Dorian Grey

UK Release: 9th September 2009

Watched on Recorded TV: Thursday 5th January 2012

Rating: 15

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Thriller

Runtime: 1hr 52mins

Tagline: Forever Young. Forever Cursed.

IMDb Plot Synopsis: Fresh-faced and innocent, Dorian Grey 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.

My Review: This was an odd one. Verging on insane I can’t quite make my mind up on this film. 

It all began quite nicely as an intriguing concept with a likeable lead character, but as he became more and more corrupt I began to stop caring so much and once that happens you’ve mostly lost me.

However I couldn’t help but be enchanted and I was gripped until the end. This was achieved my the atmospheric cinematography and the extraordinary acting from both Colin Firth and Rebecca Hall. As the lead I expected more from Ben Barnes. He didn’t have enough presence for me on screen and while he did a decent enough job, he just lacked something on screen. 

The spiral out of control and corruption of this one man was well told and was beautiful to watch. It was just a shame the leading man couldn’t quite carry it off...

Score: 7.5/10