The story is about a man (Dorian Gray) who unwittingly makes a pact with the devil. The first is about the scars left by sin. This new version shows his sins… in great detail. The 1945 version showed Gray’s inner pain, fears, and struggles.
I will constantly refer to both in this review, for they are a prime example of how a single story can be told in two starkly contrasting ways. The latest version is the one reviewed here starring Colin Firth. The best version (and first sound version) was made in 1945, starring a young Angela Lansbury. The story has been made into a film no fewer than fifteen times. The Picture of Dorian Gray is one of Wilde’s best stories and an apt description of the inner turmoil and struggle he faced in life. It is no small irony then that Oscar Wilde was baptized on his deathbed and repented of his sins (presumably this included his alleged homosexual lifestyle, as well). Plagued by his own sinful lifestyle (for which he spent time in prison), his writings also reflect a desire for salvation. Known mainly for his satire and wit, he was also a man haunted by inner turmoil. I can appreciate that from artists, though, and I did enjoy hearing what Duncan had to say.Oscar Wilde is one of the world’s most unique authors of literature.
So I liked the whole package, although the movie may have been more in love with itself than anything else. But Dorian’s soul, and his portrait, become uglier as his cruelty and hedonism consume him.
Basil’s friend Henry ( Christian Camargo) advises Dorian that youth and pleasing the senses are the only worthwhile pursuits in life, and soon Dorian’s wish to stay young forever is granted. The story itself follows the breakdown of the beautiful and privileged Dorian Gray, after his admirer, Basil Howard (played by Noah Segan), creates a multi-screened video portrait of Dorian, which includes footage of the two having sex, as his ultimate artistic endeavor.
Duncan said he chose NYC as opposed to London because we Americans are still awfully backward when it comes to sexuality, what with, as he said, our “right-wing Christian president” and all, and the story needed to take place in a sexual anxiety-ridden society for the characters’ actions to make sense. So the movie-makers transplanted the story from Victorian England to present-day New York. Chatting with fellow audience members afterward, though, most thought the acting was really weak. Simon from 7th Heaven.) as the lead role, and even though parts of the movie just felt like big air-kisses to David, I thought he wasn’t bad. He so did not think that was funny.ĭuncan cast David Gallagher, (Yup. The adaptation is apparently (I never read the book) much gayer than the official version of the story, but Duncan also let us know the undertones in Oscar Wilde’s work are undeniable and that he’s all about “making the implicit explicit.”Īlthough, a few audience members jokingly complained to him about the lack of full-frontal nudity, considering the $14 ticket price. I actually liked a lot of Duncan’s movie, ( his debut film was AKA, by the way) despite his disclaimers. British director Duncan Roy was in attendance and got up (also before letting the movie start) to give us that typical artist “my work is brilliant, but the average person isn’t going to ’get it,’" speech, warning us that at the last screening he attended, 40 people walked out. So, I got to see NewFest’s opener for their 19th year, a remake of Oscar Wilde’s only published novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. But it was very nice, and the movie, along with the open bar at the after party, were all worth it, of course! NewFest has begun, and boy, are these gays excited! At the kick-off showing last night, a giddy hoard of directors/organizers for the festival gushed to the us and gave each other flowers for over 20 minutes before letting the movie begin. Director Duncan Roy puts the gay back in Gray…played by David Gallagher.