Dorian Gray is a fictional character created by the Irish writer Oscar Wilde. He first appeared in Wilde’s novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, published in 1890.
The aesthetic movement emphasized beauty and art for art’s sake, and it’s no surprise that Wilde’s novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, reflects these values.
The story of Dorian Gray
The novel tells the story of Dorian Gray, a young and handsome man who becomes obsessed with his own beauty and youth.
He’s the subject of a portrait painted by his friend, Basil Hallward, which captures his youth and beauty perfectly.
Dorian Gray makes a wish that he could remain young and beautiful forever, while the portrait would age and show the physical decay caused by his sins and immoral behavior.
Dorian Gray’s wish comes true, and he remains young and beautiful, while the portrait becomes a grotesque and hideous representation of his true self.
Throughout the novel, Dorian descends into a life of debauchery, sin, and cruelty, causing harm to those around him and ultimately leading to his own downfall.
The novel is a commentary on the dangers of vanity, hedonism, and the pursuit of pleasure at the expense of morality and humanity.
While Dorian Gray may be a fictional character, his story has resonated with readers for over a century, and has inspired countless adaptations in film, theater, and television.
Dorian Gray is a cautionary tale that reminds us of the importance of living a moral and ethical life, and the consequences of our actions.
The Dorian Gray Movie
The Picture of Dorian Gray has been adapted into several movies throughout the years. The first film adaptation was released in 1913, directed by Phillips Smalley and Stanner E.V. Taylor and starred Wallace Reid as Dorian Gray.
This silent film was followed by several other adaptations, including a 1945 version directed by Albert Lewin and starring Hurd Hatfield as Dorian, and a 2009 adaptation directed by Oliver Parker and starring Ben Barnes as Dorian.
The 1945 adaptation is considered to be the most faithful to the source material, while the 2009 version takes some liberties with the plot and characters. In both adaptations, the portrait of Dorian Gray is a central element of the story, and the film explores the themes of beauty, youth, and the corrupting influence of pleasure and decadence.
The 1945 version was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Angela Lansbury, who played the role of Sibyl Vane. The film’s art direction and cinematography were also highly praised.
The 2009 version received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its visual style and performances, while others criticized its changes to the plot and pacing. Despite the mixed reception, the film was a modest box office success.
Overall, The Picture of Dorian Gray has proven to be a popular and enduring story that continues to fascinate and inspire audiences in various forms of media.