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The Portrait of a Lady (1996)

PG_13 144 min  -  Drama | Romance  -   17 January 1997 (USA)
6.0
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Ratings: 6.0/10 from 6,164 users   Metascore: 61/100 
Reviews: 60 user | 38 critic | 17 from Metacritic.com

Isabel Archer, an American heiress and free thinker travels to Europe to find herself. She tactfully rebuffs the advances of Caspar Goodwood... See full summary »

Director:

Jane Campion

Writers:

Henry James (novel), Laura Jones (screenplay)
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Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 6 wins & 8 nominations See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Nicole Kidman ...
John Malkovich ...
Barbara Hershey ...
Mary-Louise Parker ...
Martin Donovan ...
Shelley Winters ...
Richard E. Grant ...
Shelley Duvall ...
Christian Bale ...
Viggo Mortensen ...
Valentina Cervi ...
John Gielgud ...
Roger Ashton-Griffiths ...
Catherine Zago Catherine Zago ...
Mother Superior
Alessandra Vanzi Alessandra Vanzi ...
Nun #2
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Storyline

Isabel Archer, an American heiress and free thinker travels to Europe to find herself. She tactfully rebuffs the advances of Caspar Goodwood, another American who has followed her to England. Her cousin, Ralph Touchett, wise but sickly becomes a soulmate of sorts for her. She makes an unfortunate alliance with the creepy Madame Merle who leads her to make an even more unfortunate alliance with Gilbert Osmond, a smooth but cold collector of Objets' de art who seduces her with an intense but unattainable sexuality. Isabel marries Osmond only to realize she's just another piece of art for his collection and that Madame Merle and Osmond are lovers who had hatched a diabolical scheme to take Isabel's fortune. Isabel's only comfort is the innocent daughter of Osmond, Pansy, but even that friendship is spoiled when Countess Gemini, Osmond's sister, reveals the child's true parentage... Written by Teresa B. <O'Donnell@worldnet.att.net>  

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Art | American | Friendship | Europe | Travel  | See more »

Genres:

Drama | Romance

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for mature sensuality and some brief nudity See all certifications »
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Details

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English | Italian

Release Date:

(USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Retrato de una dama See more »

Filming Locations:

England, UK See more »

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$134,805 (USA) (29 December 1996) (7 Screens)

Gross:

$3,692,836 (USA) (24 February 1997)
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Company Credits

Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Susan Sarandon was originally cast to play Madame Merle, but had to pull out when the shooting schedule was delayed and interfered with the beginning of her daughter's school year. Barbara Hershey played the role instead, and received her first Academy Award nomination for her performance. See more »

Goofs

Continuity: During the ball scene, a full orchestra can be heard while only a chamber orchestra (less than ten people) appears on the screen. See more »

Quotes

Ralph Touchett: I love you but without hope.
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Crazy Credits

Jane Campion thanks her family, Colin, Alice and Richard, for their generous support, suggestions and encouragement during the making of this film. See more »

Connections

Referenced in Kidman on Kubrick (1999) See more »

Soundtracks

"Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, BWV 1041"
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Courtesy of Audio Action See more »