Movie Preview: Dorian Gray

BuzzSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:30:51 PDT

After An Ideal Husband and The Importance of Being Earnest, director Oliver Parker has taken on a third Oscar Wilde work: an adaptation of Wilde's novel The Picture of Dorian Gray.

The spooky story follows Dorian Gray (Ben Barnes), a handsome young man who becomes the subject of a painting. Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton (Colin Firth) who encourages Dorian to live a more hedonistic lifestyle, and soon Dorian wishes that he could remain youthful forever and that the painting of him would age instead. Strangely, Dorian's wish comes true and he delves deeper into a corrupt world - but each of his dark deeds is portrayed as a disfigurement or deterioration of the Dorian-in-the-painting, reminding Dorian that his soul is marred even if his physical appearance is not.

I remember reading the book years ago so I know that the source material in itself is very, very creepy, but seeing it played out on film seriously intensifies the creepiness. In looking for an eerie experience, I think I'd watch this movie over going to a Saw-themed haunted house any day.

Dorian Gray will receive its world premiere at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival and will open in the UK on Sept. 9. To check out an international teaser trailer,

Ben Barnes Goes From Prince Caspian to Dorian Gray

BuzzSugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 10:33:44 PDT

Right on the heels of starring in the No. 1 movie at the box office, Ben Barnes has landed another gig - and it's a doozy. The adorable Prince Caspian will play the title character in a film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, director Oliver Parker is "planning to make a visceral, dark horror story and says the themes of stardom are as relevant as ever."

That was my immediate thought as well, that the book's themes of vanity and the desire for everlasting youth and beauty seem to be incredibly relevant to today's world (especially in American society, though Dorian Gray does not take place in America). I had to read this novel in college and I'm so glad I did. It's a riveting - and often scary - read. If you haven't read it, this is the plot description: "Dorian Gray is a young man of impossible physical beauty whose portrait - painted by the artist Basil Hallward - becomes connected on an occult level with the workings of his soul. Drawn into a corrupt and sensual life by the dissolute Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian remains young and beautiful, while the painting ages in his stead, ultimately becoming a monstrosity."

Have you read this work by Oscar Wilde? What do you think of this movie news?

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