This meme celebrates an awesome adaptation related to a weekly category. Any format of adaptation (television series, film, web series, etc.) is acceptable as long as it is based in some form on a book. This meme is hosted by Alisa Selene at PictureMeReading. Check out her site and join in on the fun!
An Awesome Adaptation of a Satire
Title: Dorian Gray
Adapted from: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
I love the wit and writing of Oscar Wilde and while The Picture of Dorian Gray is a Gothic drama exploring aestheticism that devolves into debauchery and violence and is not exactly light-hearted, it is full of thought-provoking commentary on human nature and the impulses people have that they feel they need to hide. The movie emphasizes the darkness of the tale, and becomes almost like a horror movie, while still retaining the humor in the observations, especially with Lord Henry Wotton's droll, thoughtless and charming personality. It's an interesting mixture, and definitely interesting to highlight the ugliness in Dorian Gray's character visually.
The story is so compelling because Dorian starts off an innocent, and we see his character grow more decadent and debauched all because he can hide it and there are no consequences to his actions. It's a fascinating, satrical commentary on what really limits human wickedness. I thought this film did a great job in capturing these sides to the story, while reimagining the narrative in a darker, more modern way. It isn't perfect, but the thought-provoking storyline with such a great cast of actors makes this a highly intriguing adaptation of a fantastic book.
The story is so compelling because Dorian starts off an innocent, and we see his character grow more decadent and debauched all because he can hide it and there are no consequences to his actions. It's a fascinating, satrical commentary on what really limits human wickedness. I thought this film did a great job in capturing these sides to the story, while reimagining the narrative in a darker, more modern way. It isn't perfect, but the thought-provoking storyline with such a great cast of actors makes this a highly intriguing adaptation of a fantastic book.
I saw this one in the cinema and have the DVD. I like it, even though it's a little silly in places. I've read about half of the book (need to get round to it again) and I know it deviates in quite a few places. But it's good fun, and I agree with you on this one! =)
ReplyDeleteI saw it in the cinema too - I was on vacation in London at the time, so it's good memories! :D I think a large part of the reason I like this film so much is the cast - so great!
DeleteYou know... I love this book but can't remember now if I've seen this movie? I am going to have to watch it again (or for the first time).
ReplyDeleteOh well worth a re-watch then! :) I was thinking it would be interesting to compare this version to the 1945 one, but that'll be for someday when I have time!
DeleteI have never seen this version actually..I am going to netflix it!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, I hope you enjoy it! It's not completely faithful to the book, I feel like I have to give an extra warning about that. :)
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