue china and copious cocktails help set the decadent mood. Overall, this subtle but emotional adaptation represents independent filmmaking at its best.