This newest adaptation of the Oscar Wilde novel casts Ben Barnes (PRINCE CASPIAN) as the title character. Dorian returns to London since he's inherited the estate of his late, abusive grandfather. He soon meets Lord Henry Wotton (Colin Firth) who introduces him to the more corrupt things in life. But it's not until artist Basil Hallward paints a portrait of the young man that his behavior begins to change. You see, while Dorian becomes more and more evil and retains his youthful appearance, his painting bears his inner ugliness. As soon as he notices this he takes the painting down and hides it up in the attic, for his eyes open. When he eventually shows it to Basil the artist freaks out and says they have to call in a priest. But Dorian stabs him to death, sealing his own fate.
Then Dorian disappears for over twenty years and when he returns to visit his old friend Wotton the man is shocked that he hasn't aged. Then Dorian meets the free spirited Emily, with whom he's taken with--only she's Lord Wotton's daughter. Dorian makes an attempt to change his ways but he can't escape his fate.
I thought this movie a very good adaptation, a bit more explicit that previous versions. While I thought Ben Barnes was weak in the role the special effects of the rotting, maggot infested painting more than makes up for his wooden performance.
This newest adaptation of the Oscar Wilde novel casts Ben Barnes (PRINCE CASPIAN) as the title character. Dorian returns to London since he's inherited the estate of his late, abusive grandfather. He soon meets Lord Henry Wotton (Colin Firth) who introduces him to the more corrupt things in life. But it's not until artist Basil Hallward paints a portrait of the young man that his behavior begins to change. You see, while Dorian becomes more and more evil and retains his youthful appearance, his painting bears his inner ugliness. As soon as he notices this he takes the painting down and hides it up in the attic, for his eyes open. When he eventually shows it to Basil the artist freaks out and says they have to call in a priest. But Dorian stabs him to death, sealing his own fate.
