Dorian Gray (2009) 6.2
A corrupt young man somehow keeps his youthful beauty eternally, but a special painting gradually reveals his inner ugliness to all. Director:Oliver Parker |
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Dorian Gray (2009) 6.2
A corrupt young man somehow keeps his youthful beauty eternally, but a special painting gradually reveals his inner ugliness to all. Director:Oliver Parker |
|
| Watch Trailer 0Share... |
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Ben Barnes | ... | ||
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John Hollingworth | ... |
Patrol Policeman
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| Cato Sandford | ... |
Rent Boy
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Pip Torrens | ... | |
| Fiona Shaw | ... | ||
| Ben Chaplin | ... | ||
| Caroline Goodall | ... |
Lady Radley
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| Maryam d'Abo | ... | ||
| Michael Culkin | ... | ||
| Colin Firth | ... | ||
| Emilia Fox | ... | ||
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Nathan Rosen | ... | |
| Jeff Lipman | ... |
Lord Kelso
(as Jeffrey Lipman Snr)
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Louise Kempton | ... |
Prostitute
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| Douglas Henshall | ... | ||
Fresh-faced and innocent, Dorian Gray arrives in London to move into the house he has inherited. Almost immediately he falls under the influence of amoral and calculating Lord Henry Wotton, leading to a life of increasing debauchery and even violence. Through many years Gray stays as young-looking as ever, while a portrait painted when he arrived grows old, reflecting his increasing excesses. Eventually the picture, now secreted in his attic, becomes almost hideous to behold. When true love finally enters his life he realises he must guard his secret at all costs. Written by Jeremy Perkins {J-26}
I've been puzzled by the negative reviews i've seen for this as i really enjoyed it. It looks superb, with some excellent atmospheric Victorian locations. Ben Barnes is perfect as Dorian, good looking but not bland & still sympathetic throughout the film. The character of Emily which has been invented for the film works very well, and Colin Firth is magnificent in his pivotal role. Dorians gradual deprivation is well shown without heading off into exploitation and he is given real depth. His tragedy is very obvious.I must admit to not having read the original book as yet, but I do intend to now. I really enjoyed it but for its full benefit I recommend seeing it at the cinema.