This unbelievably frightening tale originates from the mind of Oscar Wilde as written in his novel, PORTRAIT OF DORIAN GRAY. Without this book, there would be no film. It is a tale of a vain young man who decides it is better to sell one's soul if only he can stay young and the painting can grow old in his place.
The director did a great job of capturing the gist of Wilde's story on film. The first time I saw it when I was much younger, it scared the wits out of me. I still find it incredibly creepy after all these years.
There is wonderful imagery and subliminal hints throughout the film. Notice the butterfly that Lord Henry captures,and then poisons - just at the same moment as he is filling young Dorian's mind with poisonous philosophy of hedonism. Notice when, after killing the beautiful butterfly with mineral spirits, he hands it to "beautiful" Dorian on a card with a pin through the creature. This is foreshadowing to the ending when Dorian destroys the portrait, and ultimately himself.
Also, the whole story with Sybil Vane, played by Angela Lansbury, is an allegory. She sings "Little Yellow bird" which is about a wild sparrow finding a caged canary in a mansion, but is unwilling to give up her freedom. Dorian ends up giving Sybil a caged canary - and she later becomes imprisoned by his diabolical plot which results ultimately in her losing her freedom (life).
Also, right before Dorian kills Basil the artist - Basil is quoting scripture to Dorian and you can see a cross highlighted in the door frame.
The cinematography is amazing here and deserving of the Oscar it won. The sets and costumes are lavish and get the full MGM treatment.
George Sanders is quite effective in his portrayal of the villainous Lord Henry. It's not much of a stretch as he perfected the cad character over many roles. His clipped British accent which he delivered in rapid fire was difficult to understand at times. I wasn't sure of what to make of Hurd Hatfiled's portrayal of Dorian at first. He seemed quite mannequin and wooden in his delivery. But I guess that was supposed to show how cold-hearted he was after selling his soul - and a soul-less person would be devoid of emotion. But I wonder if there could have been a flicker of conflict in his emotions, it would have made the audience more sympathetic to his plight. Angela Lansbury was just perfect for the Cockney saloon girl and quite lovely. Her singing voice was beautiful as well.
As stated in the movie "What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world but lose his soul?" This is definitely a morality tale told in a most creative and disturbing way.
The director did a great job of capturing the gist of Wilde's story on film. The first time I saw it when I was much younger, it scared the wits out of me. I still find it incredibly creepy after all these years.
There is wonderful imagery and subliminal hints throughout the film. Notice the butterfly that Lord Henry captures,and then poisons - just at the same moment as he is filling young Dorian's mind with poisonous philosophy of hedonism. Notice when, after killing the beautiful butterfly with mineral spirits, he hands it to "beautiful" Dorian on a card with a pin through the creature. This is foreshadowing to the ending when Dorian destroys the portrait, and ultimately himself.
Also, the whole story with Sybil Vane, played by Angela Lansbury, is an allegory. She sings "Little Yellow bird" which is about a wild sparrow finding a caged canary in a mansion, but is unwilling to give up her freedom. Dorian ends up giving Sybil a caged canary - and she later becomes imprisoned by his diabolical plot which results ultimately in her losing her freedom (life).
Also, right before Dorian kills Basil the artist - Basil is quoting scripture to Dorian and you can see a cross highlighted in the door frame.
The cinematography is amazing here and deserving of the Oscar it won. The sets and costumes are lavish and get the full MGM treatment.
George Sanders is quite effective in his portrayal of the villainous Lord Henry. It's not much of a stretch as he perfected the cad character over many roles. His clipped British accent which he delivered in rapid fire was difficult to understand at times. I wasn't sure of what to make of Hurd Hatfiled's portrayal of Dorian at first. He seemed quite mannequin and wooden in his delivery. But I guess that was supposed to show how cold-hearted he was after selling his soul - and a soul-less person would be devoid of emotion. But I wonder if there could have been a flicker of conflict in his emotions, it would have made the audience more sympathetic to his plight. Angela Lansbury was just perfect for the Cockney saloon girl and quite lovely. Her singing voice was beautiful as well.
As stated in the movie "What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world but lose his soul?" This is definitely a morality tale told in a most creative and disturbing way.